I have to admit – I watched a lot of Motomadness before I finally got my first motorcycle. And that doesn’t count all the other years I spent watching motorcycle content on YouTube. Motojitsu, Revzilla, Pedro Mota, and even my embarrassing YammieNoob stage.
Needless to say, a GoPro was one of my first purchases after buying my bike. I wanted to film anything and everything on my rides.
Since then, that little motorcycle camera has proven to be more valuable than I ever expected. Not only was I able to capture virtually my entire first year on a motorcycle, but it also functioned as a dashcam, a way for me to review some of my mistakes, and even a video log for my first two crashes.
If you’re considering buying a motorcycle camera, here are just a few of the benefits I’ve found from having one;
Improve your skills: Review and analyze your riding performance and get feedback from others.
Capture views and adventures: Record the beauty and excitement of your rides.
Enhance safety and security: Use the camera as a dashcam or video evidence in the event of a crash or theft.
But I’m sure I don’t really need to convince you to get a camera for your rides, instead, I will help you figure out what to look for.
Key Features and Spec for a Motorcycle Camera
If you’ve done any research or at least have some basic knowledge of cameras, you probably already know what to look for. And if you decide to go with something like a GoPro or an Insta360, they already come with all the features you would want.
But just in case, here are a few of the things you should look for as well as why:
Resolution: How sharp and detailed your video is. Most action cameras today offer 4k resolution, even 5.7k, but anything above 1080p is perfect. 1080p is what you see on most YouTube videos. Just keep in mind that the higher the resolution, the more battery and storage it will use.
Frame rate: How smooth and realistic your video is. Most framerates are anywhere from 24fps to 240fps. 24fps is what you see in movies and is what most people are used to but it gets choppy when you slow the footage down. Filming at 60fps and above gives you a smoother video and allows for better slo-mo but it can also be “weird” to watch at standard speed. Again, filming at higher frame rates will use more battery and storage space.
Image stabilization: Reduces shakiness and blurriness. This is especially important for motorcycle riders, as our cameras will constantly be moving and vibrating. Most reputable brands like GoPro and Insta360 have top-tier stabilization, virtually eliminating the need for gimbals.
Field of view: How much of the scene you can fit in your frame? Wider is more immersive, but has more distortion. Ideally, you want a camera that has multiple frame options, from narrow to super wide. Narrow will give you a more standard, cinematic view and the wider frames give you a better POV and a better sense of speed.
Battery life: Battery Life is a big issue with action cameras, as most only give you 60 minutes of recording. Keep this in mind when you choose a camera, as you may opt for one with a longer battery or at least a way to easily swap batteries.
Memory capacity: This is not usually as big of a deal as the other factors, since most cameras take the standard SD card sizes. Most action cameras take micro SD cards and these can hold more than 1G of memory.
Ease of use: How user-friendly and convenient your camera is. This comes down to more than just having a list of default camera settings. You also want the camera to be easy to use while it’s recording. Can you easily access the buttons, and change the battery or a camera setting on the go?
Compatibility: How well your camera works with other devices and accessories. A lot of people miss this point but you need to check the camera compatibility. Will it fit on the standard GoPro-style mounts? Can you fit it with an ND filter? Does it connect to your phone through Bluetooth? What about adding a mic setup in case you want to motovlog?
Reputable brands: How trustworthy and reliable your camera manufacturer is. Includes quality, performance, durability, warranty, and customer service.
Durability: How well your camera can withstand the rigors of the road, such as shocks, vibrations, bumps, and water.
Different functions: How many features and modes your camera offers. Includes time-lapse, loop, burst, photo, video, live stream, GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, waterproof, shockproof, night vision, etc.
Types of Motorcycle Cameras
There are three main types of motorcycle cameras that you can choose from, depending on your needs and preferences:
Action Cameras
These are compact and versatile cameras that can capture high-quality video and audio, with features such as image stabilization, wide-angle lens, and various mounting options. You can attach them to your helmet, bike, or body, and control them with buttons, voice, or remote. Some of the pros and cons of action cameras are:
- Pros:
- They are easy to use and carry around
- They offer a variety of settings and modes for different situations
- They can withstand harsh conditions and environments
- Cons:
- They have limited battery life and memory capacity
- They may not be very secure or stable on the bike
- They may not have the best audio quality or wind noise reduction
Some popular brands of action cameras are GoPro, Insta360, and Techalogic123.
360-Degree Cameras
These are cameras that can capture a panoramic view of your ride, allowing you to relive the experience in immersive detail. You can record the entire environment around you, and edit the footage later to focus on different angles or perspectives. You can also create stunning videos and showcase your riding destinations. Some of the pros and cons of 360-degree cameras are:
- Pros:
- They offer a unique and creative way of recording your rides
- They can capture everything that happens around you
- They can produce amazing effects and transitions
- Cons:
- They are more expensive and complex than action cameras
- They require more editing and processing power
- They may not be very durable or waterproof
Some popular brands of 360-degree cameras are Insta360, GoPro, and Garmin456.
Dash Cameras
These are cameras that are specifically designed for vehicles, and are mounted on the motorcycle to record the road ahead and behind. They can serve as a valuable tool for safety and security, especially if you encounter an accident or a road rage incident. You can use the video evidence to support your claim, prove your innocence, or identify the culprit. Some of the pros and cons of dash cameras are:
- Pros:
- They can provide legal protection and insurance benefits
- They can record continuously and automatically
- They can have features such as GPS, Wi-Fi, and night vision
- Cons:
- They may not be very discreet or aesthetic on the bike
- They may not have the best video quality or resolution
- They may not be compatible with other devices or accessories
Some popular brands of dash cameras are Blueskysea, HaloCam, and VSYSTO .
Which camera is best for motovlogging?
How to Find the Perfect Motorcycle Camera for Your Riding Style
In this section, we will provide some recommendations of the best motorcycle cameras for different riding styles, such as commuting, touring, adventure, sport, etc. We will also describe the features, benefits, drawbacks, and prices of each recommendation, and provide a link to where you can buy or learn more about them.
Best All-Rounder: GoPro Hero 10
If you are looking for a versatile and powerful camera that can handle any riding situation, you can’t go wrong with the GoPro Hero 10. This camera can record stunning 5.3K video at 60 FPS, has advanced image stabilization, wide-angle lens, and various mounting options. You can attach it to your helmet, bike, or body, and control it with buttons, voice, or remote. It also has features such as GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, waterproof, and live stream.
- Features: 5.3K video at 60 FPS, 23.6 MP photos, HyperSmooth 4.0 stabilization, SuperView wide-angle lens, front and rear touch screens, voice control, remote control, GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, waterproof, live stream, etc.
- Benefits: High-quality and smooth video, immersive and panoramic view, easy and convenient to use, versatile and flexible mounting options, useful and fun features, etc.
- Drawbacks: Expensive, limited battery life and memory capacity, may not be very secure or stable on the bike, may not have the best audio quality or wind noise reduction, etc.
Best 360-Degree View: Insta360 ONE X2
If you are looking for a creative and unique way of recording your rides, you may want to try the Insta360 ONE X2. This camera can capture a panoramic view of your ride, allowing you to relive the experience in immersive detail. You can record the entire environment around you, and edit the footage later to focus on different angles or perspectives. You can also create stunning videos and showcase your riding destinations.
- Features: 5.7K video at 30 FPS, 18.5 MP photos, FlowState stabilization, 360-degree lens, front and rear touch screens, app control, waterproof, etc.
- Benefits: Unique and creative video, panoramic and immersive view, edit and change perspective later, amazing effects and transitions, etc.
- Drawbacks: Expensive, complex, require more editing and processing power, may not be very durable or waterproof, etc.
Best Dash Cam Style: Blueskysea B2W
If you are looking for a camera that can record the road ahead and behind you, and provide video evidence in case of an accident or a road rage incident, you may want to consider the Blueskysea B2W. This camera is specifically designed for motorcycles, and is mounted on the bike to record the front and rear view. It has features such as 1080p video at 30 FPS, wide-angle lens, Wi-Fi, GPS, and loop recording.
- Features: 1080p video at 30 FPS, 6G wide-angle lens, Wi-Fi, GPS, loop recording, etc.
- Benefits: Provide legal protection and insurance benefits, record continuously and automatically, capture the front and rear view, etc.
- Drawbacks: May not be very discreet or aesthetic on the bike, may not have the best video quality or resolution, may not be compatible with other devices or accessories, etc.
Common Questions About Motorcycle Cameras
Where is the best place to put a camera on a motorcycle?
The best place to put a camera on a motorcycle depends on the type of camera, the angle and view you want to capture, and the stability and security of the mount.
- Helmet mount: This provides a first-person perspective and captures the rider’s point of view. It can also reduce vibrations and shakiness, as the helmet acts as a natural stabilizer. However, it may also capture the helmet itself, which can be distracting or unwanted. It may also affect the aerodynamics and comfort of the helmet.
- Handlebar mount: This offers a wider view of the road ahead and captures the motorcycle’s movements. It can also be easily adjusted and controlled, as it is within the rider’s reach. However, it may also pick up more wind noise and vibrations, as it is exposed to the elements. It may also interfere with the steering or the cables of the bike.
- Fork mount: This attaches the camera to the front fork for unique angles and smooth shots. It can also capture the suspension and braking action of the bike, as well as the road surface. However, it may also be difficult to access and adjust, as it is located under the headlight. It may also be vulnerable to dirt and debris, as it is close to the ground.
- Tank mount: This places the camera on the gas tank for a stable and secure position. It can also capture both the road and the rider in the frame, creating a balanced and dynamic shot. However, it may also be affected by the engine heat and vibrations, as it is directly connected to the bike. It may also limit the movement and visibility of the rider, as it is in the center of the bike.
These are just some of the common places to put a camera on a motorcycle, but there are many others that you can experiment with, such as the rear fender, the swingarm, the windshield, or the chest.
Conclusion
There are different types of motorcycle cameras, such as action, dash, or 360-degree cameras, that have different features, pros, and cons. Depending on your riding style, budget, and preferences, you may want to choose a camera that can capture different angles, qualities, and functions.
In this article, we have provided some recommendations of the best motorcycle cameras for different needs, such as commuting, touring, adventure, sport, etc. We have also answered some common questions about motorcycle cameras, such as how to install, edit, share, and maintain them. We hope this article has helped you find the perfect motorcycle camera for your needs, and that you enjoy recording and sharing your rides with the world. Happy riding!