It all began years ago trying to film my own hunt. Maybe you have tried? I think I have tried every type of camera and every type of mounting gadget on the market.

I started my latest evaluation of cameras with a few conditions to limit the number of cameras I would consider: 1) Super light; 2) Memory Stick; 3) Low Light Conditions; 4) Waterproof; 5) Rugged; 6) Under $500.

It seemed logical to focus on the new generation of Helmet Cameras invented for mountain biking and snow boarders, leaving me with a few obvious choices.

GoPro HD HERO2 Outdoor Edition
http://gopro.com/cameras/hd-hero2-outdoor-edition/

Contour GPS Camera
http://contour.com/products/contour-gps

ATC9K HD All Terrain Video Action Camera
http://us.oregonscientific.com/cat-Action-Cams-sub-Waterproof-Action-Cameras-prod-ATC9K-HD-All-Terrain-Video-Action-Camera.html#

Epic HD Action Cam
http://www.epicstealthcam.com/epic_hd_prod_pg.html

I am turned off by the "fish eye" wide angle lens which might be cool for some things, but distorts the image in my opinion for hunting & fishing.

From a video quality perspective, it is hard to discern between the GoPro, Contour and ATC9K. From a physical product quality perspective, the GoPro and Contour seem superior.

There are a variety of helmet, suction and bar mounts available for both cameras. I was surprised to find that only Contour offers a picatinny mount to attach the camera using a standard MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny/Weaver rail.

But what sealed the deal for me were two YouTube videos:

"Contour HD 1080p rail mount gun camera"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9a6A0fI5tvU

"Contour Camera Hunting & Fishing Highlights"
http://www.youtube.com/user/ContourCamera?v=GY8hOrRHE20&feature=pyv&ad=17901002612&kw=hunting

Here is a test video I took using my new Contour GPS Video Camera shooting in 720HD in bright light, low light, with audio, and underwater sequences.
http://youtu.be/JGxiKv2oOKY?hd=1

Please reply with any new cameras you think should be evaluated - or post your own evaluation with a photo of your setup and a sample video from your last outing.

Hunt Hard. Fish Smart. Explore Texas.

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