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Choosing the right motorcycle helmet can be a little overwhelming. There are so many options out there and it’s not always easy to figure out what features you need.
We’re going to take a closer look at everything you need to know to choose the right motorcycle helmet camera for you.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Motorcycle Helmet Cameras
- OUR TOP PICK: GoPro Hero5 Black
- RUNNER-UP: Sena 10C Pro
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Campark ACT74-black+BF513
Comparison of the Best Motorcycle Helmet Cameras
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When Would a Motorcycle Helmet Camera Come in Handy?
One of the best things about riding a motorcycle is experiencing the freedom of the open road. That said, while you’re on your bike, safety is of the utmost importance. You should always pay attention to the road in front of you and be ready to react to surprises. It’s not always easy to stop and take a picture, even when you see something that takes your breath away.
Memories
A motorcycle helmet camera gives you an easy way to remember every journey. You capture video memories of every trip and can even use stills to capture images of the moments you want to remember. Some people upload these videos to a YouTube channel to share with friends and family. Others just keep them for themselves. You can even share images on social media if you want to, immortalizing an awesome sunset, mountain range, or lakeside drive.
Documenting Accidents
Another reason to think about using a motorcycle helmet camera is to be prepared if you get into an accident. The video you capture on your camera shows law enforcement and the insurance companies what happened and who is at fault.
Why Did These Motorcycle Helmet Cameras Make Our List?
There are a few things that make a motorcycle camera helmet a good investment. Here’s what you should look for:
Battery Life
This is a tricky one. Short battery life is one of the most common complaints, even for some of the best-loved products. Look for a camera that charges quickly or that can be used while charging. You can always carry a power block in your pocket while riding if you need to.
Image Stabilization
This is one of the most important features of a motorcycle helmet camera. There is no way to stay still while riding a bike, so you have to count on the camera to adjust for your movements and vibrations.
Controls
Hands-free controls are ideal. If you can’t find a hands-free helmet camera, find one with the easiest to use controls. You do not want to have to mess with something complicated while you’re on your bike.
Weatherproof
To make sure your camera lasts as long as possible, look for one that is waterproof. Most of these cameras are sports cameras that can be used while skiing or swimming. So, this usually isn’t something you need to worry about. That said, it’s one of the things you should look for when shopping.
Review of the Best Motorcycle Helmet Cameras
We rounded up some of the best motorcycle cameras on the market to help you find the one that’s right for you. Let’s take a close look at some of the best options out there.
Best Overall:
GoPro Hero5 Black
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
One of the things that people love about this camera is that you can watch records right on the screen. You don’t have to worry about uploading anything to your computer when you get home, it’s all right there in your hand. The picture quality is great, and the camera holds up over time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Truth be told, this is an old version of the GoPro Hero. But, it’s still highly recommended and one of the best small cameras for riding. It’s a rugged camera with an ultra-wide lens that’s great for capturing landscapes.
Something that we like about this one is image stabilization. This is extremely useful for a motorcycle helmet camera. We also like how rugged it is. You can wear this GoPro through rain, snow, and extreme temperatures without worrying about damaging it.
Bottom Line
Although this camera is a few years old, it’s still one of the best out there for motorcycle riding. It’s rugged and captures beautiful images. Plus, it automatically sends footage to your phone and transforms it into an edited video.
Runner-up:
Sena 10C Pro
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Considering how versatile this camera is, buyers found it easy to use. You can even adjust the settings with your riding gloves on. Technically, it’s very smooth. The camera captures clear images in bright and low light. Plus, Bluetooth capabilities and communication are great, too.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It’s an understatement to say this camera is versatile. The controls are easy to use and it captures great images in HD. There are multiple photo modes. Choose from the burst, single shot, and timelapse. Plus, it responds to voice commands and has a related easy-to-use app.
In addition to being an ideal helmet cam, the Sena 10C Pro is also a Bluetooth communication device. It functions as a universal intercom with advanced noise control. You only get two hours of recording time, but you can use it while charging on a road trip.
Bottom Line
This product is so much more than a camera. That said, it’s a pretty awesome camera. If you already have a communication device, you may not need something that’s this versatile. If you’re in the market for both, though, this is an impressive piece of equipment.
Best for the Money:
Campark ACT74-black+BF513
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People are impressed with this camera. Not only does it come with a lot of accessories, but it also performs well. The images and recording quality are great. Plus, there are a lot of recording options to choose from. It does perform slightly better in bright light.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Who doesn’t love a bargain? This camera is effective, affordable, and comes with a surprising number of accessories. You get the camera, two batteries, a waterproof case, remote control, and an external microphone. Another great thing about this camera is it comes with everything you need to mount it to your helmet.
The 4K Ultra HD video and 170° recording angle look incredible. We love the anti-shaking feature. It maintains a clear, sharp image even when you’re moving at faster speeds. When you’re done, you can instantly upload videos to YouTube or Facebook using the integrated wifi.
Bottom Line
This is a basic camera that does what you need a motorcycle helmet to do. It captures clear, vibrant images and comes with everything you need to get started. Plus, it’s one of the most affordable options out there.
Best GoPro Camera for Motorcycle Helmet:
GoPro Hero7 Black
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
There are two things people love about this camera: the size and the video quality. The stabilization feature works well, and the touchscreen operation is as easy as using a smartphone. While poor battery life was a common issue, most people found a way to work around it and would buy the camera again.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What we like about this camera is there are so many recording options. Yes, you can use it as a standard helmet camera. But you can have some fun with it, too. TimeWarp increases the speed to 30x so you can share a long drive in only a few seconds. Plus, you can live stream and share in real-time.
Interested in capturing photos, too? Check out SuperPhoto mode? The camera automatically applies HDR and noise reduction to optimize every shot. We also love the voice controls. You can tell the GoPro to take a photo or turn off and on without having to take your hands off the handlebars.
Bottom Line
This upgraded model of the GoPro Hero is a great choice if you want to have a lot of options for shooting modes. If you want a camera that can do a live stream or record in slow motion, this is the one.
Best Video Camera for Motorcycle Helmet:
Garmin Virb XE
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Overall, users are very pleased with the image quality. Most people also feel that it’s easy to use. While you don’t have to use it with other Garmin devices, it works seamlessly and the editing software is great. Plus, it’s compatible with GoPro mounting hardware so you can use this device in a mount that’s already installed.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Garmin is a well-known brand, but they’re not necessarily well known for their motorcycle helmet cameras. We like that you can use this product in conjunction with your other Garmin devices. We also like that you aren’t required to.
The image stabilization is impressive and the high definition camera gives you great footage. You can use the VIRB app on your smartphone to see real-time images, though this isn’t the best idea when you’re riding. The app also functions as a remote control and lets you upload to your social media channels.
Bottom Line
If you have a Garmin fitness tracker or another device, this camera is going to make things even more interesting. If you don’t, no worries. This is an awesome camera. The image stabilization and HD capabilities are great and there are various camera modes to record in.
Can Any Camera Be Mounted to a Motorcycle Helmet?
No. Motorcycle helmet cameras have to be small and lightweight. Remember, this camera is going to mount directly to your helmet. You don’t want to add any extra weight or anything that’s going to interfere with your ability to focus on the road.
There are other practical things to consider. You have to choose a camera that has a mount of its own or is compatible with the mount of a popular brand. The camera has to be weatherproof, too. As you can see, not just any camera will do.
Cautious Considerations to Keep in Mind
The number one priority of any motorcyclist is safety. It’s important to keep this in mind when considering a helmet camera, too.
Controls
Avoid cameras that are difficult to use or require a lot of adjustments when you’re recording. There is no way to safely ride a motorcycle and simultaneously worry about camera settings. The best helmet cameras are simple. Turn them on, start recording, and leave them alone until you stop.
Riding
Just because you’re recording does not mean you should take unnecessary risks or try to show off. Most bikers know this. Anyone who respects motorcycling takes it seriously. But at this age, social media is enticing. A lot of people new to motorcycling might take advantage of live streaming and being able to quickly upload videos to YouTube or Facebook.
A helmet camera should be used to collect memories and ensure safety. They should capture the route that you’ve been meaning to check out for ages and the time that guy in front of you almost reversed into the front of your bike. They should not be used to record stunts or gain followers online.
How to Attach a Camera To a Motorcycle Helmet
Attaching a camera to a motorcycle helmet might seem daunting, but the process is pretty simple. Here are some simple step-by-step directions to follow. Be sure to check out the video below for a full overview.
- When choosing a place to mount the camera, most people choose the chin or the top of the head. Chin mounts are a little more reliable because there isn’t as much movement. They provide clearer recordings and images.
- Once you decide where you want to mount the camera, use a microfiber cloth to wipe the surface clean.
- Remove the adhesive backing from the mount. Press it firmly into place, making sure that it is straight.
- Make sure the connector arms are angled appropriately for where you placed the adhesive mount. You may need to preview the shot to make sure everything is in the right spot.
- Remove the connector arms. Allow the adhesive to set for 24 hours before using to allow the glue to set properly.
- Attach the connector arm and the camera. You’re ready to go.
Note that all brands and mounts are different. This is a general overview. Follow the instructions that come with your helmet camera or mount to make sure you get the best results.
Conclusion
There are a lot of reasons to use a motorcycle helmet camera. Finding the right one for your helmet is important. We gave you a lot of things to think about and a few awesome products to consider.
People Also Ask
We know you probably have a lot of questions about motorcycle helmet cameras. Here are some of the things people wonder about the most.
Can I Have a Camera on My Helmet?
Yes, you can. But make sure you consider all the things we discussed about safety. Mounting it properly is important.
Where Do You Put Your Camera on Your Helmet?
It depends on the style of the helmet and the camera itself. Most people prefer chin mounts because they’re the least obtrusive. They also record a first-person view of the road ahead. Top and side mounting are also options.
Why Do Motorcyclists Wear Cameras?
There are several reasons to wear a motorcycle helmet camera. They’re a great way to capture the memories of a ride, especially if you’re traveling somewhere new or special. Motorcycle helmet cameras are also helpful in accidents. The recording can prove who is and is not at fault.
How Do I Stop My Motorcycle Camera From Vibrating?
Chin mounts are usually more stable. So, if you have a top or side-mounted camera, try moving it to your chin. One of the things you can do to prevent vibrations in recordings is to get a camera that has vibration control. You’ll never be able to eliminate all vibrations. But you can get a good camera that adjusts for them.
Where to Put a Camera on a Motorcycle Helmet?
You can mount a camera to the top, side, or chin or a helmet. The chin tends to be the best place for recording. It vibrates less and provides a first-person view of the road.
Is it Illegal to Have a Camera on a Motorcycle Helmet?
There are no state laws banning motorcycle helmet cams. As long as they are mounted safely and don’t cause any safety concerns, there are no legal implications to worry about.
Is it Safe to Attach a Battery to My Motorcycle Helmet For Camera?
It’s not a good idea. We know that some of these helmets have short battery lives, but mounting a battery to the helmet is not the best way to deal with this. A better approach is to keep a power bank in your backpack or jacket pocket. When the battery runs out, use the power bank to recharge it.
Is it Better to Mount My Motorcycle Camera on My Helmet Or On My Motorcycle?
Mounting it on the helmet is usually better. There aren’t a lot of places on a motorcycle to mount a camera. Plus, the view is better from the helmet. When you have a camera on your helmet, it records what you’re seeing. The view of your bike is much different.
What Can I Use to Attach a Camera to My Motorcycle Helmet?
The best thing to do is use the mount that’s included with the camera.