Dirt_Dad
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After missing the Amazon deal on the Contour Roam I started researching Point of View (POV) cameras. Ultimately this led me to the Drift HD 170 Stealth. I was sold on the rotating lens, interval still shots, video screen, and the remote control to start and stop. The remote was huge since during my ride to Nova Scotia I struggled greatly trying to start/stop the POV camera I took on that trip. It was a great source of irritation and frustration. The Drift's $159 price didn't hurt either.
The Drift comes with multiple mounting options, including helmet, goggle strap, and bicycle handlebars. It also has a standard tripod mounting screw hole. It feels much lighter than it looks even when loaded with the extended life battery. The specs are all available at the website for the camera: http://driftinnovation.com/hd170-stealth-camera/
Using the extended life battery I set off on a 7 hour ride this past weekend. Camera was turned on and off repeatedly and probably spent 3 to 4 hours of powered on. During that time I recorded approximately 2.5 hours of video. At the end of the day still had over 50% battery showing. It was great knowing exactly where the camera was pointed using the built in screen. Plus the screen allowed easy access to change any setting on the camera.
Unfortunately I have not figured out how to get the high resolution I see on my computer to be reflected in youtube or vimeo video. There is no comparison between the clarity I see here and what you see online. I'm certain that is due to my ignorance and not a reflection of the camera. The 1080 picture is very clear. The 720 is also excellent, but a noticeable downgrade from the 1080. Turning on the night mode in either resolution does make things brighter. My hesitation of buying the Drift vs a GoPro due to picture quality was unnecessary. I am completely satisfied with the quality of video.
The rotating lens makes endless angles possible. This video shows the angles I could think of on my first attempt.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd8je27KNwI#ws
Forward facing from behind the boot
Rear tire video
Front forward shot, rear looking shot, looking up at rider shot
Rider shot
I'm pretty certain I'll be able to come up with more angles as I spend more time with it.
I'm very impressed with the stability of the video. For years using the Ram mount I'd endured jittery video. I'm not sure why, but the video from the Drift is dramatically more stable. I'm using the same mounts I've used for years, but it works better with the Drift.
In addition to video the camera can take still photos at a programmed interval. All photos will have a fish-eye look to them. I'm thinking this will be fun with making time lapsed photos. Still need to play more with this feature.
Interval shots
Finally it can all be controlled from a remote control I've mounted on the handlebars. This was a very important selling feature to me. The remote is said to go up to 10 feet, which allows me to set the camera wherever I want on the bike and control it as desired. It works great, but with winter gloves it was often hard to tell if I had really hit the button, so I found I would hit it multiple times to make sure it was really running/stopped. In the end it always worked and it was well worth the purchase price for me.
Overall so far I am very satisfied and no longer annoyed I missed the other deal. For my requirements I think this is a good choice.
The Drift comes with multiple mounting options, including helmet, goggle strap, and bicycle handlebars. It also has a standard tripod mounting screw hole. It feels much lighter than it looks even when loaded with the extended life battery. The specs are all available at the website for the camera: http://driftinnovation.com/hd170-stealth-camera/
Using the extended life battery I set off on a 7 hour ride this past weekend. Camera was turned on and off repeatedly and probably spent 3 to 4 hours of powered on. During that time I recorded approximately 2.5 hours of video. At the end of the day still had over 50% battery showing. It was great knowing exactly where the camera was pointed using the built in screen. Plus the screen allowed easy access to change any setting on the camera.
Unfortunately I have not figured out how to get the high resolution I see on my computer to be reflected in youtube or vimeo video. There is no comparison between the clarity I see here and what you see online. I'm certain that is due to my ignorance and not a reflection of the camera. The 1080 picture is very clear. The 720 is also excellent, but a noticeable downgrade from the 1080. Turning on the night mode in either resolution does make things brighter. My hesitation of buying the Drift vs a GoPro due to picture quality was unnecessary. I am completely satisfied with the quality of video.
The rotating lens makes endless angles possible. This video shows the angles I could think of on my first attempt.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd8je27KNwI#ws
Forward facing from behind the boot
Rear tire video
Front forward shot, rear looking shot, looking up at rider shot
Rider shot
I'm pretty certain I'll be able to come up with more angles as I spend more time with it.
I'm very impressed with the stability of the video. For years using the Ram mount I'd endured jittery video. I'm not sure why, but the video from the Drift is dramatically more stable. I'm using the same mounts I've used for years, but it works better with the Drift.
In addition to video the camera can take still photos at a programmed interval. All photos will have a fish-eye look to them. I'm thinking this will be fun with making time lapsed photos. Still need to play more with this feature.
Interval shots
Finally it can all be controlled from a remote control I've mounted on the handlebars. This was a very important selling feature to me. The remote is said to go up to 10 feet, which allows me to set the camera wherever I want on the bike and control it as desired. It works great, but with winter gloves it was often hard to tell if I had really hit the button, so I found I would hit it multiple times to make sure it was really running/stopped. In the end it always worked and it was well worth the purchase price for me.
Overall so far I am very satisfied and no longer annoyed I missed the other deal. For my requirements I think this is a good choice.
