RRP: $349
Resolution: 1080p, 720p & WVGA
Field of View: 127 degrees (170 degree mode selectable)
Memory type: SD card
Recording capacity: 32GB = 8 hours (approx)
Battery type: Lithium-ion, removable, rechargeable
Battery life: upto 3 hours
The Drift HD170 Stealth is a compact, high quality and outstanding value onboard video recording system.
We have tested several units at Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2011 iRace series, onboard a variety of race cars. The results were very outstanding (and can be seen at our Vimeo Drift HD170 Stealth album by clicking here), a full review follows.
What's in the box?
The HD170 Stealth arrives in a sturdy box. Inside the standard package you get:
- HD170 Stealth Action Camera unit
- Remote Control
- Handlebar Grip
- Goggle Mount
- Head Strap
- Helmet Grip
- Universal Clip
- Velcro Strap
- Rechargeable Battery
- Component Video and USB Cables
Setting Up
Setting the camera up to record is extremely straightforward.
The back cover of the camera opens by sliding to one side, and then folding open. The battery is then inserted in a receptacle in the back of the recorder, the memory card is inserted under the same cover.
Getting this ready to go takes about one minute.
There are additional menu options to select different recording modes (video, single still or continuous stills - stills are 5 megapixels), adjust exposure, adjust resolution (1080p, 720p or Standard Definition), adjust frame rate (60fps and 50fps for 720p & SD only, 30fps or 25fps for all resolutions), and to select night mode. These options give great flexibility, but if you just want to get going things are very simple and you can be up and running in a minute or two.
Mounting
We mounted the XXL Roll Bar Mount pointing in roughly the right direction (with the hose clamp), and the mount itself then offers multi-directional adjustment, allowing you to point the camera exactly where you want it.
The HD170 Stealth then offers a great feature, allowing you to rotate the lens to level the shot. The front bezel rotates, and moves the sensor to set it up perfectly horizontally. The inbuilt LCD display on the HD170 Stealth allows you to easily check your shot and make final adjustments.
Operation
Once in position, the camera can be easily controlled by the buttons on the side of the unit, with the included remote control providing additional options. The camera turns on, starts recording, stops recording and turns off all with the one button, so it's easy to remember, and easy to explain to a crew member if you're delegating the task to one of your team.
Downloading
A memory card reader can be had for around $10. Make sure you get one that accepts SD cards. You simply plug your reader into a USB port on your computer, and plug your SD card into the reader. Your files are available to copy to the computer, or edit/upload them straight from the card! If you have a second memory card, you can pop it into the camera, and get back to shooting, while you download.
The HD170 Stealth includes a USB cable to allow you to connect the camera to the USB port of your computer and download the video files. Our preferred method of download is to remove the SD memory card from the camera and use a USB SD Card Reader to access the files directly (see sidebar for more info on this).
Using our preferred method, the video files were easily accessible, and downloaded quickly to our computer. You can also watch the video files on the computer directly from the memory card (accessing it as an external drive). The files are .MOV, which can be viewed on almost all computers.
To edit the downloaded video, you have almost unlimited options. One quick and easy method is to use Quicktime Pro. We've prepared a short tutorial explaining how to do this, available here.
Video Quality
The video quality from the HD170 Stealth is outstanding. Resolution: There are three resolutions to choose from, 1080p, 720p or 'Standard Definition'. The higher resolution is full High Definition, and the lower is DVD quality. We prefer the 720p setting, and usually use 60fps - this setting is a nice manageable size, and the higher frame rate produces smoother footage. The 1080p option is great, but we've often found that full 1080p footage is overkill.
Clarity: The video is very clear, and offers a very wide field of view. Close objects (~50cm) are in clear focus, and objects that are far away are in focus. The wide angle of the lens - 170 degrees in 720p mode - also means that you capture a lot of action in the frame.
Smoothness: There are four frame rate options. 1080p offers 30fps (smooth) or 25fps and the 720p + SD settings offer 25fps, 30fps, 50fps and 60fps (VERY smooth!).
Light Balance: Our test footage was shot from inside the cockpit of various cars, in varying light conditions. Overall the light balance was very good.
Sound: There is a built-in microphone which is quite effective at capturing good audio. There is also a setting to vary the sensitivity of the microphone, so you should normally be able to get the sound you want.
To view some of the video we filmed, click here. Note that this video is compressed for display on the internet, but still gives an excellent idea of the video quality. If you're interested in seeing the original files, let us know and we can send them to you.
Value for money: 10/10
Ease of installation: 9/10
Ease of operation: 10/10
Video resolution: 10/10
Video clarity: 9/10
Video smoothness: 10/10
Battery life: 9/10
OVERALL: 9.5/10
Accessories
There is a wide range of accessories available for the HD170 Stealth, including:
- Camera Mounts
- Bags and Cases
- Longer Life Battery
- External Mic
- Spare Parts
The accessories that may be useful for you will depend on where you are going to mount your camera. For mounting the camera in the cabin of most cars, you will probably need to investigate the two accessories we mentioned above. You may also like to get a case to protect and store your camera unit.
Summary
The Drift HD170 Stealth is an outstanding onboard camera. It offers very simple operation, flexible mounting, and great video. At just $349 it is also EXTREMELY afforable, and a worthy addition to your racegear.
More information
HD170 Stealth User Manual
HD170 Stealth Product Page
HD170 Stealth Sample iRace Footage
HD170 Stealth Accessories
