ROAM 3: CONTOUR’S New action cam

Yesterday CONTOUR announced the release of their latest action sports camera: the ROAM 3. Retailing now over on their site for £189.99 the question has to be asked: how does it stand up to the current market leader, the GoPro Hero 3+?

Specs

In terms of specs, not amazingly. The high-end GoPro model can shoot up to 4K (though only at 15fps), whilst the new CONTOUR ROAM 3 only goes to 1080 at 30fps. Level them both down to 720 – which most professional filmers would agree is more than enough for the majority of people for now – and the GoPro still comes out on top here with 120fps compared to 60.

In fact, the ROAM 3 looks set to be more of a competitor to the lower end of GoPro’s models: the White Edition. Similar specs – good, but not world beating.

However, CONTOUR cameras are still pretty damn good quality wise. Check out the awesome edit below, filmed in super flat light on a ROAM 2:

Design

Where the CONTOUR breaks away from GoPro’s way of doing business is when it comes down to the shape: forgoing the traditional shutter button that every model of the latter has incorporated, the ROAM 3 has the more use-specific shape: streamlined and robust, you won’t need to use a case to take this snowboarding.

We also like the slide to record function, eliminating those annoying “is the red light on?” scenarios. By flicking the switch forwards and backwards you can easily tell if it’s recording or not without looking at it.

Plus you can mount it on a goggle strap, meaning you don’t have to rock the ‘radical unicorn’ look or even a helmet to use it, if you are that way inclined.

So image quality goes to GoPro, design and ease of use to CONTOUR, at least in our humble opinion. But we’d like to know what you think:

Let us know below which you’d prefer – the form and functionality of the new ROAM 3, or the definitive market leader, GoPro.