Drift HD camera

[ QUOTE ]
Thats must be a different one. Mine's definitely shorter with the buttons on one side of the screen only.

[/ QUOTE ]

It is. This is the Drift HD 170 Stealth. Same one I have.
 
Whoops, yes, it is the HD 170 Stealth. And it is a bit long and unwieldy; I keep running it into limbs and such. Probably takes a while to get used to it. I'll see how it holds up to the abuse, but I understand how a more bomb-proof camera like the GoPro could have its place. I did order the larger battery and the 32 GB Memory card so I can just let it run and edit later.
 
[ QUOTE ]
... I'll put those photos on now Jack.
...
thats with the microphone hooked up by-the-way which arrived earlier today.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks, Reg. I was considering the GoPro until you posted your review. The GoPro mounts too high and would be forever getting in the way or hung up ... looks like the Drift HD might be less of a problem, though still a concern.

The mic is a good idea ... the sound levels {saw too high, voice too low} in your first Drift video was a little disappointing. I always enjoy your comments in your videos and look forward to the next one. Thanks, again.
 
[ QUOTE ]

The first few limbs you're maybe 85-90' up?

[/ QUOTE ]

Nowhere near it Jeff, but the Drift makes it look like 90ft. The height of the first few limbs I cut can be seen in the pic below.

the tree was sitting up on a banking higher than the level of the house and lawn by about 12 ft but even so, the Drift sure does distort the height of things.

Having said all that maybe we should all just be grateful we live in a time with affordable helmetcams that allow us to look back over our work.

310052-spruce1.jpg


Here is the smaller tree that was to the left of the big one in the above pic. This might help with scale.

310052-ms200.jpg
 

Attachments

  • 310052-ms200.webp
    310052-ms200.webp
    123.2 KB · Views: 23
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

The first few limbs you're maybe 85-90' up?

[/ QUOTE ]

Nowhere near it Jeff, but the Drift makes it look like 90ft. The height of the first few limbs I cut can be seen in the pic below.

the tree was sitting up on a banking higher than the level of the house and lawn by about 12 ft but even so, the Drift sure does distort the height of things.

Having said all that maybe we should all just be grateful we live in a time with affordable helmetcams that allow us to look back over our work.


Here is the smaller tree that was to the left of the big one in the above pic. This might help with scale.



[/ QUOTE ]

Tim, you're like the anti-drift or something
grin.gif


I've copied my answers from the other forum to save some time, pardon me...and sorry for any overlap for things already stated:

1) am I having dejavu here Tim!

Rest assured, I didn't get a 170 with the intention to trick anyone into believing the trees are taller than they actually are. More to the point that I can capture far more without having to think about where my head is pointing all the time.

Also, if you use reference points i.e the saw (my 3120 for the falling cuts looks more like a 385) and the time it actually takes for the branches or logs to land then you soon get the jist of how big, small or far away something is. That Arbutus was about 80ft x 60, and the fir was about 80 to the first branch with another 40 or so on top of that. Consider that and I dont think the lens so deceptive.

Most importantly, the viewer gets to see just about everything the climber does i.e. his body-parts and placement thereof, the rigging, saws, cutting with limbs/logs falling in their entirety for the most part. Unlike a narrow-angled-lens which is more like looking through a toilet roll for all you get to see.

I used an 85 degree for 2 years and can honestly say for the best part they are a waste of effort, with more luck than judgement involved in capturing anything of worth from a climbing pov. In fact I'd go so far in dissuading anyone from ever spending their money at one....unless of course they're using it for long range.


..................................................

2) The new Drift (one I have) is apparently much improved on the old....and I do think your video look a lot weirder than mine in that sense maybe. That tree looked about 70ft. Re: your comment on the 288....with an 85 lens you would be lucky to fit just the body of the saw into view, never mind the cut or anything beyond that. I dont believe the new drift is the best around for a minute, but does seem very good value for money.

The new povHD has a 14o+ view and the software which is constantly adjusting to what it sees apparantly sets it apart, as does the price....but unlike the Drift and Gopro it doesn't take good stills nor has the time-lapse mode which I thought was a nice touch also.

Just had delivery of the external mic also which oughta make a big difference to the poor sound quality.

Overall I'm feeling quite happy with my choice, but only time will tell as I got over 5 years from the pov and it still works pretty good.
 
[ QUOTE ]

Tim, you're like the anti-drift or something
grin.gif



[/ QUOTE ]

no Reg, I just like to see things as close to reality as you can get. Which is why I prefer your POV vids and I'll be getting a Contour.

The Drift works for you and thats cool.
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

Tim, you're like the anti-drift or something
grin.gif



[/ QUOTE ]

no Reg, I just like to see things as close to reality as you can get. Which is why I prefer your POV vids and I'll be getting a Contour.

The Drift works for you and thats cool.

[/ QUOTE ]

Looking through a little port-hole is hardly a realistic view either....which is why having used similar I'd strongly urge you not to spend the money. But good luck all the same if thats what you want, because chance is going to play a big part in capturing anything worthwhile.
 
Just as a point of reference, the new Contour Roam and Contour+ both have 170º Lenses. The GPS model has a 135º

I have used an older contour quite a bit. Creativity in camera placement and editing have been able to ease most of the frustrations Reg spoke of. Might take longer to get what your after, but I'm with Grover I prefer the contour's more realistic view of the world.

And yes the lens is rotatable.

Tony
 
[ QUOTE ]
Just as a point of reference, the new Contour Roam and Contour+ both have 170º Lenses. The GPS model has a 135º

I have used an older contour quite a bit.

[/ QUOTE ]

Any examples we can see?

I think you have posted videos here before Tony yeah?
 
The contour has a lower profile and sits nicer on the helmet imo. You will have to convert files if you are going to edit on a mac however. This is kinda annoying but worth it.
 
Here's a site with a slew of POV cameras. It is lacking the Contour and Drift cams. Clicking on specifications for each will show the angle of view.
http://www.sports-vue.com/?gclid=COigrrzEi64CFaYaQgodCznX2Q

Reckon it's about time I get one...I'm leaning toward the Contour......more streamlined than the GoPro.

Priorties, I guess. For me, or course, DSLR's are my thing...and I just spent $240 on some needed filters and accessories.

Been slammed since our snow/ice event....and have scads of media to edit....crikey, it would take me a century of Sundays to catch up.
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

Tim, you're like the anti-drift or something
grin.gif



[/ QUOTE ]

no Reg, I just like to see things as close to reality as you can get. Which is why I prefer your POV vids and I'll be getting a Contour.

The Drift works for you and thats cool.

[/ QUOTE ]

Two of the three Contours sport 170 degree lenses. And the POV1 is now also 170.

http://contour.com/products/compare_cameras

By the way, have you tried zipping a bouquet of branches? It's much faster, and easy, especially with little fellas as were those spruce limbs. Or carry a mess of slings, and lose the control line.....it's only needed when there's a real need to control the descent speed.
 
Great helmetcam Reg, It has the best and widest field of view I've seen yet.

Should make for some great vids from your new home in the PNW.

Thanks for the valuable info Reg, you're a true professional.

jomoco
 
[ QUOTE ]
I do indeed have it set at 1080. Might be some kind of anti-shake feature that some cameras have. I dont like to drop down from 1080 incase I ever use a specific clip for somthing other than the net....wouldn't want to comprimise the clarity unless (as recommended) its for slow motion.

I'll put those photos on now Jack.
309918-DSC01832-Copy.JPG


[/ QUOTE ]

I like it Reg as it seems the best represention, height distortion not withstanding.

What are you supposed to get out of the corded mic?

What does the non corded remote look like (wrist banded?)?

Shame it does not have a light to indicate when you are recording as I can see you loosing mass footage like you said and even recording when you think you are not.
 

New threads New posts

Back
Top Bottom