Love/Hate relationship with my GoPro HD

[WackyDan]

I was eyeballing a go pro too...

It all comes down to how the things mount up... Let us know how easy this new one is to mount using Ram mounts.

 

[SpyderDen]

does anyone have any videos with the drift camera they can post a link too? the more spirited the better, want to see the video difference between my go cam.

I do think it would be much better on my setup because of the remote.

For those of you who do have them, how is the battery life, overall storage use (I have my go cam in a plastic bag(I do know it water proof, its just so it does not get the front of the case lens scratched) and can you just grab it and go?

I posted one a few posts back. Just Google the cam and you will find a bunch.
http://pointofviewcameras.com/drift-hd170-stealth-review

 

[Lamonster]

does anyone have any videos with the drift camera they can post a link too? the more spirited the better, want to see the video difference between my go cam.

I do think it would be much better on my setup because of the remote.

For those of you who do have them, how is the battery life, overall storage use (I have my go cam in a plastic bag(I do know it water proof, its just so it does not get the front of the case lens scratched) and can you just grab it and go?

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5v36v2zpqQ[/ame]

 

[Firefly]

I was eyeballing a go pro too...

It all comes down to how the things mount up... Let us know how easy this new one is to mount using Ram mounts.

The Drift comes with a ton of mounting gear---I bought a Panvise suction cup mount to use with it too--- stick to front of trunk.

I picked up the non-HD version for around $125 when the HD version came out. I didn't really care much about HD-- just wanted some fun for making youtube vids--

Only thing I've noticed that was a minor complaint is the CCD tends to be a bit 'jumpy' when adjusting for different amounts of sunlight -- but that might be an adjustment I have not set right.

Having a viewscreen is nice for aiming and the remote is a really cool thing to have.

I can't say how the battery life is as the x170 (non-HD) model uses 2 AA batteries or can just plug into bike---- where the HD models have a rechargeable battery.

Another nice thing is the lens rotates--- so no matter how you mount it you can rotate the lens to make it level... :thumbup:

 

[SpyderGirl]

I too have had similar problems with my GoPro. When it works, it's fantastic.

Looking froward to seeing how this new camera works for you.

 

[hevnbound]

Do I sense a group buy coming soon? If so, count me in

 

[TicketBait]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5v36v2zpqQ

I am in the market for a camera and was seriously considering the go pro, and adding a wireless monitor to be able to see what I was recording, however after seeing this comparison, I kinda like the Drift.

I await your report and please let us know how the battery life and ease of mounting to different parts of the spyder or helmet is. Also how would this be for just using as a hand held camera for doing say an interview. Does it take still photos too?
opcorn:

 

[Campverdefela]

Looks like a great video option, ease of use and outstanding features, that being said consider that the GoPro has a replacable lens, I think pretty important with exposed high speed use, and I love the picture quality.

 

[Fire Joe]

You know this thing takes great videos and now that I have the LCD it is nice to see what you're going to shoot. The sound is pretty good compared to other cameras I've used. So this is what I love about the GoPro

What I HATE is the menu. This thing is not user friendly at all. If you plan on leaving it in one setting you're fine but if you hit the wrong menu button like I did when I thought I was taking a video of our ride you may just end up with 9 seconds of video instead of two hours like I thought I had. :gaah:

So once again I went on the hunt for a new video camera that will be a little more user friendly. This is what I wound up with.

I'll let you know how it does when I get back home.

This is the exact camera I have. Got it off of e-bay. Seller had it for $320 with free shipping or you could make a "best offer". I offered $280 and he accepted it.

Battery life is good for me. Fully charged, I was able to shoot (4) 10 minute vids and I still had about 1/2 charge left, setting was at 1080.

As already stated, the remote feature is very handy. Comes with a lot of mounting options and like Firefly, I also purchased the suction cup mount and it too works very well. I am not familiar with the Go Pro at all so not sure if the optional LCD feature has the option to be automatically turned off after a preset time but the Drift does. Supposed to help extend battery life.

Sound is ok but there is an option for an external mic (supposed to be better for audio).

Haven't really tested the "water resistant" feature of it yet since the few times I have used it, it wasn't raining.

I would post the vids but since I am still new to taking them I still need to figure out how to edit them down and add music to them :roflblack:

 

[Bootie]

GoPro Problems

Well, after trying to defend the virtue of the GoPro camera, I got my cummuppins:gaah:When I try to shut the thing down it turns itself back on after about 5 seconds:cus:Even if I set it to Auto-Off it turns off but then comes back on. If I don't monitor it, it depletes the battery in no time.
Anyone had this problem? If so, how to fix?

 

[pierrelogic]

my 2 cents

Although there is a lot to be said about getting a personal opinion on specific products I would rather research things on my own before I shell out the cash. But that's just me.

Besides, even getting a personal account on a products you risk it being biased toward the good side to justify them already paying the big bucks for the item and wanting to justify that decision by raving about the product.

So here's an excellent source to do your own homework reading what others have to say from people in the industry who test the products and hold no punches with their reviews. Very up-to-date information as well. Side by side, apples to apples comparisons are always the best IMHO.

Helmet Camera Central

 

[freebob]

I ordered this camera from Amazon

Freebob...:doorag:


http://contour.com/camera/contour_gps?gclid=COH2pvO8_qgCFQbc4AodT0zbRw

 

[bjt]

...What I HATE is the menu. This thing is not user friendly at all. If you plan on leaving it in one setting you're fine but if you hit the wrong menu button like I did when I thought I was taking a video of our ride you may just end up with 9 seconds of video instead of two hours like I thought I had. :gaah:

Sounds similar to my experience with the old GoPro I had. After two or three uses, I was always curious as to what I actually going to record, a single picture, a string of pictures every 5 seconds or a video. :sour:

The mode selection seemed too easy to unintentionally change.

 

[cjackg]

The Drift comes with a ton of mounting gear---I bought a Panvise suction cup mount to use with it too--- stick to front of trunk.

I picked up the non-HD version for around $125 when the HD version came out. I didn't really care much about HD-- just wanted some fun for making youtube vids--

Only thing I've noticed that was a minor complaint is the CCD tends to be a bit 'jumpy' when adjusting for different amounts of sunlight -- but that might be an adjustment I have not set right.

Having a viewscreen is nice for aiming and the remote is a really cool thing to have.

I can't say how the battery life is as the x170 (non-HD) model uses 2 AA batteries or can just plug into bike---- where the HD models have a rechargeable battery.

Another nice thing is the lens rotates--- so no matter how you mount it you can rotate the lens to make it level... :thumbup:

Sounds like the X170 is a good bet with lots of features except HD. Would you recommend that for a starter ? Any features you really miss ?

 

[Lamonster]

Sounds like the X170 is a good bet with lots of features except HD. Would you recommend that for a starter ? Any features you really miss ?

I saw some of the video with the X170 and it wasn't that great. Once you shoot HD everything else looks kinda junky to me but that's not to say it's junk, I just like HD videos and it's worth the extra money to me.

 

[Lamonster]

Although there is a lot to be said about getting a personal opinion on specific products I would rather research things on my own before I shell out the cash. But that's just me.

Besides, even getting a personal account on a products you risk it being biased toward the good side to justify them already paying the big bucks for the item and wanting to justify that decision by raving about the product.

So here's an excellent source to do your own homework reading what others have to say from people in the industry who test the products and hold no punches with their reviews. Very up-to-date information as well. Side by side, apples to apples comparisons are always the best IMHO.

Helmet Camera Central

That is a great site and I like the review on what I ordered. :thumbup:
http://helmetcameracentral.com/2010/07/29/drift-innovation-hd170-action-cam-review/

We can't recommend the HD170 enough, build quality, video quality, waterproof, remote control, it has it all! This is absolutely one of the best helmet cams available on the market today. Video quality is un-matched. If you're looking for a camera that records in stunning HD, has an LCD screen and a remote, and has amazing battery life, look no further. The Drift HD170 is a clear winner and we have no qualms recommending it anyone.

 

[Lamonster]

Sounds like the X170 is a good bet with lots of features except HD. Would you recommend that for a starter ? Any features you really miss ?

Here's what was posted in that review link.

The first thing we noticed about the HD 170 is it's build quality. It seems more solid and well built than it's predecessor. They layout and design is pretty much identical otherwise. The screen is still there with all the same controls, making it easy to adjust settings and review footage. We said it in the review for the X170 as well, but the screen really does make things that much easier. The most outstanding feature about the HD170 is without a doubt it's video quality. It is incredibly high quality! Colors are well saturated, details are nice and sharp, and the contrast is nice and high. This is clearly a huge step up from the X170, there's just no comparison.

 

[bruiser]

Looking at the video comparison, it looks like the Go Pro has better color and night use. I don't know how much I would use a camera at night though. The Drift seemed to have better stabilization. Hmmmm...:dontknow:

 

[Lamonster]

Looking at the video comparison, it looks like the Go Pro has better color and night use. I don't know how much I would use a camera at night though. The Drift seemed to have better stabilization. Hmmmm...:dontknow:

I'll have a GoPro Hero for sale pretty quick here if that's what you like.

 

[Y Rider]

I'll have a GoPro Hero for sale pretty quick here if that's what you like.

So it sounds like you like the Drift HD170? Any particular features you like over the GoPro?