Adventures In Audio

An example of excellent customer service

Anyone who is interested in audio is also almost certainly interested in equipment. Tell me that's not so ;-)

And an interest in audio equipment can also extend to equipment from other spheres of activity. Generally not kitchen equipment, irons or vacuum cleaners, but photographic and video equipment is a prime target.

Although I shoot video professionally to illustrate demonstrations for Audio Masterclass, I also shoot video purely as a hobby. I figure that when I'm aged 105 or so I might have time on my hands and need something to watch!

So it's a pleasure when a piece of equipment comes along that suits its intended purpose exactly. I could say that about two video camcorders that I own - the tiny Flip Mino HD (which will be lamented when it's gone, and yes for my purposes it is better than the Kodak Zi8), and the Contour HD1080p.

The Contour HD1080p is designed for action videography, for sports such as parachuting, mountaineering, surfing monster waves in Hawaii and the like. Oh, and cycling, which is what I use it for. It mounts nicely on helmet or handlebars and with its wide-angle lens captures an all-round view of the fun.

And what's great about it is that it does exactly what it needs to do, and nothing more. The record button is as big as you have ever seen and it is easily operated with thick gloves on in winter. The quality of the images is as good as one could possibly expect for the size and price of the unit.

But...

Just yesterday I was changing the battery and through my ham-fistedness broke the latch that secures the battery in its compartment. Oddly enough, the camera still worked so I was able to use it.

But knew I would need that latch, so I sent off an e-mail to Contour's support department.

Within an hour I received a response offering to send me a new latch with fitting instructions, free of charge and with free international shipping too.

I had the cheek to ask them for two latches, just in case I broke another one, and that was OK too. By the way, to Contour I am just an ordinary punter, and not anyone who is likely to write about them on a website of any kind.

In summary, full marks to Contour for an excellent product and excellent service. When their next new model comes out, I'll be first in line.

Thursday April 28, 2011

Like, follow, and comment on this article at Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, Instagram or the social network of your choice.

David Mellor

David Mellor

David Mellor is CEO and Course Director of Audio Masterclass. David has designed courses in audio education and training since 1986 and is the publisher and principal writer of Adventures In Audio.

Learn Pro Tools with our amazing range of video courses

Pro Tools video course catalog

Browse Pro Tools courses...

Learn Logic Pro with our amazing range of video courses

Logic Pro video course catalog

Browse Logic Pro courses...

Learn Cubase with our amazing range of video courses

Cubase video course catalog

Browse Cubase courses...

More from Adventures In Audio...

Hi-Fi comfort OVER your ears? TRUEFREE O1 detailed review

Get the tube sound in your system with the Fosi Audio P3

Any studio you like, any listening room you like - For producers and audiophiles

Hidden Hi-Fi - The equipment you never knew you *didn't* need - Fosi Audio N3

Adding tubes to a jazz mix with Freqport Freqtube

Adding tubes to a rock master with Freqport Freqtube

Adding tubes to female vocals with Freqport Freqtube

Adding tubes to male vocals with Freqport Freqtube

Adding tubes to real drums with Freqport Freqtube

Adding tubes to a bass guitar with Freqport Freqtube

Adding tubes to speech with Freqport Freqtube

Adding tubes to an acoustic guitar with Freqport Freqtube

Parabolic reflector microphone - Sound On Sound latest issue

Your power amp is average - Here's why

MANCAVE REVIEW: In-ear monitors - Better than earbuds?

Can this tiny amp really produce 600 watts? - Fosi Audio V3

MANCAVE - Recreating Olivia Rodrigo's 'Vampire' vocal

Why does this song sound so bad?

Audiophiles - You're all wrong!

MANCAVE RE-REVIEW: OpenRock Pro earbuds in language Audiophiles can understand

MANCAVE REVIEW: OpenRock Open-Ear Air Conduction Sport Earbuds

Can lossy digital audio be better than lossless?

Man-Cave: Microphone mysteries revealed

How I improved my audio - From the Mancave