Need a new helmet cam with stablisation - anyone tried Drift 4k+?

[Arfa]

I'm planning a camera upgrade, currently got a Drift Ghost X and had the Drift Stealth 2 before that (and a RoadHawk way back). I like the slim form factor for mounting onto side of my lid. Anyway, I want to get a better camera with some in build image stabalisation, as I've never been too happy with any stabalisation performed when editing. Otherwise I like the Drift Ghost - goot battery life, light, streamline, robust, fine in the rain etc.

The Drift 4k seems the obvious choice, but I see there's the Drift 4k+ now. Anyone tried it? Any good? How does it differ to the 4k?

I know the GoPros have good stablisation, but they seemed more money and I'm not so keen on the helmet mounting options for these. I tend to wear a flip up lid, so a chin mount probably isn't ideal.

Anything else I ought to be considering?

 

[HippoDrone]

Lots of people have had issues with the Drift cameras, and their tech is a bit outdated now.

I run a chin mounted GoPro Hero 8, and my road lid is a flip-front.

 

[Arfa]

OK, I'm a bit confused now. I was looking on Amazon and see Drift Ghost 4k and a Drift Ghost 4k+ (https://amzn.to/396cu4z). But I don't see any mention of the 4k+ on Drfit's own website. Are these really two different versions? Or could this just be a bad listing on Amazon, and both are the same old Drift 4k? Perhaps a model variation for a different market? It does however, appear to have same part number as other 4k models...

There was me thinking it might be some more upto date version. Otherwise, maybe it is time to defect to the GoPro house...

 

[scooterwuf]

I have two Drift Ghost S, both are great. I've never really needed stabilization if its mounted to my helmet. I've used it mounted on other parts of my bike, but never at highway speeds.

I've held off on updating to the 4K because of the audio issues I've heard about. I still think their S model is their best one, but they've stop manufacturing it.

- Wolf

 

[scooterwuf]

Looks like there's a Ghost S available on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/GHOST-S-DIGITAL-ACTION-CAMERA-CAMCORDER/dp/B00GJRCPRO/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAqdP9BRDVARIsAGSZ8AmRkdogGST4t8prDYmxDuLWMKOIauErTMHbWXPXpok07z5uRPr0E0saAs1hEALw_wcB&hvadid=177222620286&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9003860&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=9493621779116098974&hvtargid=kwd-82631973915&hydadcr=18471_9830606&keywords=drift+ghost+camera&qid=1605709015&sr=8-9&tag=googhydr-20

- Wolf

 

[HippoDrone]

I think the 4k+ got dropped very quickly, it was on their website, but got taken down.

 

[scooterwuf]

That’s sad to hear. I like the cylindrical design of the Drift cameras and the rotating lens that make it adaptable for numerous uses. GoPro’s picture quality is slightly better, but the box shape and audio headaches always stopped me from using one as a helmet cam. I really love the Max and it’s probable my best quality camera, and with the stabilization, perfect on my bars and dashboard. I just wish this damn pandemic was over so I could get out to ride and shoot more with a full camera set-up.

- Wolf

 

[HRMV]

Never tried the drift cams, but I fully agree with comments about the design being more aesthetically pleasing than the gopro boxes.

 

[SighBored]

Drift cameras? Pepperidge Farm Remembers. (just kidding)

 

[lupin]

The old drift cameras were solid as a rock. The new ones not so much.

It pains me to say it but look at another brand.

 

[Arfa]

The old drift cameras were solid as a rock. The new ones not so much.
It pains me to say it but look at another brand.

Yep, that's the conclusion I've come to. A real shame, I definitely prefer the Drift form factor, rotating lens and long battery life. Can only hope they manage to turn things around in the future.
I, however, can't wait until then, so have now treated myself to a GoPro Hero 9, will see how I get on with that once I've sorted a good way to mount it on my helmet and this lockdown eases enough to get back out on bikes.

 

[LoneWally]

Basically a repeat of of Lupin Has already said. The newer Drifts also don’t have stabilisation that I’m aware of. Though I’ve never found myself needing with my older bulletproof S. By the looks the 4K+ is just a 4K with a few extra accessorieS. Being that I use a modular helmet the Drift from factor is brilliant but they’re plagued with too many issues for me to make the jump. Like you said I hope they can fix the shit.

 

[Moto Mengy]

I wish GoPro would make a new Hero Session 9. Us motovloggers could really use one.

 

[HRMV]

I wish GoPro would make a new Hero Session 9. Us motovloggers could really use one.

I second this

 

[Drakhen99]

That’s sad to hear. I like the cylindrical design of the Drift cameras and the rotating lens that make it adaptable for numerous uses. GoPro’s picture quality is slightly better, but the box shape and audio headaches always stopped me from using one as a helmet cam. I really love the Max and it’s probable my best quality camera, and with the stabilization, perfect on my bars and dashboard. I just wish this damn pandemic was over so I could get out to ride and shoot more with a full camera set-up.

- Wolf

I really like the GoPro 8 setup I have ... and I have a 9 on the way! (should be delivered today, yay!)

I agree, the brick-on-the-side-of-your-head gets tiresome on naked bikes, not so much on faired bikes. On my bobber and KZ, anything over 50mph or so and you really feel the pull of the brick. My street glide fairs better (get it?) of course.

I don't know what helmet you're using, but if it's anything but a full-face, I can help - check out my YouTube channel - go into my MotoVlog Gear Setup playlist. In about 3.5 hours from now there will be a new audio setup video going up for Half Helmet motovloggers. I'll post it in the member vlogs section when it goes up.

When you say "full camera set-up" - how many cameras are we talking?

-John

 

[AmpdMoto]

I ran drift then switched to GoPro for quite a while but the problem with GoPro is it’s bulky once you have everything attached and they don’t last that long battery wise.
I recently switched to using a Sena 10c Evo and couldn’t be happier. The quality is good and now I only have one device on my helmet. To me if the setup is easy you are more likely to use it. With the evo I can just get on and go ride without fiddling with extra mics or batteries. To each their own but I think it’s a good choice.

 

[Drakhen99]

I ran drift then switched to GoPro for quite a while but the problem with GoPro is it’s bulky once you have everything attached and they don’t last that long battery wise.
I recently switched to using a Sena 10c Evo and couldn’t be happier. The quality is good and now I only have one device on my helmet. To me if the setup is easy you are more likely to use it. With the evo I can just get on and go ride without fiddling with extra mics or batteries. To each their own but I think it’s a good choice.

I 100% agree, and not every setup will work for every rider.

My setup currently is all attached to the helmet, so short of pulling over to change batteries, I'm good to roll with just putting the GP on my helmet and firing it up. I usually do an audio test (sometimes the GP doesn't want to record audio) before setting off, but it's quite easy, and when I get to my destination, my half helmet w/GP on it fits in the tour pack on my Harley, so I just toss it in (ok, set it down gently) but then I'm free & clear with no mic wires dangling.

So yeah, having an easy-to-use setup makes vlogging that much faster & easier.

-John