Not a passing grade

By smithch_20935564 Ranked #946 - Alpine Skiing November 20, 2010

Purchased last year. Given the option, I would not purchase this again. Have used for alpine skiing and mountain biking footage. Was relatively happy with it until I compared it to a friend's Helmet Hero HD footage. VIO imaging clarity was far inferior. From scouring the Vio website, I had hoped that it would be possible to do a firmware or camera upgrade to HD. I have now been told by Vio with the release of the VIO HD model that upgrading mine will not be possible. That will not be happening for me. Positive things about the VIO include a small tethered camera with outstanding mounting options. I also like having a screen to scout what I am imaging. Negatives besides the nonHD quality are the hand held unit is much too large. The dimensions of the handpiece are simply too long. The corded attachment into the end of the handpiece is semi-rigid. This makes the length of the already 8" handpiece another two inches. This is ten inches plus or minus that has to be contended with, on the body or in a pack. In no way convenient. A second issue is the buttons on the handpiece are a little small for gloved fingers, especially ski gloved fingers. Third, the remote control worn either on the wrist or an easily accessed shoulder harness does not always seem to communicate with the handheld unit just inside the jacket or in a backpack. This leads me to missing footage, and also recording footage when I think I am actually stopping footage. Drives me crazy. Fourth, I have not been left feeling warm and fuzzy with the Vio customer service. I struggle with a purchased 1.4 firmware upgrade intended for my non-HD unit and they have been less than helpful. I won't be going VIo again. For the price of their new unit I could buy both a Contour HD and Helmet Hero GoPro HD. Many less parts and better form factor.

View Details: V.I.O. POV 1.5 Camera

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes