Drift HD Ghost helmet cam available to pre-order today for $400 (video)

Drift

Drift has updated its HD action camera to help you better document your Baumgartner-esque death defying acts. The Drift HD Ghost gets a two-inch LCD screen with a refreshed control setup and chunky, 1,700mAh battery. The company is boasting that audio on this new unit should be greatly improved (something we took issue with last time out) so the world can hear your blood-curdling screams as you plummet through the stratosphere. It's available to pre-order from today for $399, with the device set to begin shipping from November 19th.

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Drift HD Ghost helmet cam available to pre-order today for $400 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Action Cam review: a good rugged camera with a few software wrinkles

DNP Sony Action Cam review a good rugged camera with a few software wrinkles

Until now, Sony's efforts in the element-stopping sports cam world had largely consisted of handhelds such as the Bloggie Sport HD and the waterproof Handycam. The $200 Action Cam, however, is an all-out hiking-boot-wearing adventurist, with a backpack full of tools and supplies by comparison, that frankly, makes the brand's previous attempts look like they're barely prepared for a school field trip.

A lot of technology can be broken down into numbers. PetaFLOPS, gigahertz and megabytes -- the idea usually being, the more the better. And often that's true. Sometimes, though, what you really need are a couple breaths of fresh air and a healthy shot of adrenaline. And that's where something like Sony's new HDR-AS15 Action Cam shines. It's one of a growing breed of devices that allow us to get our fill of the great outdoors, while still satisfying our gadget fix. With plenty of other competitors lining up to be your sporting partner of choice, however, does the Action Cam have what it takes to keep up? Dive past the break to find out.

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Sony Action Cam review: a good rugged camera with a few software wrinkles originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Action Cam review: a good rugged camera with a few software wrinkles

DNP Sony Action Cam review a good rugged camera with a few software wrinkles

Until now, Sony's efforts in the element-stopping sports cam world had largely consisted of handhelds such as the Bloggie Sport HD and the waterproof Handycam. The $200 Action Cam, however, is an all-out hiking-boot-wearing adventurist, with a backpack full of tools and supplies by comparison, that frankly, makes the brand's previous attempts look like they're barely prepared for a school field trip.

A lot of technology can be broken down into numbers. PetaFLOPS, gigahertz and megabytes -- the idea usually being, the more the better. And often that's true. Sometimes, though, what you really need are a couple breaths of fresh air and a healthy shot of adrenaline. And that's where something like Sony's new HDR-AS15 Action Cam shines. It's one of a growing breed of devices that allow us to get our fill of the great outdoors, while still satisfying our gadget fix. With plenty of other competitors lining up to be your sporting partner of choice, however, does the Action Cam have what it takes to keep up? Dive past the break to find out.

Continue reading Sony Action Cam review: a good rugged camera with a few software wrinkles

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Sony Action Cam review: a good rugged camera with a few software wrinkles originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Slickdeals’ best in tech for October 17th: Windows 8 Pro, GoPro HD Hero2 and Lenovo IdeaPad U410

Looking to save some coin on your tech purchases? Of course you are! In this round-up, we'll run down a list of the freshest frugal buys, hand-picked with the help of the folks at Slickdeals. You'll want to act fast, though, as many of these offerings won't stick around long.

Slickdeals' best in tech for October 17th Windows 8 Pro, GoPro HD Hero2 and Lenovo IdeaPad U410

With the GoPro Hero3 announcement yesterday, the outfit's HD Hero2 is already seeing a nice discount. The action cam visits today's round of links alongside a 14-inch Lenovo IdeaPad and two Windows 8 options. Head on past the break to see what else is being offered with handsome savings, and as always, be mindful of those coupon codes and rebate forms should you need 'em. Don't drag your feet, though, as these deals are likely to disappear quickly.

Continue reading Slickdeals' best in tech for October 17th: Windows 8 Pro, GoPro HD Hero2 and Lenovo IdeaPad U410

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Slickdeals' best in tech for October 17th: Windows 8 Pro, GoPro HD Hero2 and Lenovo IdeaPad U410 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ContourROAM2 debuts in red, blue, green and black garb, shoots 1080p video for $199 on October 21

Contour launches Roam2 in red, blue, green and black, shoots 1080p video for $199

The Contour+2 may well be the best digital action camcorder on the market (though Sony and GoPro would beg to differ), but the company knows not everyone wants a $400 shooter to capture their epic runs this ski season. Thus, Contour has introduced the ROAM2, a $199 model that records 1080p 30fps and 720p 60fps video on its included 4GB microSD card. Like the original Roam, it can capture clips up to one meter underwater without an external case, has a 270-degree rotating lens and a laser level to line up your shots. This new Roam, however, sports improved image quality and an aluminum skin of four colors: black, red and blue will be widely available, and green models can be had exclusively from Amazon through the end of the year (other retailers will carry it in 2013). Want one? Best Buy and other retailers will start selling them on October 21st.

Continue reading ContourROAM2 debuts in red, blue, green and black garb, shoots 1080p video for $199 on October 21

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ContourROAM2 debuts in red, blue, green and black garb, shoots 1080p video for $199 on October 21 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 11:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony’s Action Cam… in action (video)

Sony's Action Cam in action video

We're quite familiar with ruggedized camcorders here at Engadget, be they from GoPro or Contour. However, Sony recently entered the extreme video fray with its Action Cam, and we got the chance to do a little POV recording with one. The videos produced were on par with what we've seen from the Action Cam's competition -- a nice wide view and decent quality. While we've seen other such cams have trouble with color balance, the Sony's was accurate both indoors and out and it adjusted to transitions from dim to bright environments quickly. And, while the SteadyShot image stabilization tech didn't eliminate all the shakes in our videos, it did noticeably reduce them. That said, you don't have to take our word for it, head on past the break and see the results for yourselves.

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Sony's Action Cam... in action (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 21:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Contour+2 review: the best consumer helmet camera on the market

Contour2 review the best consumer helmet camera on the market

It's been a little while since the two major players in the helmet cam industry, Contour and GoPro, refreshed their wares. Contour launched its Contour+ and Roam models last summer, while GoPro delivered the HD Hero2 late last year. As our extensive testing can attest, both companies put out great cameras, but with Sony about to get in the game with its $199 Action Cam, the pair need to raise their games -- and that's exactly what Contour is doing with the Contour+2.

This logically named follow-up to the Contour+ is a big step forward on many levels, still delivering 1080p recording while offering many design and software improvements, including the ability to use your smartphone not just as a viewfinder, but to start and stop recording, too. Plus, at $400, it's $100 cheaper than last year's offering -- and that's despite coming with a fully waterproof case. Join us as we put it through its paces.

Continue reading Contour+2 review: the best consumer helmet camera on the market

Contour+2 review: the best consumer helmet camera on the market originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 09:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Contour+2 action camera puts waterproof 1080p recording in your pocket for $400

Contour2 action camera puts waterproof 1080p recording in your pocket for $400

Just over a year later, Contour has released the Contour+2 camera as the follow up to its Contour+ model. Like its predecessor, the +2 shoots video at up to 1080p and 120fps, though that max frame rate's only available at 480p resolution. It also sports the same rail mounting design, a sliding power/record switch on top and a 270-degree rotating lens. Naturally, the camera comes with a waterproof case, for filming in hostile environments, and a couple of adhesive mounts, so you can get those super gnarly POV shots. The +2 stores clips on an included 4GB microSD card, but it can also stream live video using the mini-HDMI port round the back. GPS is onboard to track the location and elevation of any epic runs, and you can add a map of your route with speed and distance data and edit your videos using the free Storyteller app for PC and Mac. Once you've tweaked things, the app also does simple sharing of the results directly to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Vimeo. The best part? Contour's latest will set you back $400, which is $100 less than the original Contour+. Hit the break for a video walkthrough of Contour's latest action cam courtesy of company CEO Marc Barros, and head on over to our review to see how this thing operates in the field.

Continue reading Contour+2 action camera puts waterproof 1080p recording in your pocket for $400

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Contour+2 action camera puts waterproof 1080p recording in your pocket for $400 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 09:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony’s tiny ruggedized Action Cam gets official with 16MP Exmor R, WiFi, $199+ price tag (hands-on)

Sony's tiny ruggedized Action Cam gets more official with 16MP Exmor R, WiFi, $199 price tag handson video

Remember that itsy bitsy GoPro competitor we spotted at Sony's CE Week booth earlier this summer? Well, it's gearing up for an official release late next month. Dubbed Action Cam -- a fitting name given that it'll live mounted anywhere from skydiving helmets to downhill skis -- it'll ship in late September or early October for $199. In a surprising twist, the incredibly small HD shooter will also be getting WiFi -- that version will be available for $270. Both cameras are identical save for wireless functionality, but considering that WiFi enables remote configuration and viewfinder capability for framing your shots (there's no video-capable LCD on the device itself), you're gonna want to shell out the extra 70 bucks. Regardless of which flavor you choose, you'll net a very capable camcorder with a 16-megapixel Exmor R sensor (great for low-light shooting) and fixed-zoom Carl Zeiss lens, complete with SteadyShot image stabilization, a 1080/30p capture mode and a 720p option at 120 frames per second, enabling some pretty slick slow-motion effects.

The Action Cam is a modular system, so you can count on a bevy of accessories -- there will even be a "Handycam Adaptor," which comes complete with a 2.7-inch display and a familiar camcorder interface. More standard options include an adhesive mount pack ($20, though two ship with the cam), a bar/bike mount ($30), angle mount ($30), a replacement housing that's waterproof to 60 meters and offers a standard tripod socket ($40 -- you'll get one in the box), two head straps ($25-30) and a suction cup ($30). It also uses removable storage (microSD), a swappable battery, and includes HDMI, USB and audio input jacks.

We weren't able to take the camera out on any wild adventure shoots, though plenty of professionals have, judging from the looks of the demo reel on display at Sony's event (and included at the end of our hands-on video after the break). We did get to play with the remote viewfinder feature, however, paired with the Android PlayMemories app (also available for iOS). This tool worked quite well over WiFi, with decent response and a usable framerate (for framing your shot, at least). The Action Cam itself feels quite solid, despite its size, especially when paired with the thick plastic housing (it's designed for use both underwater and on land). What we're not quite clear on is battery life, which will surely factor into any purchase decision -- that detail will likely come to light as we near launch. You can take a closer look at the camera and accessories in our gallery below, and the hands-on video (complete with remote viewfinder demo) after the break.

Continue reading Sony's tiny ruggedized Action Cam gets official with 16MP Exmor R, WiFi, $199+ price tag (hands-on)

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Sony's tiny ruggedized Action Cam gets official with 16MP Exmor R, WiFi, $199+ price tag (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 10:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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