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Unlock the full potential of your Contour action camera with essential accessories designed for pro-level shots in any environment. From rugged waterproof housings and stabilizing gimbals to versatile mounts and high-performance filters, these add-ons ensure crisp, dynamic footage whether you’re diving, biking, or skydiving. Elevate your content with gear built for adventure.
Key Takeaways
- Upgrade your mounts: Use versatile mounts for stable, dynamic angles in any environment.
- Invest in filters: Enhance colors and reduce glare with UV and polarizing filters.
- Extend battery life: Carry spares or a power bank for longer shooting sessions.
- Prioritize protection: Use waterproof cases for underwater shots and rugged terrain.
- Improve audio quality: Add external mics for clear sound in action scenes.
- Light it right: Attach LED lights for low-light and nighttime clarity.
📑 Table of Contents
- Why Contour Action Cameras Deserve the Best Accessories
- Essential Mounts for Every Adventure
- Stabilization and Smoothing: Ditch the Shake
- Lenses and Filters: Enhance Your Visuals
- Power and Storage: Never Run Out Mid-Shoot
- Protective Gear: Keep Your Camera Safe
- Comparison Table: Top Contour Accessories at a Glance
- Final Thoughts: Build Your Perfect Setup
Why Contour Action Cameras Deserve the Best Accessories
Let’s be honest: even the most powerful action camera can’t deliver stunning footage without the right accessories. I learned this the hard way during a mountain biking trip last year. My Contour camera captured shaky, poorly framed clips because I didn’t have the right mounts or stabilization gear. It wasn’t the camera’s fault—it was mine for underestimating how much accessories matter. Whether you’re filming a sunrise hike, a whitewater kayak run, or just a weekend skate session, the right Contour action camera accessories can transform your footage from “meh” to “whoa.”
Contour cameras are known for their sleek design, high-quality lenses, and user-friendly operation. But what really sets them apart is their compatibility with a wide range of accessories. From mounts that stick to anything to filters that enhance color and clarity, the right add-ons let you push creative boundaries. In this post, we’ll explore the top Contour action camera accessories that’ll help you capture cinematic shots, no matter the adventure.
Essential Mounts for Every Adventure
Mounts are the backbone of any action camera setup. Without a secure, versatile mount, even the best camera is just a paperweight. Contour cameras use a standard 1/4″-20 thread and a unique rail system, giving you tons of options. Let’s break down the must-have mounts and how to use them.
Visual guide about contour action camera accessories
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Helmet Mounts: Capture the POV You See
There’s nothing quite like a first-person view (FPV) shot. Helmet mounts let you film exactly what you’re seeing—perfect for biking, climbing, or skiing. The Contour+ 360-degree helmet mount is a fan favorite because it swivels and tilts, so you can adjust your framing mid-ride.
- Tip: For mountain biking, position the camera slightly above your forehead. This reduces wind noise and keeps the horizon level.
- Example: I used this mount on a downhill trail in Whistler. The swivel let me capture a tight corner without adjusting my helmet.
- Drawback: It can feel bulky on lightweight helmets. Consider a low-profile adhesive mount for minimalist setups.
Handlebar and Bike Mounts: Smooth Rides, Smooth Footage
Biking is one of the most popular uses for action cameras. A handlebar mount keeps your camera steady and pointed forward. The Contour Bike Mount Kit clamps securely to handlebars (1-1.5 inches wide) and includes vibration dampeners—a game-changer for rough trails.
- Tip: Pair it with a flexible arm to angle the camera toward your pedals or the road ahead.
- Example: On a gravel ride, I mounted my camera to the stem. The dampeners cut out 90% of road vibrations.
- Note: Avoid metal-on-metal clamps. They can scratch your bike and slip over time.
Suction Cup Mounts: Stick It Anywhere
Want to film a car chase, a boat race, or a window-cleaning montage? Suction cup mounts are your best friend. The Contour Suction Cup Mount uses industrial-strength suction and a locking lever for a secure hold.
- Tip: Clean the surface with alcohol wipes before mounting. Dust or oil can break the seal.
- Example: I mounted it to my kayak’s hull for a POV river run. It stayed put through rapids and 3-foot drops.
- Caution: Avoid using it on porous surfaces (like wood) or in extreme heat (over 120°F).
Stabilization and Smoothing: Ditch the Shake
Shaky footage is the enemy of professional-looking videos. Even with a great camera, bumps, jumps, and fast turns can ruin your shots. The good news? Contour cameras work well with stabilization accessories—both physical and digital.
Handheld Gimbals: The Ultimate in Smoothness
Gimbals use motors to stabilize your camera in real time. While Contour doesn’t make its own gimbal, third-party options like the FeiyuTech G6 Plus are fully compatible. This 3-axis gimbal smooths out walking, running, and even light vehicle movement.
- Tip: Balance the camera before turning on the gimbal. An unbalanced setup drains the battery faster.
- Example: I used it to film a sunrise walk through a canyon. The footage looked like it was shot on a dolly.
- Drawback: Gimbals add weight and setup time. Great for planned shots, less ideal for spontaneous action.
Chest Harnesses: Natural Stabilization
For hands-free filming with built-in stabilization, a chest harness is a solid choice. The Contour Chest Mount positions the camera at chest level, which naturally dampens vibrations. It’s especially useful for hiking, skiing, or filming while your hands are busy (e.g., climbing).
- Tip: Adjust the harness so the camera sits just below your chin. This reduces head-bob effect.
- Example: On a backcountry ski trip, I used this mount to capture my descent. The footage was stable, and I could still use my poles.
- Note: It can feel restrictive if you’re not used to it. Try it at home first.
Post-Processing Stabilization: Fix It in the Edit
If you’re on a budget (or forgot your gimbal), software stabilization is a lifesaver. Contour cameras record in high bitrates, which gives editing tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or GoPro Player more data to work with.
- Tip: Shoot with a 20-30% “safety margin” around your frame. This gives the software room to crop and stabilize.
- Example: I once shot a mountain bike run with a loose mount. After applying warp stabilization, the footage looked almost smooth.
- Warning: Over-stabilizing can make footage look “floaty” or unnatural. Use it sparingly.
Lenses and Filters: Enhance Your Visuals
Contour cameras come with a fixed lens, but you can still tweak the look and feel of your shots with lenses and filters. These accessories are small but mighty—they can change the mood, color, and clarity of your footage.
Wide-Angle Lens Adapters: Expand Your View
Contour’s built-in lens is already wide (170°), but some situations call for even more coverage. A wide-angle adapter (like the Contour 180° Lens) lets you capture ultra-wide shots—perfect for tight spaces or dramatic landscapes.
- Tip: Use it for indoor scenes or crowded events where you can’t step back.
- Example: I filmed a cave exploration with the 180° lens. The walls and ceiling were fully visible, creating an immersive effect.
- Drawback: Extreme wide angles can distort faces. Avoid using it for close-ups.
ND Filters: Control Light Like a Pro
Neutral density (ND) filters reduce the amount of light entering the lens. This lets you use slower shutter speeds, even in bright sunlight—ideal for smooth motion blur or shallow depth of field. The Contour ND8 Filter cuts light by 3 stops.
- Tip: Use ND filters for waterfalls, waves, or any scene with moving elements.
- Example: On a sunny beach, I shot a wave rolling in. The ND filter gave it a silky, dreamy look.
- Note: You’ll need to adjust your exposure settings when using an ND filter. Start with ISO 100 and shutter speed 1/50.
Polarizing Filters: Cut Glare, Boost Colors
Polarizers reduce glare from water, glass, and foliage. They also deepen skies and make colors pop. The Contour Circular Polarizer screws onto the lens and rotates for adjustable effect.
- Tip: For best results, position the camera at a 90° angle to the sun.
- Example: I filmed a lake at noon. The polarizer cut through the water glare, revealing fish below the surface.
- Caution: Polarizers can reduce light by 1-2 stops. Use them in well-lit conditions.
Power and Storage: Never Run Out Mid-Shoot
Nothing kills a shoot faster than a dead battery or full memory card. Contour cameras have decent battery life (2-3 hours), but long adventures demand backup power and storage.
Extra Batteries and Chargers: Stay Charged
The Contour 1400mAh Battery is a direct replacement for the original. I always carry 2-3 spares, plus a dual battery charger for overnight charging.
- Tip: Label your batteries with tape (e.g., “1,” “2,” “3”) to track usage.
- Example: On a 6-hour hike, I swapped batteries every 2 hours. No downtime!
- Note: Cold weather drains batteries faster. Keep spares in an insulated pocket.
High-Capacity Memory Cards: Record More, Worry Less
Contour cameras support microSD cards up to 128GB. For 4K footage, I recommend SanDisk Extreme 128GB cards (rated U3/V30). They handle high bitrates without lag.
- Tip: Format the card in-camera before every trip. This prevents file corruption.
- Example: I once used a cheap 32GB card for 4K filming. It filled up in 20 minutes. Lesson learned!
- Warning: Avoid “high endurance” cards. They’re overkill for action cameras.
Portable Power Banks: Charge On the Go
For multi-day trips, a 20,000mAh power bank (like the Anker PowerCore) is a must. It can charge your camera 2-3 times and your phone too.
- Tip: Use a short USB-C cable to reduce bulk.
- Example: On a backpacking trip, I charged my camera at night while sleeping.
- Note: Check airline rules—some power banks can’t be carried on planes.
Protective Gear: Keep Your Camera Safe
Action cameras are tough, but they’re not indestructible. A few scratches or a cracked lens can ruin your shots. Protective accessories save you money and stress.
Waterproof Housings: Dive Deeper
While Contour cameras are water-resistant, they’re not fully waterproof. For underwater filming (or rainy days), a Contour Waterproof Housing is essential. It’s rated to 197 feet (60 meters).
- Tip: Rinse the housing with fresh water after saltwater use.
- Example: I filmed coral reefs in Thailand. The housing kept my camera dry at 30 feet.
- Note: The housing adds bulk. Use it only when needed.
Lens Protectors: Guard Against Scratches
A scratched lens is a blurry lens. The Contour Lens Protector is a clear, scratch-resistant cover that screws onto the lens. It’s cheap insurance.
- Tip: Clean the lens and protector with a microfiber cloth before filming.
- Example: I dropped my camera on gravel. The protector cracked, but the lens was fine.
- Warning: Don’t use tape or DIY covers. They can leave residue or block the lens.
Carrying Cases: Organize and Protect
For travel, a hard-shell case (like the Contour Pro Case) keeps your camera and accessories organized. It has custom foam slots for batteries, mounts, and cables.
- Tip: Keep silica gel packs in the case to prevent moisture buildup.
- Example: I checked my case on a flight. Everything arrived safe and dry.
- Note: Soft cases are lighter but less protective.
Comparison Table: Top Contour Accessories at a Glance
| Accessory | Best For | Pros | Cons | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helmet Mount | FPV shots, biking, skiing | Swivel/tilt, secure | Bulky on lightweight helmets | $20-$30 |
| Handlebar Mount | Biking, cycling | Vibration dampeners, sturdy | Can scratch handlebars | $25-$35 |
| FeiyuTech G6 Plus Gimbal | Handheld smooth footage | 3-axis stabilization, long battery | Expensive, heavy | $150-$200 |
| ND8 Filter | Bright light, motion blur | Reduces glare, improves color | Requires exposure adjustments | $15-$25 |
| Waterproof Housing | Underwater, rain | 197ft depth rating | Adds bulk | $50-$70 |
Final Thoughts: Build Your Perfect Setup
Choosing the right Contour action camera accessories isn’t about buying everything—it’s about picking what matches your adventures. Start with the essentials (mounts, extra batteries, and a good case), then add specialty gear (gimbals, filters, housings) as you grow. Remember: the best accessory is the one you’ll actually use. I’ve seen too many people buy a gimbal and never take it out of the box. Keep it simple, test your gear before big trips, and don’t be afraid to experiment.
At the end of the day, your camera is just a tool. The real magic happens when you pair it with the right accessories—and the right mindset. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or capturing quiet moments, these Contour action camera accessories will help you tell your story with clarity, creativity, and confidence. Now go out there and shoot something amazing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best contour action camera accessories for low-light filming?
For low-light conditions, consider a waterproof LED light mount or a 360-degree rotating grip with built-in lighting. These accessories enhance visibility without compromising your Contour camera’s compact setup.
Can I use third-party mounts with my Contour action camera?
Yes, most third-party mounts designed for standard action camera sizes (like GoPro) are compatible with Contour models. Just verify the mount uses a 1/4″-20 thread or quick-release adapter for secure attachment.
Which contour action camera accessories help stabilize shaky footage?
For smooth shots, invest in a handheld gimbal stabilizer or a chest/head strap with vibration-dampening technology. These reduce motion blur during high-speed activities like skiing or mountain biking.
How do I waterproof my Contour camera beyond its native rating?
Add an underwater housing case (rated for 40m+) or a silicone protective sleeve for extra depth and impact resistance. Always check O-ring seals before submersion to avoid leaks.
What’s the most versatile accessory for vlogging with a Contour camera?
The articulating arm with a cold shoe adapter lets you mount mics, lights, or secondary cameras at flexible angles. It’s ideal for dynamic vlogging or interview-style filming.
Are there budget-friendly contour action camera accessories for beginners?
Start with a basic handlebar/helmet mount, a floating wrist strap, and a microfiber cleaning kit. These essentials cost under $30 and cover 80% of common filming scenarios.
