The scoop on helmet cams ?

Thread in '07.  Anecdotal chatter since.  They all more or less the same?  Looking for one that may be more watertight (saltwater at that) - big game kayak fishing in March.  (there I go, shootin off my mouth, again).

Oh.., and will be used for snow sports, too

thanks for the input

I'm a big fan of my ContourHD. I've only just begun to use it:

vimeo.com/18411620

vimeo.com/18625897

Neither of those videos is particularly exciting, but they give an idea of the image quality you might expect in a couple of different lighting conditions. The camera itself is compact and well made. It also has a pretty adaptable mounting system and comes with a good goggle strap. I know you can get waterproof cases for it as well. Many video examples at their website, I'm sure.

The other big one is the GoPro camera, which seems to produce excellent video too. I'm not a big fan of the form factor -- it's a more traditionally shaped square camera and the mounts I've seen look more prone to getting banged around than the Contour.

I'm considering buying one as well at the moment and I'm torn between the Contour and Go-Pro.
I agree with Marcus that the Contour has a more adaptable mounting sytem( you can affix it to goggle straps= no helmet) although those in the know assure me that the Go-Pro is a much better system , video quality wise.

I don't like the idea of the Go-Pro mounted on the top of my helmet... I think it looks daft and with  the amount I fall it's life would be short.

Go Pro does offer chest mounting harnesses but many say the chest mount does not give a good POV perspective.

I think it sounds like the gopro w/ it's fully waterproof case may be the way to go for you.  They seem to have the best and most versatile mounting options for a wide range of uses besides skiing. However, the "toasteresque" shape is pretty high on the dork-o-meter.

In addition to the Contour there is also the Drift HD170 .  It seems to do a lil bit better than the Contour with variable lighting as you can quickly adj the exposure and it has a built in screen for playback and i'm a fan of the remote control too.

From what i've read, the Drift and GoPro seem to be fairly matched in terms of image quality but the Drift lacks a 60fps mode.  Contour video quality seems to be just a baby step behind but many have opined that unless you're a videophile, you wont notice.

Did the Amazon thing and checked out some of the other discount/dedicated helmet cam outfitter types.  Seems the big two are being challenged by the Drift, but a few other species seem to have found fertile ground.  Kinda hard to obtain objective info,  but of the top 3 the GoPro does seem to have the better image quality (lens?).  All are 5 Mpx units and all are copping best mount honors.  If waterproof is it for you, the case of the GoPro Hero wins, for sure.  Gotta love the clean lines of the Drift HD 170 (but it won't record while charging , doesn't have 60 fps (at 720) as Seatown notes, although it does have the best upgrade battery at 1700 mAh - the others are at 1100 mAh).  They all seem to have that wide angle, fisheye thing going on, but I don't want to wait for the interchangeable lens kit to happen.  $250-$300 for any and add $50 for GPS tracking, and ditto for a decent SD card (32Gb, tops - about 4 hours).  As always, accessories can strain the budget.  but when you get right down to it, it's pretty damn cheap for performance of this caliber - my 10 yr old mini DVD recorder (at 3 times the cost) is only crab bait.  OK, that's the current big three.  A couple of the others deserve note, including one that closely integrates their system into your goggles, divemask, or whatever - not too badly priced - check it out shop.helmetcameracentral.com/all-helmet-.../brand/liquid-image/      Then there's another that's really interesting ( pay attention Chris, this ones for you) - it's double the price, but the objective lens is separate from the rest of the unit, so there's a very tiny piece that fits to your helmet, sunglasses, or fraternity pin - check it out, here  shop.helmetcameracentral.com/HC-VIO-POVHD.html  

Any other comments/performance info appreciated .   Editing software info would be handy, too.

For now?  I'm leaning toward the goPro..   mostly because I'm pretty comfortable with the dork factor..

EDIT to correct record time on 32Gb SD card = 8hr @1080 hd (Contour spec, anyway).

Go Pro is a solid choice because it has a waterproof and shockproof case, the mounts include a non-helmet, head lamp system you can put on your head as well as a chest/pack strap mount and mounts for bikes, kayaks etc.

The video quality is amazing, you can only view it after you down load it. It has a wide angle fish eye lense so it picks up a lot and needs you to be close to the action for good footage of other people.

In the NW is a solid choice, after a month skiing with it, I am happy,