Drift Innovation HD Helmet Camera Review

Last month I bought myself a Drift HD170 Stealth full HD camera to use on my helmet for when riding my mountain bike. The idea was to capture my rides and share footage with millions of like minded people worldwide! Helmet/action cameras are very popular with many, and so comes the issue of choosing which brand of camera you want.

One of the best ways of deciding this is speaking to others that have certain models or search online video sharing websites where you can view footage from all brands of popular cameras and see which takes you fancy.

This is  basically how I came to opt for a Drift camera! But to cut a long story short, this review is not about my current HD170 camera, but the all new Drift HD. It came about afetr recieving a very kind offer from Drift after seeing some of my videos online and also photographs that I take from action sports in the UK.

I was offered the chance to review and test out the new camera and it didn’t take me long to accept.

Information, photos and sample videos will appear on this page over the next few weeks, so please be sure to check back regularly.

_______________________________________________

This small,1080p HD helmet camera has a remote control, built in colour screen and easy-to-use buttons and menu options. As well as wide-angle, high definition video the Drift HD takes 9 megapixel still photos.

Key features:
- 1080p HD recording – the best possible HD video.
- Built-in viewfinder – line your shots up and play them back.
- 170° lens – capture everything and get stylish wide-angle shots.
- Remote control with optional wrist strap.
- 9 megapixel still photos
- Up to 2.5 hour battery life (with standard battery).
- Film at up to 60fps at 720p – great for slick slow motion editing.
- Lightweight – At 125g it weighs less than an iPhone.
- Easy to use buttons and menu navigation.
- Easy to follow menu options through full colour LCD screen.
- Records to SD card – easy to transfer files on to your computer.
- Internal microphone plus external mic input – 4x digital zoom – Helmet mount, head strap and universal clip included.

What Drift say: A small high-quality action camera that packs a punch. Perfect for action sports stars and weekend enthusiasts alike.
Top Tip: Mount your Drift HD to your board, windscreen or petrol tank with Drift Suction Cup Mount.

_______________________________________________

My Initial photos of the Drift HD camera in and out of box.

Tidy packaging.

Everything is nicely compact and secure in the box.

Entire box contents.

The new Drift HD is far more compact than the HD170. The lens can also be changed if damaged.

Thr Drift HD is going nowhere once secured to the attachment plate.

The new rear door allows access to the usb and charger port whilst still attached, nice touch.

 Micro SD memory is a new feature for the HD.

Mounted onto a dirt helmet via the curved fittment place. Very solid fit.

The new Drift HD is significantly smaller than the HD170, as seen here - a VAST improvement.

_______________________________________________

First Impressions

After opening the nicely packaged Drift HD I instantly noticed how small it was compared to previous models. Having my own Drift camera, the HD170 Stealth, I was pleasantly surprised at the size reduction Drift have made in creating the new Drift. When comparing side by side the new HD and my HD170, it’s easy to see the difference in size and weight, 25% in both roughly. The weight feels muc better when mounting on helmets, and the smaller body size is definately better for feeling compact.

The changes Drift have made to to their new action camera all help to push it into the market where the GoPro seems to have been a favourite for a long time. Reducing the size certainly matches the GoPro in that area, and so far appears to be well on it’s way to  becoming a firm contender to the GoPro if not a GoPro beater.

New Features of the Drift HD

Handling the new Drift HD and looking through the menus etc I can see they have kept many of their options and features that are on previous mdoels, and this is a good move as they have been proven to work and suit users.

They have however introduced some newer features in addition to the old ones, which consist of:

• New compact design – 25% smaller and lighter than previous models (4.1 inches long and 4.23 oz)
• Replaceable lens cover – in case of drops and breakages, it’s easy to replace
• Can take 9MP still photographs – unique to Drift HD
• New goggle strap design (for less movement)
• Screw-on back panel – interchangeable for better water resistance
• External mic jack – internal mic is also still there
• HDMI output for direct TV viewing on HDTV

Features you will find that have been kept from previous models:

• Full HD 1080p recording at 25/30 fps
• 720p 25/30/50/60 fps for extremely smooth slow-motion
• 1.5″ color LCD screen – for playback and lining up the frame
• Supports Micro SD up to 32 GB
• Wireless remote – 5 meters / 30ft range
• Rotatable 170 degrees lens – handy for unusual mounting positions
• Lithium battery lasts up to 2.5 hrs of continuous recording
• Night mode for low light situations
• Digital zoom (if you need it – but not recommended as video quality decreases)
• Pairing of remote to multiple cameras – use 1 remote to control all
• Water resistant – dunk proof, splash proof, dirt, snow resistant (optional waterproof case available)

Sample Videos

Straight out of the camera footage of some cross country mountain biking from the weekend. Be sure to select 720p for HD viewing.

Setting for this footage were:
720p
60/fps
Outdoor shooting

Firmware Update

The latest firmware update changed the light options in the menu to ‘Sun (SUN)’ and ‘Low Light (LL)’. This video was taken following the upgrade to see if any quality in video was visible.

Mounting the Drift HD

As far as mounts go, the Drift HD comes with a handful of various mounts you can use straight out of the box on your helmet, goggles or to stick right on the side of your car or bike.

It also has a screw in thread in the bottom for use with tripods or suction mount (suction mounts sold separately).

Here’s what you get in the box you get…

• Drift HD Action Camera
• Remote Control & Velcro Strap
• Interchangeable Rear Port Access cover
• Improved Goggle Mount
• Curved and Flat adhesive mounts
• Universal Clip
• Velcro Strap
• Rechargeable Lithium Battery
• USB Cable (for recharging and uploading files)
• HMDI cable (for TV viewing)
• Drift Innovation Quick Start Guide
• Use Manual
• 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty