VholdR ContourHD

Copy files to Macs, PCs, or the Web via bundled software and USB cable. Price: $280

There comes a time when the images a client wants put you into situations where either your camcorder isn't appropriate because of its size or you fear it will get broken.

Now, getting that downhill skiing sequence doesn't have to be so hair-raising—at least for your budget—when you can take along VholdR's new ContourHD, which the company claims is the world's lightest wearable HD camcorder. It's small and light enough at 4.3oz., so you can easily attach it to goggles or a helmet or hold it high on a jib one-handed.

The ContourHD offers 1280x720 HD video at 30fps, but with its low price and small, single chip, this is realistically only something you'll want to use when you simply can't capture the scene you want any other way. It does offer a smoother 60fps mode at SD res, so that may help with action shots. Up to 8 hours of recording time are on tap when you pop in a 16GB microSD card.

Covert capture with the Oceanic Preservation Society




Sony HXR-MC1