The helmet cam - which can be affixed to helmets, ski poles, and jackets - has become the must-have gear at ski resorts this winter. Sales tripled from 2010 to 2011, to 1.3 million units, according to Chris Chute, a research manager with the Framingham office of International Data Corp., a global market research firm. The devices, known as hands-free or wearable video cameras, generally retail for $200 to $400, depending on the model and accessories.
Much of that growth, says Chute, is attributable to GoPro, the industry leader, moving into national distribution. Manufactured by a California company called Woodman Labs, GoPro’s latest model, the HD HERO2, debuted in 2011. GoPro also boasts its own YouTube channel (more than 63 million views) and Facebook page (1.36 million “likes’’) and has capitalized on the ease with which action videos get passed around online.
“There’s been a lot more viral marketing,’’ said Chute as the cameras’ popularity has rapidly spread from extreme-sports types to recreational skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities, and to other video-friendly action sports like mountain biking, surfing, and skydiving.
Although GoPro owns the market’s most recognizable brand, it is not alone in catering to these outdoors video enthusiasts. Contour makes a similarly priced (about $300) model that has caught on with people like Jon Oliff, 23, an avid snowboarder who is spending this winter working and riding in Killington, Vt.
Oliff bought his camera two months ago. It features a built-in GPS and iPhone connection that allows him to change camera settings on the fly. Oliff has shot more than 50 hours of action footage, uploaded to his computer and edited into 5-minute clips. Many are posted on his Facebook page, while others get shared with a smaller circle of friends.
