Summary The Drift X170 has everything going for
it...except HD. Too bad, because the form factor, ease of use and the live
view color LCD menu screen makes everything else seem so yesterday. We can
only hope that Drift will release an HD version soon.
Background
In Part 1 of this two-part comparison, I reviewed the GoPro HD video camera. It's a nice unit and it takes very good quality HD
video, and it has a very waterproof housing that is used by surfers,
wakeboarders and others.
The Drift X170 has a color LCD live view screen and
easy-to-use menu system that suddenly makes the GoPro seem hopelessly
obsolete. Sounds good, right? Except the Drift X170 is not HD. The videos
aren't up to the quality of the GoPro HD, much less a "real" HD dedicated video
camera.
Nevertheless, the price and ease of use of the Drift X170, along with its
built in 1/4-20 tripod mount and almost-sleek styling may make it a contender
for some motorcyclists.
If this all sounds rather subjective, it is. When Drift comes out with
an HD version -- and we can only assume they are working on it (or should be) --
it may just be the video camera to have.
GoPro would have to do a serious renovation of their boxy camera to match the
features of the Drift X170. The GoPro camera body has been in production
for several years in various forms (the original GoPro camera was
along with the
GoPro Wide were both
previously reviewed on webBikeWorld). This may be a blessing and a curse,
because to add a live view to the GoPro would probably mean a completely new
system.
Again, it's important to note that the Drift X170 is not HD; it is also a wide format camera
and the owner can choose between 3:2, 4:3 and 16:9 perspectives (but the
16:9 is simply a cropped view and not HD).
As I wrote in the GoPro HD
review, this makes a comparison a bit of an
apples-to-oranges exercise, but both cameras have their pros and cons and the
Drift X170 has so many cool features, it may just be worthwhile, even without
HD.
UPDATE: June 9, 2010 -- Drift announced the release of an HD
version of the camera, coming soon at a list price of (gulp!) $329.00.
We'll be reviewing it as soon as possible.
Drift X170 Specifications
The Drift X170 records video in either .MP4 or MJPEG .avi format and at 30
or 60 frames per second. The formats and speed can be selected in the
settings in the menu system. Files are stored in .avi format on an SD card up
to 16 GB.
The marketing materials for the X170 list different specifications
than what is displayed in the camera's menu system. For example, our
instruction sheet does not indicate that the camera will record at 60 fps, nor
does it list the 3:2 format, but both of these choices are available via the
menu (although we didn't record at 60 fps so can't confirm it actually works.
The camera uses a CMOS sensor and it will also record still images that
actually seem better quality than we expected, albeit with the perspective
distortion of its 170 degree wide lens.
The video resolution is 720 pixels by 480 pixels and the photos are taken at
5 megapixels.
UPDATE: Slide show
added to the GoPro HD review in Part 1
of this comparison.
Drift X170 Features
Now you might think the Drift X170 is a non-contender because it doesn't record
in true HD, which is pretty much a must-have feature for any camera in 2010. But it has so many
other endearing features that can really win you over.
For example, it has the the full color, 1.5" wide live view screen that makes
it so easy to use the menu system that the very simple
instruction sheet isn't required, unlike the GoPro, which has a very cryptic and
difficult-to-use menu system on a plain and tiny black and white screen.
The Drift X170 also has a small remote control (radio frequency) that comes
with its very own hook-and-loop wrist strap. This is a real advantage when taking videos on a motorcycle. The strap
can be secured around the handlebars or elsewhere and the camera can be easily
turned on and off to record portions of the ride -- a real breakthrough for
motorcyclists.
The remote works from several feet away (claimed 5 meter
radius) and we had no trouble turning the camera on and off with it while on the
motorcycle.
Also, the X170 uses two AA batteries, so you can carry extra batteries and
don't have to worry about finding a USB port to recharge the unit.
So there are some real advantages here and we can't wait until Drift releases
an HD version of the X170.
The lens on the Drift X170 rotates 360 degrees. The camera comes with a
very handy remote control (L).
The Drift X170 housing is made from a soft-touch plastic
material. It's very easy to grip and hold and the form factor is obviously
much different from the GoPro HD. It's not perfect though; the long and
slightly thick shape does make it a bit difficult to mount on a helmet.
Also, the Drift X170 does not come with a suction cup mount, so
I bought one at the local camera store for $25.00 (it has a ball head).
The X170 does have a metal 1/4-20 tripod mount, something we consider mandatory
for any camera.
The housing is nowhere near as waterproof as the GoPro HD; the
X170 is rated to only 0.5 meter -- that's 1/2 of a meter, or 50 centimeters, or
500 millimeters, which is about 20".
The lens on the X170 rotates through 360 degrees, which helps to
line up the video, although you have to make sure the video is framed correctly
in the live view with the camera in the correct position (i.e., with the "Drift
X170" logo in the upper left corner as shown below).
The live view helps a great deal in lining up the camera to
ensure you'll get the shot you expected, unlike the GoPro HD, which is a
guess-and-hope system.
Initial menu on the color LCD screen of the Drift X170 shows 1 video file; 5
photos; the gear that is
currently selected to access the settings and the dual arrows to download
firmware.
Batteries and...No Charging!
The Drift X170 uses two common AA batteries. This makes it easy to carry
spares for replacement if necessary, and rechargeable batteries can be used.
It comes with a pair of basic Maxell alkalines that last about 30 minutes, and
Drift recommends using lithium batteries for up to 4.5 hours of recording.
The X170 and the GoPro HD have battery life indicators on their
LCD panel. When the Maxell batteries died, I put in a pair of Energizer AA
batteries and it's been running fine ever since. The remote control uses a
CR2032 camera battery. We haven't found it necessary to replace the remote
battery yet. Next time the camera needs batteries, I will try a pair of
rechargeables.
The Box Again...
I mentioned the pet peeve about the useless boxes in Part 1 of this series, so
won't repeat it here except to say I sure wish they included a nice soft bag to
carry the X170 in.
The round lens on this camera is very exposed, so it
would be nice also to have some type of plastic form-fitted case to put the
camera in when not in use. I'm afraid the lens will eventually get
scratched -- it's almost unavoidable.
The Drift X170 uses two AA batteries (L).
The compartment holds the SD memory card, the USB port and the AV port (R).
In the Box
The Drift X170 also comes with an assortment of accessories but, unlike the
GoPro HD, it's missing one of the most important: a suction cup mount. I
bought the separate Panavise-type mount for $25.00 and it has
a ball head, which is a must-have feature for a suction cup mount in my opinion.
Besides the camera, the batteries and the remote control, the
Drift X170 package includes an el cheapo bicycle handlebar grip; a couple of
goggle mounts and straps (didn't try them); a wrist strap for the remote control
(very handy); and a USB cable and AV cable.
I never use the AV cables or the USB cables, preferring instead
to yank the SD card and put it in my direct card reader to download the video
and photo files.
By the way, like the GoPro HD, the Drift X170 can be powered
from an accessory (i.e., cigarette lighter socket) power supply that converts to
a USB output (like these car chargers with USB cable on Amazon.com).
This is more theoretical than practical though, as the rear door
on the X170 would have to be left open to access the USB port, while the GoPro
HD would have to come out of its waterproof shell, which would then expose the
lens. But, just to note that either of the cameras can be powered by (and
the GoPro HD battery can be recharged) on the road if necessary (not sure if the X170 would recharge a pair of
rechargeable batteries when plugged in though).
Drift X170 File Format
The .avi format files saved by the X170 defaulted to MP4 so I left it at that
and did not try the MJPEG flavor. The files are relatively small, as I reported in the GoPro HD review.
We had no problems importing them into Adobe Premiere Elements 8.01 for editing
and exporting to YouTube in the two videos included below. The files were
combined with files from the Canon HV20 and GoPro HD and saved as .M2T (AVCHD) HD files.
Note that the video from the X170 is stretched to fit the HD format, which
affects the quality.
Also, note that the DivX player we use to play videos would not play the
audio from the Drift X170 without an added Direct Show codec.
I haven't investigated this further because the audio plays when imported
into Premiere Elements and since we always edit the videos before saving and
playing them, it just isn't important to me to figure this out. However,
if you plan on viewing unedited videos from the X170, this may be something to
investigate.
As I mentioned in the GoPro HD review, the studio videos (below) are designed to compare the quality of the Canon HV20 video camera we use
for most of the webBikeWorld videos (1080i) with the GoPro HD and the Drift
X170. You will see in the videos that the Canon still has much better
quality, while the GoPro produces good quality video but the very wide angle
lens that somewhat distorts the perspective, especially at close range, while
the Drift X170 is wide angle only.
The field of view for the X170 lens is 170 degrees (hence the name) and the
aperture is undefined but is fixed. Like the GoPro HD, the X170 has occasional
difficulties with high-contrast scenes, or when coming from shadows to sunlight
when riding and shooting a video.
Both of those cameras also have lower
quality, less saturation and lower contrast levels than the Canon and are lower
quality than even most of the relatively inexpensive digital cameras with HD
video capability, so we still have a way to go in this area.
Still Image Lens Perspective Comparison:
Left - Nikon D70, 18-200VR at 35 mm. Center - Drift X170.
Right - GoPro HD.
Here is a
625
pixel wide version of this comparison. Photos unretouched but cropped
to 625 pixels.
Notes on Using the Drift X170 The live view on the color LCD screen makes a huge difference in
setting up the Drift X170. Also, stored videos can be viewed on the
screen, which at least lets you know whether you have what you expected.
And, the X170 even has a built-in speaker, albeit with poor quality. But
you can at least confirm that your videos were recorded with sound.
With the GoPro HD, you'll have to wait until you have access to a computer to
even know if you have a video. This is a big plus for the X170.
The Drift X170 also has an easy-to-use menu system. It takes a couple
of tries to learn how it works: scroll to the gear icon and press the enter
button. Then scroll through the menu choices, forward or back, using the
arrow keys. Press the "carriage return" button to choose and press the
Menu button to go back. Repeated pressing of the Menu button will always
return to the live view screen, ready to take a video or photo.
The color LCD screen on the Drift X170 measures 30 mm across by 25 mm tall,
almost exactly twice the size of the GoPro screen. The resolution is
undefined, but it's pretty good for a tiny and inexpensive LCD.
Using the X170 menu system is a breeze, and the small instruction printout
shouldn't be needed after a couple of initial read-throughs. Everything
you need to know is in the on-board menu and it's self-explanatory.
The only trick on both of these cameras is remembering to set them to your
choice of parameters before shooting the video or taking the photos. Also,
as mentioned in the GoPro HD review, unless I'm missing something, it appears
that both of these cameras do not have an obvious warning if
no SD card is installed.
We tried taking videos several times and couldn't
figure out what was going on until we realized the memory card was not
installed. There should be a very obvious warning, flashing lights and
beeps if the camera is turned on without the memory card.
The Drift X170 does have a 1/4-20 adapter, making it easy to connect the
camera to a tripod or other standard camera holding device. Handlebar
mounts with 1/4-20 screws are available to fit on motorcycle handlebars.
If all this sounds good, the main purpose of the X170 -- taking video -- is a
letdown. The quality of the video is acceptable but below average and we
noticed some pixilation in the moving videos. It simply isn't HD quality
because it's not HD and the wide angle format, while perhaps acceptable for
surfing or skiing, isn't a benefit for motorcycle use.
The Opinionator -
Drift X170 Video Camera
Picks...
...and Pans.
Slim form factor.
Live view with color LCD screen.
Very good menu system.
AA batteries with 4.5 hour life.
Takes decent still photos.
Simple instructions and menu
system makes for easy selections.
Standard 1/4-20 tripod mount
included.
Relatively inexpensive.
Very handy remote control.
Built-in speaker.
No HD.
Video not as good as GoPro HD.
No suction cup mount included.
Waterproof to only 0.5 m.
Sound Recording
The X170 HD has a built-in microphone and speaker, but
the sound quality isn't quite as good as the GoPro HD, which is also not very
good compared to a dedicated video camera.
We left the sound unchanged and unedited in the on-bike video samples.
With careful placement and possibly some wind-filtering experimentation, the
sound may be better than we recorded, but we didn't spend much time trying to
perfect this aspect of the cameras. Some owners report success using
different types of open-cell foam strategically placed over the microphone.
wBWVideo:
Part 1: GoPro HD and Drift X170 Quick Walk-Through
wBWVideo: Part 2: GoPro HD and Drift X170
Studio and On-Bike Video Comparison
NOTE: The raw files were processed in
Adobe Premier Elements 8.0 and exported as H.264 in .M2T
format. The files are compressed again when
uploaded to YouTube, so the quality is slightly degraded
from the original video.
Conclusion
The Drift X170 has many unique and useful features, but
it's let down by its non-HD video. It seems
obvious that the "faux HD" wide-angle file format is a
stopgap measure until Drift comes out with a full HD
version, which we hope is soon.
Nevertheless, it's a fun camera to use and the price is lower than the GoPro
HD. You can at least record video that's a lot of fun to watch.
The words I wrote in the GoPro HD review conclusion are valid here also: If the Drift X170 had full HD, it would probably be a clear winner in this
comparison, unless you needed the full waterproof capability of the GoPro.
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