When it comes to extreme sports, there’s nothing like being able to brag about your exploits on film. In order to capture your exploits in the perfect way, though, you need to know which camera you should take with you. The GoPro HD Hero3 and the Contour+2 helmet cameras both come with their own unique features. Choosing which one you’ll go with won’t be an easy decision.

The Contour+2 helmet camera is a step up from the previous Contour+ model. The Contour+2, like its predecessor, features a slide activated power switch. That’s all you have to worry about. Slide the wide button forward, and the camera turns on and starts recording. Slide it back, and it turns off. The Contour+2, however, comes with a locking mechanism to keep the switch from getting knocked to the off position while you’re out.

For the video and photo choices, the Contour+2 offers both full (1920×1080) and tall(1280×960) HD shots. Action HD can be shot in 1280×720, while slow motion can be captured at 854×480 in as much as 120 fps. When it comes to standard pictures, you can choose which photo mode you want them to be taken in. Increments include every 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, or 60 seconds. It, like the original Contour+, has a 5 megapixel capacity.

The other features of the Contour+2 vary widely, including a 170° lens that’s paired with a 270° swivel mounting bracket, both of which are capable of being remotely controlled from your smart phone app via Bluetooth. It can hold up to 32GB of space when paired with a standard MicroSD card, and is waterproof in its provided case up to 60 meters deep.

The GoPro HD Hero3 helmet cameras are smaller and lighter than the previous models by up to 30%. It features a small amount of buttons, able to quickly do what you need it to so you can get back to your sport. It can be remotely controlled via wifi with a separately purchased remote and an app on your smart phone.

Photo and video choices of the GoPro HD Hero3 can be operated in ultra-wide 1920×1080, 1280×720 and 270×1524 for slow motion needs. The fps ranges from 12 to 240, depending on the mode you’re using. The wide angle lens gives you the ability to capture what you’re doing, regardless of where it’s mounted.

The GoPro HD Hero3 features sharper resolution than the previous models, and a stunning 12 megapixels. Almost every aspect of the Hero3 is an upgrade from the Hero2, with faster video, better audio, built in wifi, and a reduced weight. In its special case, it is waterproof up to 60 meters deep.

Today, both the GoPro and the Contour will cost you $400; however, whichever one of these helmet cameras you decide to go with, just make sure you have something with you when you’re out doing what you love. After all, the best stories can only be believed when there’s video evidence that it happened, and your friends will love getting to see you in action.

Contour+2 and GoPro Hero 3 Helmet Cameras