subject: The Best Action Camera [print this page] In the action camera world, there are two big names: GoPro and Contour. In the last year, the action camera market has exploded, marked by the proliferation of cheap action cams and, more recently, by the entrance of major brands such as Sony.However, in the shadow of the big boys, there is a little known action camera that has a big offering...
The Crocolis HD Action Camera
At $149.99, it significantly undercuts the competition in terms of price. The GoPro Hero 2 retails for $299 and the Contour+ retails for $499.99.
But, price is only a secondary point to the product offering. Here's a how the three models stack up against each other:
Action Camera Comparison
Crocolis HD Action Camera
GoPro Hero 2
Contour+
Camera
5 MP
11 MP
5 MP
Video
1080p 30/25fps
720p 60/50fps
720p 30/25fps
1080p 30/25fps
720p 60/50fps
720p 30/25fps
1080p 30/25fps
720p 60/50fps
720p 30/25fps
Lens
142 degrees (1080p)
172 degrees (720p)
f2.8
170/127 degrees (1080p)
f2.8
170 degrees (1080p)
f2.8
Weight
193 grams
94 grams
153 grams
Battery
1800 mAh
1100 mAh
1o5omAh
Audio
Mono microphone
2.5mm input
Mono microphone
proprietary input
Mono microphone
3.5mm input
Memory Expansion
SDHC up to 32GB
SDHC up to 32GB
MicroSD
Ports
Mini USB, TV Out, mini-HDMI
Mini USB, mini-HDMI
Mini USB, mini-HDMI
Waterproof
Yes (IP68)
No (Yes with included housing)
No (need $50 housing)
Viewing screen
1.5" TFT
No (optional $80)
No (possible streaming over wifi)
Included Accessories
1 x Helmet Grip
1 x Velcro and 2x 3 M Pad
1 x Handle Bar Grip
1 x Base Bracket
1 x AV Cable
1 x USB Cable
1 x Power Adapter
1 x Short/Long Velcro Strap
1 x HDMI Cable
1 x Microphone
1 x Suction Cup Bracket
1 x Car Charger
1 x Helmet Grip
1 x Velcro and 2x 3 M Pad
1 x Handle Bar Grip
1 x Base Bracket
1 x AV Cable
1 x USB Cable
1 x Power Adapter
1 x Short/Long Velcro Strap
1 x HDMI Cable
1 x Microphone
1 x Suction Cup Bracket
1 x Car Charger
2 Rotating Flat Surface Mounts
Profile Mount
Instruction Manual
2GB SD Card*
USB/HDMI/Mic cables
ConnectView Card
Price
$149.99
$299.99
$499.99
Of course, this spec sheet doesn't tell the full picture. GoPro is the market leader for a reason. It offers superior picture quality and a comprehensive line of accessories. The Contour offers advanced features, such as wifi streaming, but comes at a premium price tag. However, there is a compelling argument to be made for the Crocolis HD Action Camera. It offers more features in a more complete stock package for half the price of the GoPro hero 2 and less than 1/3rd the price of the Contour+. Let's take a closer look at the Crocolis HD Action Camera.
Build
The Crocolis HD Action Camera is IP68 compliant, meaning it is both dust and water proof. Not water resistant, water proof. This means you can take it surfing with you in Indonesia, sand boarding in the deserts of Peru and it will withstand the tough conditions of a dirt biking in Australia. The locking mechanism, the gasket and the lens all feel very sturdy and inspire confidence. The forward facing slim rectangular profile means this is much more aerodynamic and less awkward than the flat box shape of the GoPro series.
Controls
The action controls necessary while mobile are easily accessible on the top.
The playback controls and the settings line the bottom of the action camera underneath the 1.5" LCD. This is a major advantage over the GoPro Hero 2 and the Contour+ that do not come with a viewing screen.
Ports & Inputs
Flip open the top locking mechanism and the screen folds over to reveal all the ports and inputs. This includes the battery, SDHC slot, mic-in, mini-HDMI port, mini-USB port, TV out and the charge indicator.
Accessories
Right out of the box, the Crocolis HD Action Camera comes with essentially everything anyone would need to get started in any sport. These accessories include:
1 x Helmet Grip
1 x Velcro and 2x 3 M Pad
1 x Handle Bar Grip
1 x Base Bracket
1 x AV Cable
1 x USB Cable
1 x Power Adapter
1 x Short/Long Velcro Strap
1 x HDMI Cable
1 x Microphone
1 x Suction Cup Bracket
1 x Car Charger
Whether you intend on mounting the camera to your helmet, bike handlebar, your chest or the end of your snowboard, you're set from the moment you open the box. The same cannot be said of the GoPro 2 Hero and Contour+ that require expensive accessories to reach the same functionality as the Crocolis HD Action Camera.
The Verdict
The GoPro Hero 2 and the Contour+ are excellent action cameras, but one must ask, are they worth the price? Considering the existence of extremely competitive products such as the Crocolis HD Action Camera at less than half the price, most people might be better off saving a few hundred bucks towards other equipment.
Buy the Crocolis HD Action Camera for only $149.99 + Free Shipping Worldwide!