One of the best parts of riding a motorcycle is the freedom it provides. However, sometimes you want to share the adventures that you have and the wonderful sights that you see. While you could tell people about them, nothing conveys it better than video footage and photographs. With the rise in popularity of social media, riders are even more enthusiastic about capturing videos that they can share after an adventure.
Motorcycle helmet cameras are a safe and convenient way of capturing video footage and photographs of your trip. They can even be used for training purposes if you ride competitively. If you are unlucky enough to be involved in an accident or a confrontation on the road, the captured video will help to back up your version of events. They often have hands-free or one-touch operation and obtain clear, high definition footage. They come with a variety of features, so we will help you make an informed choice with our pick of the best motorcycle helmet cameras available.
The Best Motorcycle Helmet Camera
This is a compact motorcycle helmet camera that gives you a combination of performance coupled with convenience. It delivers 4K video films and has hands-free voice control as well as an easy-to-use touch display.
The whole unit is waterproof, so it can be used in all weather without getting damaged. Thanks to the video stabilization, you will capture smooth video even when it is mounted to a helmet. It will send video footage to your smartphone, but you need to install the appropriate apps and subscribe to the GoPro service. You could also play back the video on the GoPro unit’s two-inch display screen.
- Records 4K high-quality video footage
- Hands-free voice control
- Two-inch display screen for immediate playback
- Comes with rechargeable battery and mounts
- Brand GoPro
- Model CHDHX-502
- Weight 4.2 ounces
This is a sports action camera that is able to capture video footage in 4K/30fps. It can also take photographs at 16M, giving you excellent resolution. It comes with a 170-degree angle lens as standard and a two-inch HD screen for playing back your footage. It is easy to adjust the angle view, and you can select multiple views so no background details will be missed.
This motorcycle camera can be controlled remotely via a WiFi connection and is compatible with iOS and Android smartphone operating systems. Videos are relayed instantly via email or social media. It is completely waterproof and will have no problems standing up to rainy conditions on the road. It comes with dual lithium rechargeable batteries that will last for up to 180 minutes of shooting. It is also supplied with mounting kit accessories so that it can be attached securely to a helmet. There is a carry case but this is not included.
- Video footage in 4K/30fps
- 170-degree angle lens as standard
- Fully waterproof
- Comes with helmet mounting kit accessories
- Brand Campark
- Model ACT74-black+BF513
- Weight 1.1 pounds
This is a highly convenient camera for everyday use. It would suit a rider with no experience of using a motorcycle helmet camera or who are looking for a back-up camera. You can turn on the power and start recording with a single press of a button. When you stop recording, it will automatically turn itself off. The video quality is 1080p60, high resolution with 1440 pixels per inch and it records at 100 frames per second so you get smooth playback. The photo capture is 8MP giving you exceptional image and video quality.
The design of this motorcycle camera is both compact, rugged and waterproof so there is no need for you to have a separate housing. It can connect via Bluetooth or WiFi via the GoPro app so sharing images is no problem. If you take out a GoPro Plus subscription, you could also automatically upload videos directly to the cloud.
- High resolution with 1440 pixels per inch
- Records at 100 frames per second
- Connects via Bluetooth or WiFi
- Rugged and waterproof case
- Brand GoPro
- Model CHDHS-102
- Weight 2.56 ounces
You will get professional grade videos with this Ultra HD Action Camera. It will capture 4K 25fps and 2.7K videos at photos at 30 frames per second. The resolution is outstanding. You can operate it through the remote control that fits on your wrist and operates via 2.4G wireless RF which allows you to control the camera and record video with just a press of the button.
The motorcycle camera is powered by two rechargeable batteries which give you up to 90 minutes of recording time. It comes with WiFi and HDMI connections so you can share your video with no hassle. All you need to do is install the App on your smartphone or tablet – it operates via Android or iOS devices which can be up to 10 meters away from the camera.
- Outstanding resolution
- WiFi and HDMI compatible
- Remote one touch control
- 4K 25fps and 2.7K videos
- Brand AKASO
- Model EK7000
- Weight 2 pounds
This tube camera is very small and lightweight so it is ideal for motorcycle helmets. Despite only weighing 75 grams, it offers an impressive 125-degree field of view and has a dual internal and external miss.
This motorbike camera is exceptionally easy to mount onto a motorcycle helmet using the glued surface mounting pale and tube swivel mount kit. You will get high quality HD recordings which eliminates unwanted ambient noise. It has a one-touch operation and a voice feedback feature lets you know what is going on with the device at all times. The mounting system is extremely versatile and it comes with several accessories including a lens, caps, a USB cable and a wired microphone.
- Designed specifically for motorcycles
- 125-degree field of view
- Glued surface mounting pale
- One touch operation and voice feedback
- Brand Sena
- Model PT10-01
- Weight 2.72 ounces
Here we have a compact but very versatile camera that has several functions including a driving mode and a loop recording which is very useful for motorcycle riders. It is a 4K camera that has a X4 zoom action and takes 1080P/60FPS video as well as 16MP resolution photographs.
This motorbike camera comes with a remote control that fits comfortably on your wrist and the camera itself mounts on your motorcycle helmet. The wireless range is a full 33ft but please note that the remote control is not waterproof so you will need to protect it from the rain. You can view the video footage immediately on the two-inch screen or connect via WiFi to other devices. The camera will connect with smartphones and tablets as long as you install the App, the WiFi signal reaches 33 feet. It comes with a waterproof case and two rechargeable batteries as well as a range of other useful accessories.
- 4K camera that has a X4 zoom action
- Takes 1080P/60FPS video
- Wireless range is a full 33ft
- Two-inch screen
- Brand Dragon Touch
- Model 4336304786
- Weight 2.08 ounces
This is a high-quality camera that comes with 18 accessories so you have all you need to mount it to your motorcycle helmet. When you are not on your motorcycle, you can use it on a bicycle, your wrist, etc.
It has a 170-degree, wide-angle lens so you can shoot wider scenes in full HD quality. You get full HD video and photographs at 12MP and 1080P. It has a two-inch screen, so you can view the videos clearly on your camera. The case is waterproof yet attractive, and the camera comes with two rechargeable batteries that will give you hours of power. To operate the camera safely, there is a wireless remote control connection via WiFi to a smartphone app that allows you to view, download and delete video files.
- 170-degree wide-angle lens
- Two rechargeable batteries
- Remote control connection via WiFi to a smartphone app
- Comes with 18 accessories
- Brand Crosstour
- Model CT7000
- Weight 2.4 ounces
This product is a HD video capture camera that has a built-in microphone. It is quick to set up and ready to use as soon as you take it out of the box. It has a sleek and compact design and will deliver high-quality video footage every time you use it.
It comes in a waterproof and tough aluminum body. The operation is one-touch so you don’t have to dismount to start it recording. With the instant on-record in locked position it will always be ready to record when you are. The camera is suitable for all sorts of sports and offers you unlimited angles of your journey. Everything you need is included in the pack including an 8GB Micro SD card and a rotating flat mount.
- HD video capture camera
- Suitable for all sorts of sports and vehicles
- 8GB Micro SD card included
- Waterproof and tough aluminum body
- Brand iON Camera
- Model 1901
- Weight 13.6 ounces
This camera allows you to check out your recorded video footage from your smartphone. It is compatible with both Apple and Android Apps via a WiFi connection. You will be able to upload straight to a cloud storage or to social media sites instantly. You don’t have to touch the camera to do this. You can also share in real time or record to a micro SD card.
The camera gives you a 170 degree field of view and records videos in 1080p and 720p. The recorded audio is also of high quality thanks to the built-in microphone. If you prefer still photographs, it will capture 14PM still as well as burst-shot and time lapse shots. It has a durable and waterproof case and a battery life of two and a half hours. It is compatible with mounts and accessories from the same manufacturer.
- 170 degree field of view
- Records videos in 1080p and 720p
- Built-in microphone
- Battery life of two and a half hours
- Brand Ion
- Model 1011L
- Weight 4.5 ounces
This compact camera will automatically send captured video footage to your smartphone using the app, and there you can edit it as you wish. It can shoot 4K60 and 1080p240 video, and due to the revolutionary GP1 chip technology it delivers superb image quality. Thanks to advanced stabilization techniques, it can capture incredibly smooth footage when mounted to a helmet. All of this technology is protected by a durable and waterproof case.
This Gopro helmet camera features a touch zoom button and incorporates a two-inch screen for instant play back of your captured video footage. Note that it may not operate correctly at very high or very low temperatures.
- Automatically sends captured footage to smartphone
- Features a touch zoom button
- Incorporates a two-inch screen for instant play back
- Brand GoPro
- Model CHDHX-601
- Weight 4.2 ounces
Motorcycle Helmet Camera Buying Guide
Features to Look for in a Motorcycle Helmet Camera
Here are some of the features that you should look for when choosing the best motorcycle helmet camera for your lifestyle.
- Size and weight
Despite the powerful technology that it contains, a helmet camera must not be too big or it could become a hazard to the safety of the rider. It also needs to be very lightweight so that it does not affect balance or posture. You should not be able to tell that you have the best motorcycle camera on your helmet at all.
- Mounting
The camera needs to be supplied with or needs to be compatible with mounting accessories that are suitable for a helmet. Adhesive mountings are most common.
- Operation
It is impossible to manually control a helmet-mounted camera as you are riding your motorcycle and so you need one that is either voice controlled, remote controlled or has one-touch operation. It is also useful to choose a device that is quick to set up so you don’t have to fiddle around with it before your journey.
- Image clarity
Most cameras will offer you 4 K video footage which is high definition. It’s also a good idea if it has a stabilization feature for smooth footage and a wide-angle lens so you can capture everything that you want to.
- Sound
Sound quality is also important and many cameras have a built-in microphone.
- Screen
It is useful if the camera includes a built-in screen so you can immediately play-back footage. A two-inch screen is the standard size for helmet cameras.
- Storage
The last thing you want is to run out of storage at a critical moment. Therefore, look for a camera that has the facility to store on an SD card or upload to cloud storage. You may need to take out a subscription to use cloud storage.
- Sharing images
These days, many people want to share images on social media. Many cameras will allow you to share to social media via an app on a smartphone or tablet. You can also edit footage. Another popular feature is the ability to share live images in real time on social media channels. Some cameras need a WiFi connection to share images whilst others have Bluetooth. Most are both Android and iOS compatible.
- Battery life
Look for a camera that is powered by rechargeable batteries and that gives you a decent battery life of several hours.
- Durable
The camera will contain some sensitive technology that is not going to like getting knocked around or getting wet. Therefore, choose the best motorcycle camera that has a rugged and durable case and that is completely waterproof.
Benefits of Motorcycle Helmet Cameras
Motorcycle helmet cameras are a new piece of kit that more and more riders are investing in. Here are some of the main benefits that appeal to them.
- Sharing your experiences
They say that a picture speaks louder than a thousand words. If you have discovered a fantastic new route, you can share it with others by capturing your view of the road and scenery. Because many cameras allow you to share to social media in real time, you can broadcast live footage of your journey on social media and impress all your followers.
- Training purposes
If you are a competitive motorcyclist or just want to improve your own skills, a helmet camera can be used to analyze your strategy and performance so that you can improve it.
- A keepsake
If you are undertaking an epic road trip, it is great to have a permanent reminder of how amazing the trip was. A helmet camera allows you to do that and thanks to cloud storage and SD cards, you will not run out of storage space. You can sometimes get GPS plug-ins which also identify where you were when the recording was taken.
- Convenience
With remote control and voice control technology, you don’t have to stop your bike to capture the footage that you want. You can capture the shots whilst on the move. Helmet cameras give excellent video footage and high quality still shots – they even feature burst shots etc.
- Editing
If you are looking to make money from your motorcycling, you can edit the footage into a high-quality visual product that could attract sponsors etc.
- Robust
Motorcycle helmet cameras are robust and waterproof so they will function in all weathers.
- Legal and safety benefits
Should you be involved in an accident or be on the receiving end of aggressive behavior, you will have footage that will be important in any subsequent legal action.
Best Motorcycle Helmet Camera FAQ:
Obviously you don’t want to break the law in any way when you are riding your motorcycle so it is important to be clear about where the law stands on motorcycle helmet cameras. Unfortunately, this is not that easy to find out. When you search online, you will find a range of opinions on the legality of helmet cameras and there are some lively debates on the subject on forums etc. There is no specific law in the US that states that motorcycle helmet cameras are illegal. However, there are laws that prohibit the modification of motorcycle helmets. This is for safety reasons and is an entirely sensible approach. Any modification that breaches the ability of the cycle helmet to protect the rider’s head in a collision is obviously a bad idea. Therefore, it is easy to see that drilling holes in your helmet so that a camera can be mounted would be unwise and probably illegal. On the other hand, most mounting mechanisms for cameras are adhesive-based and therefore do not interfere with the integrity of the helmet. This means that your safety is protected and you are probably staying on the right side of the law. If you have any doubts, it is sensible to check with the road safety enforcement agencies in your area.
The camera is very likely to be supplied with accessories and instructions on how to mount it. Most cameras will be fixed onto the helmet using strong adhesive mounts. They do not interfere with the way that the helmet works in any way. You will need to make sure that the helmet is very clean so that the adhesive will work correctly. There are some cameras that will also be provided with straps. Take careful note of the instructions and the mounting guidelines from the manufacturer. There are often chin straps and several other configurations that you can choose from. You may also need to set up the connection between the camera and a remote control for your wrist and/or an app on your smartphone or tablet.
A motorcycle helmet camera is a considerable investment and you will want to make sure that it does not get damaged as soon as you start to use it. There are a few things that you can do to protect it. Firstly, make sure that you buy a product that is robust. A helmet-mounted camera needs to be waterproof because it will be exposed to the rain. If it is not tearproof, it needs to come with a waterproof case. It also needs to be ruggedly constructed and encased in a strong housing that will protect all the delicate technology inside. Secondly, you can play a part in protecting it. Think about what you are doing when riding, especially if you are off-road. Don’t take risks with low tunnels or tree branches. They could damage your device but could also cause you injury.
Our Top Pick
GoPro HERO5 Black
Our top pick of the best motorcycle helmet cameras is both compact and convenient. You can capture 4K, high definition video footage via hands-free and easy-to-use touch display.
The camera is waterproof and has video stabilization to capture smooth videos when mounted to a helmet. The video footage can be sent to a smartphone or played back on the built-in two-inch display screen. It comes with a rechargeable battery, mounting buckle and USB-C cable. It also comes with both a curved and flat adhesive mount.
Source:
- How Helmet Cameras Work – HowStuffWorks