Drift HD170 HD Action Video Camera with 4X Digital Zoom

by Drift Innovation

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 2.5 x 8.8 inches ; 4.8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B003QXNDNE
• Item model number: HD170
• Batteries: 2 AA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,183 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 10, 2010

Product Description

The Drift HD170 action camera is arguably the most feature-rich hands-free video camera on the market. It's loaded with features that many of its high definition predecessors lack - like an LCD screen for lining up the perfect shot and an RF remote to shoot shorter clips, saving precious storage space, batteries and edit time. In fact, the Drift HD170 is the world's first full HD wearable action camera with integrated LCD screen and wireless remote control. The Drift HD170 offers a 170 degree field of view. The ingenious thing about a 170 degree field of view is that the camera captures your peripheral vision, giving a realistic perspective of speed. The Drift HD170's intuitive operation makes it easy to use. And your Drift HD170 includes multiple mounting options that would cost $75 when purchased separately through other manufacturers. When it comes to features, value, and high quality resolution, the Drift HD170 is impossible to beat!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Drift HD170 - Best Point of View Camera, October 21, 2010

By 

CJK - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Drift HD170 HD Action Video Camera with 4X Digital Zoom (Electronics)

I did a lot of research before buying the Drift HD170. Having used a friend's GoPro, I'm familiar with point-of-view cameras. After using both, I don't know why anyone would buy a GoPro, unless they were using it to dive or for other watersports where the camera is underwater a lot. The Drift HD170 is splashproof, dustproof, weatherproof, and dunkproof which is more than enough for my activities. The Drift has a remote for turning the camera on and off. With the GoPro, we were always taking our helmets on and off to start or stop recording. More often than not, we'd just let the camera run, which meant hours of editing footage. When you turn the camera on or off with the remote, there is an audible beep. I wish they'd make the beep a little louder or the remote had an indicator to tell when the camera was on or off. But having researched all the POV cameras, there isn't anybody that offers that - even the $2000 POV model from Sony. The Drift camera also has an LCD screen, which is an absolute must-have. Without the LCD screen, you have no idea whether your camera is lined up properly. You can also confirm you got the shot without having to download video to your computer. The best thing about this camera is the crystal clear video. I normally shoot in 720p because I like the full 170 degree field of view. The files sizes are more manageable to edit and upload in 720p, but 1080p is an option for television-quality video. All-in-all, I'm really happy with this camera and for the money, nothing beats it.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Bang For the Buck - Action Camera - Drift HD170, September 28, 2010

By 

PJB - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Drift HD170 HD Action Video Camera with 4X Digital Zoom (Electronics)

Tell me where you can find any mini-HD camera in this price range that is that much better than this product, and I'll get it. However, I dont see any that much better. Just look at the options, functions and accessories that all come in the box versus similar cameras. Ive had it for 2weeks and have used it on my road bike helmet, handle bars, and regular hand held outdoor activities/sports events.

Pros: Color LCD screen, remote control, mounting accessories, protective/non slip outer, lens rotation, 1080/720 HD quality, exposure settings, rca/usb connections, zoom capable at 720
Cons: Could be lighter/smaller (but not a deal breaker), nite shot helps(low lux) but not great, sensitive/unstable picture taking (but dont need it for that)

Battery lasts about 4hrs. No complaints on stabilization (no stabilization function) since everything is shot at wide angle. Highly recommended for Action Sports/Outdoors enthusiasts whos needs video on the move. You will need to go up 5x the price to get anything better than the Drift HD170.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Best helmet cam available at the price but size is little bigger, August 7, 2010

By 

Jinwoo Lee "jinwoo" (Souderton, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Drift HD170 HD Action Video Camera with 4X Digital Zoom (Electronics)

I feel this is best helmet cam with reasonable price (actually it is a good price).
I use 1080 but the resolution seems not clear as other HD camcorder but this is best quality available in Helmet Cam. I think if you want anything better you are looking are over $1000.

The LCD display and remote are excellent features and also it can do time elapsed photo graphy too. Also you can expand battery capacity to 1700mAh which I happend to have it. It has enough room to accomodate the fat battery.

Yes it has fish eye effect in all resolution 720 or 1080. It is because the helmet cams uses wide angle lenses, I prefer wide angle lens because it can capture wide area. As a helmet cam, you can really tell what you are capturing so I rather have wider angle to capture more areas.

The mount options in the package are also well made and useful.

It does not come with CD with editing software. The recommenation is use VLC which is OK with me. VLC works fine

Only a down side is the size. The size is little big as helmet cam but acceptable considering all the advantages it comes with.

It also do not have image stablization so certan footage can give you motion sickness but again I have not seem a helmet cam with image stablization. so this is something you would live with.

So I would say it is best in its class, if size is little smaller and has image it would have been perfect. --- I know I am asking too much


I definitly recommend this product