FYI, cameras like that already exist (not in 4k from what I've seen). I haven't used a dual lens camera like that, but I always worry about battery life. 4h isn't enough. 8 hours barely cuts it for me. ๐ญ
For commuting, it might be perfect.
this post was submitted on 26 Jan 2025
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micromobility - Ebikes, scooters, longboards: Whatever floats your goat, this is micromobility
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What do you use that lasts that long?
I use a Ghost DriftXL because its only $100 and has good enough resolution/battery life for my commutes (only one direction though).
Hey man, FYI, I swapped out the glass lens on mine just now, and the clarity I gained is significant!
The Drift lens kit was like $25 + shipping, and I didn't need anything but the glass. So, I measured mine, and found a replacement "watch lens glass" replacement... 19mm is what you want, flat glass (some are domed), and as close to 0.9mm as possible. The one I got was 0.8mm, and it fits perfectly. I paid like $11, just to get it quickly, but I can order a bulk pack for just a few dollars each.
Not that I've had to replace this before, but it had so many micro scratches from cleaning the lens when wet while riding, that I figured I should try. I was expecting some improvement, but it's like the contrast just got cranked up!
If you ever need to replace that lens, look for third-party glass!
Thanks for the tip! Mine is still pretty pristine but I'll keep this in mind for when it inevitably needs replaced.
For sure. I got the idea when I read a review about the entire Drift lens kit, and someone said "I wish they just sold the glass". So, I measured mine up, and was able to find adequate replacements within minutes!
I have the Drift Ghost X, but with the extended battery pack. It gets me to the 8h mark, but I usually have to plug it in when I'm going for rides longer than that.
It's been a great camera, and I wish they still sold this model. I may get the XL, but I really prefer to have a removable battery module.
If you have two or more Drift cameras, you can link them together to start/stop (and I believe tag videos) in sync. Extra stuff to manage compared to one camera with a dual lens, but it's an option :)
Damn, they had ones with removable batteries!? I wish they still sold them too.
Yeah, the sync is part of why I got them: I figured down the road I could get a rear/front cam, plus maybe a helmet cam even (what I currently run).
The Insta360 also does front/back recording, but you run into the issue of battery life and recording space.
Damn, they had ones with removable batteries!? I wish they still sold them too.
Edit: the Drift Ghost X had a small battery built-in (non-removable) and a battery pack module that connected to it. You could swap the module for an extended pack, or a regular-sized one, and never really run out of juice.
Yeah, I keep checking Aliexpress and Amazon, hoping they'll have old stock they want to get rid of on sale, but nothing.
I mean, it wouldn't be the end of the world if I got a different Drift model. The battery I'm using has already seen tens of thousands of KM of riding over the last 4 years, through extreme summer and the coldest winters. It's probably the most reliable piece of cycling tech I own! LOL I just wish they never used that damn mini-USB connector. USB-C would make this camera perfect.
The Insta360 also does front/back recording, but you run into the issue of battery life and recording space.
I own an older Samsung 360 camera, and it's REALLY NICE as a dash cam... but there are so many limitations when using a 360 camera:
- yes, poor battery life.
- SD card space is astronomical (I keep my ride recordings... many TB worth!).
- They are nowhere near as robust as the Drift.
- They kind of need to be mounted in a way that's just too "out there" to be effective.
- They are way more expensive.
- You have to post process the videos afterwards, rather than simply dumping the files to be played easily from any device.
That said, if a cycling-specific 360 dash camera ever came out, I'd be very interested!
I'm not a fan of bike helmet mounted cameras, although, I was running the Drift on a motorcycle helmet (side mounted) for years before I sold my higher-power e-scooter.
I mount mine on the very top: I figure it i get into a crash it's more likely to get knocked off and it's a good vantage point.
I mount mine on the very top
I've been freaked out by ANYTHING mounted to my helmet after this incident.