Go for the Contour. We chose to stock them over GoPro when looking at both companies a year ago for several reasons (I'm not familiar with the current crop of GoPros, so some of these might not be advantages anymore):
1. Aiming lasers - You'll actually know what you are shooting.
2. Available software - You can use your iPhone or Android to change settings and set up shots.
3. Easy controls - There is a huge switch on top that is really easy to activate to start shooting underwater, with gloves, while moving, etc.
4. Shooting indicator LEDS - There are LEDs on the front and back of the camera that will show you whether or not you are currently recoding. Combined with #3, you won't have the typical first shot of your face to see if the camera is on that you see in most GoPro videos.
5. Rotating lens - You can rotate the lens without moving the rest of the body to give you more shooting options.
6. Available mounts - The available mounts are crazy. They even have Picatinny and bow mounts now. We sold a Contour with a Picatinny to the guy that made Barrett's marketing videos, which allowed for some awesome shots.
7. Looks - I know this is superficial and silly, but the Countours flat out look cooler. The GoPros always looked goofy to me.
I've personally owned and used the 1080p, Plus and Roam. The Roam is the one to get if you are on a Budget. If you have the cash, the Plus has some awesome features (HDMI out, external mic port, glass lens, etc.) and the upcoming upgraded model sounds even better.
