Giveaway: Oregon Scientific ATC9K All-Terrain HD Video Camera

Action and adventure isn’t my strongest point – but sometimes, my travel writing causes me to cross those barriers.

This weekend, I visited one of my favorite areas of the world, San Antonio, Texas, and took part in a great deal of fun-on-the-go – whether it was roving reporting, natural paths, or good-old-fashioned amusement park fun, the more durable my tools, the better.

Obviously, there’s photographers who need even more durability, and Oregon Scientific has launched the ATC9K All-Terrain Video Camera, a waterproof and shock-resistant Full HD video camera that can be strapped to a helmet, handlebars, surfboard or snowboard.

This is a pro camera, make no joke about it: A laser pointer  helps users line up the camera, while a built-in G-sensor measures the force of gravity during acceleration, deceleration and hang time. It has a five megapixel 1/3.2-inch CMOS image sensor, and has a fixed focus, fixed focal length lens with an F3.2 aperture, and while no focal lengths are stated in the specs, the field of view is said to be 130°.

The ACT9K outputs three or five megapixel still images, plus 30 frames per second video at up to 1080p (1,920 x 1,080 pixel) resolution, or 60 frames per second video at up to 720p (1,280 x 720 pixels). Videos are saved as H.264 QuickTime .MOV files, with a maximum bit rate of 12Mbit/s, and monaural 48Khz (max.)  What about sound? ADPCM audio from a built-in microphone with auto gain control. Two large yellow buttons on top of the lens barrel act as separate still image and video-mode shutter release buttons. Images or videos are framed and reviewed on a rather small 1.5-inch TFT LCD display, and the ATC9K also includes a built-in speaker.

Seriously, I couldn’t believe it either. I felt like such a grown-up!  Obviously, I don’t get my hair wet – even for reasons of journalism — but the ATC9K is said to be waterproof to a depth of 65 feet (20 meters) underwater, shock resistant, and includes an accessory grip for mounting on helmets using either included silicon rubber or velcro straps, as well as on bicycle handlebars with a third included grip. Three further optionally available grips allow mounting on goggles, motorbike handlebars, or a suction cup. A quick release base attaches to the camera, and allows it to be switched between grips with a minimum of fuss, as well as featuring a standard tripod mount in the base.

It even has a proprietary GPS plugin add-on that can be inserted in the camera directly above its 1050mAh lithium ion battery bay, and together allow videos and still images to be tagged with location, altitude, distance traveled, speed, and acceleration information. An included infrared remote control also provides both shutter buttons, allowing capture to be initiated remotely. Battery charging is via USB 2.0 or an optional battery charger, as well as the USB data connectivity, there’s also an HDMI connection. Images and movies are stored on MicroSD or MicroSDHC cards.

Are you ready for this degree of power? Let me tell you – it’ll change your entire exploration experience. And as part of my dad/grad gift guide, I have one to give away! To have your chance to win tweet me (you must be a follower!) at @alywalansky and tell me what you’d use this camera for! (As always, bribery and supplication is welcome!) – please also RT this giveaway. Deadline to enter is June 15.