HD action cameras allow extreme sports enthusiasts world over to record and share their thrill-seeking experiences with friends, family and online communities. The size, weight and durability of modern action cameras means that they are adaptable to suit any type of sport, be it in the sky or on water, dirt or snow.

When it comes to purchasing an action camera, there are a number of things to consider, and with so many different models available, it can be difficult to choose between them. This article will try to make that decision a little easier by comparing two popular action camera models - the GoPro HD Helmet Hero and the Drift HD170 Stealth.

The GoPro HD Helmet Hero

A product from one of the biggest players in the action camera market, the GoPro HD Helmet Hero is a hard wearing, helmet specific camera that boasts an array of attractive features. 1080p HD recording and a 170 degree wide angle lens together ensure ultimate recording quality and the option to film at 60fps at 720p makes post-ride slow motion editing a joy. All footage is recorded to SD card, up to 32gb.

GoPro HD Helmet Hero also has a 5 megapixel photo option, allowing you to capture stills when out and about. Better still, the camera has two photo modes to help you get the best from your still images - one is the auto-photo mode that can be set to automatically capture a photos every 2, 5, 10, 30 or 60 seconds. The other mode is 3-photo burst mode, which is great for capturing action shots in series.

The GoPro HD Helmet Hero is heavy on features, but light in weight at just 168g. It has a battery life of 2.5 hours and is waterproof up to 60 metres. The GoPro HD Helmet Hero has been specifically designed to be mounted on a helmet and comes with a helmet mount, headstrap and adhesives. For those looking for a lightweight, waterproof, HD action camera, the GoPro HD Helmet Hero is one of the best out there.

The Drift HD170 Stealth

The Drift HD170 Stealth is the latest model in the drift range and much like the GoPro HD Helmet Hero, offers 1080p HD recording, a stylish 170 degree wide angle lens and the option to film at up to 60fps at 720p.

This camera is super light weight at only 138g, slightly less than the GoPro. It may be small but it’s big buttons make it easy to operate even when wearing gloves. Better still, it comes with a remote control that can be attached to your wrist meaning you never have to stop to pause, play or adjust settings.

A big advantage of the Drift HD170 Stealth over the GoPro is the fact it has a built-in colour LCD screen, which is great for viewing captured footage while on the go or lining up that perfect shot. Much like the GoPro HD Helmet Hero, the Drift HD170 Stealth has a battery life of 2.5 hours and records straight to SD card which makes transferring files to your computer a doddle.

The Drift HD170 Stealth comes with a variety of mounts, meaning it can be worn on you helmet, head or just about anywhere you please.

Comparing the two

When it comes to recording quality, there is very little to separate these two cameras as both offer crystal clear playback and the ability to capture footage at 60fps. The recording time of both of these cameras is 2.5 hours, but both GoPro and Drift offer spare batteries if you require that additional boost.

As mentioned above, a major advantage of the Drift HD170 Stealth over the GoPro HD Helmet Hero is the LCD viewfinder. However, the GoPro BacPac is a popular accessory that can be clipped on to your GoPro action camera, allowing you to set-up and review your shots in much the same way.

Both of these cameras are the ideal accessory for the action sport enthusiast with an eye for detail. For a more visual comparison, be sure to check out some videos of the cameras in action as this may sway you one way or another.