Downhill Mountain Biking With a 360-Degree Camera

There is tons of mountain bike footage out there, some more creative than others and captured at almost every angle imaginable. What if you did not have to worry about getting the right camera angle? Yes that is right, a 360-degree POV Camera. I have watched a lot of different mountain bike films and clips but the Redbull 360 clip they recorded is one of the most unique clips I have ever seen. I think this will soon be the must have POV camera for all action sports in the near future.

A Norwegian company Making View
has developed these “full spherical 360” videos with their ViewCam 360 system, which allows you to control the angles using the arrow keys on your keyboard (or your mouse). Not only can you check out the traditional POV to see what’s happening ahead, but you can also look to the sides and even directly behind to get a better, more in the moment experience. Check it out below.

Red Bull Mountain Bike 360° Video

For this clip, Making View hooked up with Red Bull Rampage competitor Brendan Fairclough and his Scott11 teammates Florian Pugin and Noel Niederberger at the UCI World Cup Downhill event in Hafjell, Norway.

The Countour +2 Watch Out GoPro

Image by Contour.com

Contour took their most coveted features from the ContourROAM and the original Contour+ and created a camera that is not only easier to use, but brings an entirely new perspective to your adventures. Share beautiful 1080p HD video with speed, distance, and elevation across the social networks you use most. Featuring even better video quality, an Instant On-Record switch, and a 60-meter waterproof case for those underwater adventures, the Contour +2 will bring your stories to life like never before.

Image by Contour.com

With the controversy between Contour and GoPro, this definitely does not help GoPro. Now with the Contour's +2 120FPS means some crisp super slow-mo. With the same recording resolutions and features they are both great contenders at being the best POV cameras. I think the main drawback, well for some people, are the mounting capabilities that the Contour has vs. the GoPro. The GoPro has double the mounting options that Contour has. I personally do not have a problem finding a way to mount my Contour in any situation. Now where the GoPro lacks is basic useability. The buttons are not user friendly nor can the camera be easily used while mounted or attached to a helmet. The Contours Instant On-Record switch is the best you're going to get out there hands down. Where they meet is both of their constructed bodies are Not waterproof. Like the GoPro you will need an external waterproof case for all your water sport adventures but instead of having to pay more for an extra accessory, Contour has included their waterproof case in with the purchase of their camera. Did I mention the Contour +2 now comes with a 4gb micro SD card to sweeten the deal! Out of the box you can use your smartphone as a controller or to adjust your cameras settings. This model does include the Mic jack for all you movie makers out there.

Have a look for yourself.

We Have Our Winners for the Twenty20 Contour HD Camera Contest!