{"id":2924,"date":"2020-04-06T10:04:03","date_gmt":"2020-04-06T06:04:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/actiongadgetsreviews.com\/?p=2924"},"modified":"2020-07-24T19:23:05","modified_gmt":"2020-07-24T15:23:05","slug":"drift-ghost-x-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/actiongadgetsreviews.com\/drift-ghost-x-review","title":{"rendered":"Drift Ghost X Review"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Welcome to my Drift Ghost X review!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What’s special about this small action camera, who is it for and
is it worth the money?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s find out..<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ghost X is the lightest and cheapest model in the Drift action cameras. It provides a maximum of 1080p at 30 frames per second video resolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, I know what you’re thinking.. Only 1080p?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well its price is very competitive<\/u> and it is one of the reasons this camera goes only to 1080p.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I guess Drift Innovation wanted to provide their customers who can’t afford to buy the 4K model with a cheaper option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But if you’re looking for a 4K action camera from Drift then you can always check the Drift Ghost 4K<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Point is:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are on a budget, this Ghost X can be a great option instead of the other Chinese action cams you find in the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this review, I will cover as much information as possible on this Ghost X and will take you through every detail like un-boxing, design, features, resolutions and video\/photo quality and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drift has released the Ghost XL in July 2019, check my review here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drift claims that the Ghost X has a long battery life, 12MP still shots and high quality low light performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do you think of these claims?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s find out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Let’s Jump to the Review!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"\/<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Product:<\/strong> Drift Ghost X<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Price:<\/strong> $<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My rating:<\/strong> 4\/5<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheapest place to buy:<\/strong> Amazon.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Specifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Camera dimensions: 43 x 82 x 31.40 mm
Lens: 140 degrees, f-2.4
Video Resolutions: 1080p 30\/25 fps, 720p 60\/50\/30\/25 fps, WVGA 60\/50\/30\/25 fps
Sensor: Omnivision OV4689 4MP
Chipset: Ambarella A12A25
Field of View: 140, 115, 90 degrees
Photo Resolution: 12 Megapixels
Storage: Internal (2GB Flash, 1GB DDRL), External (128GB Micro SD card – Not included)
Time-lapse Video: 1S, 2S, 3S, 5S, 10S, 30S, 1MIN, 2MIN, 5MIN, 10MIN, 30MIN, 1H
Battery Capacity: 2000mAh<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What’s in the Box?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So in the box, you will find the Ghost X camera obviously. A quick start guide, a small box with some accessories and mounts and some stickers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It gets better:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the small box, there is an external microphone adapter. It’s the small mini USB to 3.5mm jack female plug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A USB cable for charging is also included and two adhesive mounts. One with a flat base and the other with a curved base which is used for helmets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They also included what it looks like the small SIM remover, it is used to reset the camera to factory settings<\/u>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Drift<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

However..<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no waterproof case included<\/strong> in the box, so this one will have to be ordered separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I had a look at the Drift website and I saw a variety of optional mounts and accessories like handlebar mounts, suction cup mounts, head strap, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike the other cheap action cams like the <\/strong>Apeman A80<\/strong><\/a> which includes many accessories in the box, the Ghost X doesn’t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Same as owning a GoPro, you need to buy any additional accessories separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Drift<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Design<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Ghost X itself has a tiny form factor and it is about the same size as the palm of your hand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s rubbery body makes it harder to slip out of your hand and also makes it water-resistant, but not waterproof <\/strong>though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Based on few users reviews, this camera cannot be used in the rain without the waterproof<\/u> case. It will be damaged<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Front<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At the front, you have the 300 degrees lens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And.. It is rotatable<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Drift<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you need to mount the camera sideways or upside down or even diagonally, then you can just rotate the lens until the white arrow mark is pointing upwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might notice that the lens might feels a bit loose. But it really is firm, it won’t move by itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Back<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At the back, you have a tiny screen. The color indicates which mode the camera is in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The WiFi\/left arrow can be used to toggle between the different modes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Drift<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The green color means that the camera is in Video Mode<\/strong>. The orange color is for Photo Mode<\/strong>. The Purple is for Time-Lapse Photo Mode<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The light blue is for Burst Mode<\/strong>. And the blue color for the Settings Menu<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On one Side<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One one side, there is a tripod mount that can be turned into any direction you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The screw can be un-tightened which allows you to set the pivot you want on it in relation to the camera. Once set, you can then tighten the screw with your fingers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Drift<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

On the other Side<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Now on the other side of the camera is the battery. This battery has a capacity of 2000mAh and can last up to 5 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If 5 hours are not enough, then there is an optional battery offered by Drift that can last up to 8 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Drift<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Top<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At the top of the camera, there are three buttons. These are large compared to the other Drift models which are easier to press.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The right button is the Power and right arrow button, it is used to power on\/off the camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The middle button is the up\/down navigation button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The left button with WiFi\/left logo is used to switch between modes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Drift<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Bottom<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At the bottom, there are two rubber flaps. Under one of the flaps, there is the micro SD card slot, the Ghost X supports cards up to 128GB<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And just under the micro SD slot is a tiny hole: the Reset button<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under the other flap, there’s the mini USB port used for charging, PC connection for data transfer and for connecting an external microphone<\/u>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cameras’ two microphones<\/strong> are also at the bottom, one at the front and the other at the back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But..<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no HDMI output <\/strong>on this camera, so not possible to capture videos using a capture card or connecting it to a large TV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Drift<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Video Resolutions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Drift Ghost X can shoot videos in full HD so 1080p at 30 frames per second and 25 fps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The other resolutions are 720p at 60\/50\/30\/25 fps and WVGA at 60\/50\/30\/25 fps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It also provides image stabilization in all resolutions for a smoother video while riding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No 120 frames per second here, so it can’t be used to shoot slow motion videos<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the Omnivision OV4689 image sensor<\/a> can handle 1080p at 120fps and 720 at 180fps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But..<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ambarella A12 chipset<\/a> supports resolutions up to 1080p at 60 frames per second and not higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Video Quality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Day Time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ghost X has a sharp image when recording in 1080p at 30 fps, it can capture small details like plate numbers. The videos look clear and the colors are vivid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But..<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes videos can appear to be overexposed<\/strong> especially when you go from dark to light on a sunny day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It takes the camera a little while to adjust to the light level. It also cannot handle the highlights as well as a GoPro Hero 6<\/strong><\/a> for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However..<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I liked the quality and I find it sharp for a 1080p resolution especially in a cloudy weather so when it is not too bright or when there is not too much light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Low Light \/ Night Time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the dark, the Ghost X out performs the previous Drift cameras like the S.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The camera picks up light pretty well at night, the video quality detail is not bad at all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course compared to other cameras with the same price range, the X performs really well which was unexpected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a Low light mode<\/strong> in the camera settings that makes the camera absorb more light from street lamps or any light source.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Street lights can appear to be a bit blueish in the footage but nothing too major or bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s a video by bobbytesback showing the video quality in both day and night while riding a bicycle:<\/p>\n\n\n\n