The ContourROAM is a POV action camera that competes head-to-head with the GoPro line.  The ContourROAM is the $200 entry-level model of Contour's POV camera lineup.

There are a couple of key things that separate Contour cameras from GoPro.  First, the on/off switch is a big button that slides back and forth on the top of the camera.  Slide it forward and it's on - a red record light gives you visual confirmation along with an audible beep.  Slide it back and it's off - the light goes off and you get another beep.

This record switch makes it easy to operate the camera when you can't see the buttons (for instance, on top of your helmet).  I didn't realize how convenient this would be until I spent a few days on my mountain bike with the ContourROAM.

The other big deal with the ContourROAM is the rotating camera barrel.  The tubular shape of the camera allows you to rotate what looks like the front ring of the lens; however, you are actually rotating the camera.  As a result, if you can mount the ContourROAM onto something, you can level the horizon by turning the "lens".

There are markers on the end of the lens to show you which way is up, and there's no more worrying about getting the camera mounted even with the horizon.  If you need to mount it on its side, that works - you'll just rotate the lens ring 90-degrees and it will be upright.  I did this every time I mounted the ContourROAM on the handlebars of my mountain bike or on my helmet.  Works like a charm.

Contour offers several mounting kits so you can grab all the mounts you need for your particular sport.  While working on this review, I made…