By Tati Taylor 19 days ago, Photography Gear
By getting the best motorcycle helmet camera on the market, you’ll be able to record your rides and later post your videos across your social network pages or watch them back at home.
You can use it to go on a fantastic ride like in this Marc Marquez video or to film a Dakar rally race similar to this Red Bull-sponsored video by Giniel Devillier.
I tested 2 cameras, one from the helmet-attached category and one action model to help you pick the best helmet camera for motorcycle rides possible.
Action. Manufacturers like GoPro provide fantastic quality and multiple mounting options. Such helmet cameras offer terrific durability, high resolutions, and built-in stabilization functionality. Their main weakness is their battery, which on average lasts for about 2 hours of continuous recording.
Helmet-mounted. This type provides a more convenient experience since it was created specifically to be attached to a helmet, guaranteeing a proper fit. The battery is suitable for long rides, but it does suffer from a fair share of drawbacks as well, mainly the small number of mounting options and subpar image stabilization (or complete lack thereof) compared to action models.
When choosing, you have to consider such aspects as riding style, preferred footage type, level of comfort when wearing extra gear, and camera visibility. Give preference to models that offer 4K support since they will allow you to receive breathtaking biking and cycling photos and videos.
Another important factor is the max supported fps (frames per second), as higher fps values allow you to record smooth slow-motion footage. Water-resistant properties are also a must-have since you will inevitably encounter rain at some point during your rides. Lastly, it’s recommended to pick a mount that can endure vibrations and collisions so that the camera remains perfectly in place at all times.
AI-powered
Type: Action | Video Quality: 5.7K | Resolution: 48MP | Battery Life: 81 min
The Insta360 X3 is the perfect choice for bikers who want to capture incredible footage of their adventures. It can shoot both 360-degree VR video and 4K flat video in single-lens mode.
The larger LCD is easier to read in bright conditions, and there are even two new buttons for switching between lenses and choosing custom presets.
It's rugged, waterproof, and comes with a wide array of mounts to help you get the best shot from any angle.
But what I like the most is its AI-powered capabilities. With impressive editing tools, this motorcycle helmet camera makes it even easier to create great videos. The camera can adjust to lighting conditions, record high-quality audio, and even change your perspective with its reframe tool.
Simple mounting system
Type: Helmet-Mounted | Video Quality: Full HD | Battery Life: 120 min
I chose this helmet camera because of its simplicity. I was pretty impressed with how easy it is to mount onto the helmet. It has a plastic pivoting mount that securely wraps around the camera body, keeping it firmly in place.
The camera itself is capable of recording videos in Full HD quality, which is a great resolution for capturing your motorcycle adventures. It also has dual internal and external microphones with wind noise reduction, ensuring that your audio is clear and crisp.
The PT10 has a decent battery life, allowing you to capture your entire ride without constantly needing to recharge or risk losing your footage. Plus, it's waterproof, so you can use it in various environments without worrying about damage.
Waterproof
Type: Action | Video Quality: 5.3K | Resolution: 27MP | Battery Life: 70 min
The GoPro HERO12 is fully waterproof on its own without needing a separate housing, which is amazing. You can take it for a rainy ride without any worries.
In terms of video quality, this GoPro camera offers high-quality footage in 5.3K resolution, which is pretty impressive. It also has cinematic HDR, which enhances the details in shadows and highlights, giving you a more dynamic scene.
And if you're into photography, it can capture stunning 27MP photos as well.
One of the standout features of this helmet camera for motorcycle rides is its extensive ecosystem of mods, accessories, apps, and services. It has the largest selection of camera upgrades and add-ons compared to any other action camera on the market.
360 footage
Type: Action | Video Quality: 5.7K | Resolution: 48MP | Battery Life: 84 min
The Insta360 ONE RS securely attaches to your helmet at chin level, giving you a fantastic POV perspective of your ride. Not only that, but it also allows for easy reframing, so you can take shots from anywhere on your bike.
This GoPro alternative consists of three parts: the red battery pack, the lens module, and the control cube. And here's the best part - it's modular! That means you can easily upgrade it with new features by swapping out existing modules.
For low-light
Type: Action | Video Quality: 4K | Resolution: 12MP | Battery Life: 160 min
The DJI Osmo Action 4 attracted my attention because of its sturdy build and waterproof capabilities. It also comes with a waterproof microphone, so you can capture high-quality audio during your motorcycle riding even in wet conditions.
The Osmo Action 4 is not just durable, but it's also packed with intelligent in-app editing features. One of my favorites is the LightCut, which can recognize themes in your footage and recommend an ideal shot sequence for effortless editing.
Great battery life
Type: Helmet-Mounted | Video Quality: 4K | Battery Life: 300 min
The INNOVV H5 offers high-resolution recording capability with its 4K resolution and electronic image stabilization technology. This means you can capture smooth videos, even while in motion. It's perfect for motorcycle riders, skaters, climbers, and anyone who wants to document their adventures.
The camera also has a wide range of user-selectable imaging assets, allowing you to customize your recordings. One great feature of the INNOVV H5 is its long and narrow profile. This design reduces wind resistance and makes it easier to mount on various helmet types. It's also lightweight, weighing just 5.3 ounces, so it won't weigh you down during your rides.
Bluetooth headset
Type: Helmet-Mounted | Video Quality: 2K | Resolution: 4MP | Battery Life: 270 min
I chose the FreedConn R1 PRO because of its built-in 2k wide-angle camera. This motorcycle Bluetooth headset captures stunning videos and 4MP HD pictures, allowing you to relive your motorcycle journeys with exceptional clarity and detail.
Another great advantage of this motorcycle helmet camera is the Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. You can easily stay connected to your smartphone, MP3 player, and GPS navigation system, making your rides more convenient and enjoyable.
Additionally, the R1 PRO allows wireless communication with your pillion or riding companions up to a distance of 1200 meters.
Mounting brackets. They ensure you can securely mount the camera to the helmet or your motorcycle. They’re essential if you want to attach the camera to the bike or if you decide to get a non-helmet-mounted model.
Extension arms. These enable you to tweak the placement and angle of the camera as well as expand its reach without lowering the stability of your setup.
Lenses. Certain video formats and styles require specific lenses like wide-angle or zoom.
Waterproof housing. It’s among the most helpful GoPro accessories on the market. If you’re planning to get the best helmet camera there is, it needs to be protected from rain, dust, and accidental collisions.
Helmet chin mounts. Provides a unique POV for the camera. You should consider getting it if you want to capture footage from a lower angle, focusing more on the road and your bike handling.
External microphones. Enhances sound quality by minimizing wind and traffic noise. Especially handy during high-speed trips or when facing strong wind currents.
Extra batteries. Prolong filming time and ensure you never run out of juice.
Such a camera is used to enable motorcycle riders to film their rides from an interesting perspective. The recorded footage can be used for producing adrenaline-fueled videos, moviemaking, or as evidence for insurance cases.
Mounting your camera on your body or helmet can be achieved using one of several ways. Adhesive mounts allow you to attach the camera without any hassle while securing a reliable fit. However, they’re not suitable for all helmet types, meaning you might have to use strap mounts instead. They are also convenient to use, but you need to examine the straps regularly to ensure they still grip the camera tightly.
The maximum supported resolution is extremely important if you value picture quality. Digital or optical image stabilization is also a must-have, particularly when riding at high speeds or on uneven terrain. Some models come with integrated microphones, enabling you to add live commentary to your videos to make them more insightful.
| Insta360 X3 | Sena PT10 Prism Tube | |
|---|---|---|
|
|
My Choice |
Affordable |
|
Video Resolution |
Up to 5.7K at 30fps |
1080p Full HD at 30fps |
|
Mounting |
Requires third-party accessories |
Straightforward |
|
Battery Life |
81 min |
120 min |
|
AI Features |
✔️ |
❌ |
Both models can be considered great motorbike helmet cameras depending on your primary needs and most valued features.
The Insta360 X3 allows capturing stunning 360o footage at the highest possible resolutions while employing AI-based functionality that is aimed at motorcycle and sports enthusiasts interested in a new perspective.
Meanwhile, the Sena PT10 Prism Tube offers a streamlined recording process, a compact body, and a lower price, while targeting bike riders who value simplicity and intuitive controls above everything else.
