Video Camera help...GoPro, Gideon, Drift Ghost?
Video Camera help...GoPro, Gideon, Drift Ghost?
Gotta make a decision soon. All thoughts, directions, information, opinions welcomed!
If a GoPro, which one and why?
Anyone used the WaspCam Gideon? It seems like more bang for the buck than the GoPro?
Drift Ghost, I'm leaning this direction because I have had a good 5 years with the Drift HD170, and I like the idea of not having to futz with the waterproof enclosure on the GoPro or the Gideon.
Thanks in advance for any help.
If a GoPro, which one and why?
Anyone used the WaspCam Gideon? It seems like more bang for the buck than the GoPro?
Drift Ghost, I'm leaning this direction because I have had a good 5 years with the Drift HD170, and I like the idea of not having to futz with the waterproof enclosure on the GoPro or the Gideon.
Thanks in advance for any help.
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 572
Likes: 115
From: Chicagoland
I have the Hero4 Silver and I love it. I have no experience with other "mini" cams (I have a nice handheld cannon video camera!) so I can just give you my GoPro review.
I prefer the silver over the black largely because of the rear touch screen. Not just because it makes going through the settings and options SO much easier, but framing a shot and setting up a mount is a little easier also. GoPro's app software is getting better and better tho. Even without the lcd back you can use your phone to view the camera view. IIRC the best part of the Hero4 Black is that it'll go to 4k video. The 1080 that the Silver does is outstanding and if you're not looking to make theater quality video, it's probably over kill. I also love the wide angle that it shoots. The settings are awesome. You can be shooting video and have it set to take a still every "x" seconds. Or you can just shoot stills every "x" seconds as you motor away. The sound is just ok for me. But I don't use it much for that. Others will talk about external mic's and such that they've had good or bad experience with, I have none either way. While needing the case to be "waterproof", I think the case provides a decent amount of shock protection as well. I've sent it sledding with my daughter and it's gone through some good wipeouts at the bottom of the hill. There is also an abundance of accessories for all the GoPro cameras, so you can usually find something that works for you.
I prefer the silver over the black largely because of the rear touch screen. Not just because it makes going through the settings and options SO much easier, but framing a shot and setting up a mount is a little easier also. GoPro's app software is getting better and better tho. Even without the lcd back you can use your phone to view the camera view. IIRC the best part of the Hero4 Black is that it'll go to 4k video. The 1080 that the Silver does is outstanding and if you're not looking to make theater quality video, it's probably over kill. I also love the wide angle that it shoots. The settings are awesome. You can be shooting video and have it set to take a still every "x" seconds. Or you can just shoot stills every "x" seconds as you motor away. The sound is just ok for me. But I don't use it much for that. Others will talk about external mic's and such that they've had good or bad experience with, I have none either way. While needing the case to be "waterproof", I think the case provides a decent amount of shock protection as well. I've sent it sledding with my daughter and it's gone through some good wipeouts at the bottom of the hill. There is also an abundance of accessories for all the GoPro cameras, so you can usually find something that works for you.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 3
From: Vancouver, BC
Check out the Sony Action Cam.... Smaller than the gopro, lots of accessories and mounts but the reason I like it is it comes with a remotc control with a screen that shows live what the camera sees... Straps to you wrist
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 733
Likes: 61
From: Springfield, MA
Hope this helps as it is based on a long time of actual use with many different cameras. Not only do I ride, but I play paintball. That sport will give your camera on hell of a workout both mechanically and electronically. I have used many different types of the small video cameras over the years and have always come back to the Drift cameras. They do not have the marketing of the GoPro, but I think they are a much better camera. The Drift housings right out of the box will take much more abuse than the others. I had a waterproof case leak due to operator error and the camera was fine in about 5 feet of water for about 15 minutes. (Salt water) with no problems at all. The cameras have successfully taken direct hits from paintballs at nearly 300fps without damage. I cleaned off the paint and the camera works fine to this day. I have had direct hits from bugs with the same outcome. No damage and keeps on working. One of the nice features the drift offers is a changeable front lens. If the front lens gets damaged you can get a replacement that takes 4 small screws to change out, and they even include the tool you need. The new models, Ghost-S and the Stealth 2. the remote control has LEDs on it the light up and let you know what teh camera is doing. You can be sure you have started/stopped the taping. You can even take still pictures while actively recording video. Finally, the lens will rotate so no matter your camera is oriented, the video with be properly oriented. I have owned several models and have had great luck with them. There was an issue they had with batteries, but everyone that you ask them about, would be replaced no questions ask.
You will not go wrong with the Drift line of cameras.
You will not go wrong with the Drift line of cameras.
Thank you all for the info.
I spent a couple of hours looking at the actual cameras (instead of just online reports).
Could not find a Sony Action Cam to look at.
But the GoPro and Gideon fall short in a few areas for the day after day of riding that we do. Short battery life, no external mic when in waterproof case, having to remove camera from case to change batteries, no lens orientation.
Got a Drift Ghost S today.
I spent a couple of hours looking at the actual cameras (instead of just online reports).
Could not find a Sony Action Cam to look at.
But the GoPro and Gideon fall short in a few areas for the day after day of riding that we do. Short battery life, no external mic when in waterproof case, having to remove camera from case to change batteries, no lens orientation.
Got a Drift Ghost S today.
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
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Likes: 11
From: Western Washington
Kevin, wanting to upgrade my old GoPro and have decided on the Drift, How are you going to mount it on your Softail? And where?
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Advanced
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 68
Likes: 2
From: Houston, TX
I see you made your decision already, but for the next guy that comes along...
I also recommend the Sony Action Cam. I've used it riding, white water rafting, snorkeling, and 4 wheelin. The watch thing is neat, but it drains the battery since it talks wifi to the watch. Gets a little heavy on the helmet after a couple of hours, but I also had Sena coms unit on at the same time. I've made some still photos off the videos. Quality is fantastic. I've bought a lot of the accessory crap. Guess I need to buy a handle bar mount....
I also recommend the Sony Action Cam. I've used it riding, white water rafting, snorkeling, and 4 wheelin. The watch thing is neat, but it drains the battery since it talks wifi to the watch. Gets a little heavy on the helmet after a couple of hours, but I also had Sena coms unit on at the same time. I've made some still photos off the videos. Quality is fantastic. I've bought a lot of the accessory crap. Guess I need to buy a handle bar mount....
