For many riders, buying a motorcycle/scooter camera is a significant step. Everyone likes to purchase “gifts” for themselves or their bikes, but buying the perfect motorcycle camera is an arduous task.
Consider your shooting needs first. For example, should you want to leave the camera attached permanently, will you need to purchase another unit? Or would you rather have it continually record? Are you looking for the best image quality possible, or can the camera track location, riding habits, or statistics?
The following (and least favorite) step is to determine a budget. Prices for cameras can vary widely, with some models going for $70 to over $1000. While shopping, remember that brand names don’t always mean the best quality. Compare specifications, guarantees, and payment options.
At the end of the day, you will need to find out if your bike is compatible with your chosen camera. Modern cameras are often shipped with one of two kinds of mounting: standard or aftermarket.
These weatherproof and featuring on-unit ECU’s or additional hardware that will need to be installed, such as weather forecasting applications, are pretty common.
Once you’ve identified your motorcycle camera’s primary function, let’s examine the market options.
A motorcycle’s on-bike camera
They are mounted directly to some part of the motorcycle. The majority of these models are equipped with a ball-and-base mounting system, which can either screw or snap into place on the bike. Some models use a “clamp”-style base, which attaches similarly. An increasing number of people prefer to mount their scooters in places such as front fairings, frame trellises, tank and rear fairings. This type of camera features simple and hassle-free video recording, as well as the fact that if you don’t have a dual-camera or 360 system, you’re missing out on some footage because of the fixed filming area.
Body mounted cameras
Many motorcyclists choose on-body cameras due to their popularity. Lightweight, small cameras that attach to the helmet or chest of the rider are standard (via a harness). Another benefit of this camera type is the ability to quickly adjust the field of vision by turning one’s head or shifting one’s body.
This type of motorcycle camera also has one-size-fits-all functionality for the majority of motorbike riders. Although mounted cameras, on-body cameras can fit just about anyplace on just about any rider, on-body cameras must be attached to the rider. Unfortunately, though, there is a price to pay for this versatile design. If the rider gets into a collision or crash, any on-body camera will always pose a safety hazard.
Action Cameras
The popularity of action cameras that are designed to be compatible with motorcycles is growing these days steadily. The vast majority of current motorcycle cameras are waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and even impervious to impact. Regardless of their model, some action cameras have demonstrated even more resistance to severe temperatures than others.
So, now it is time to really go out and buy a camera! Once you’ve figured out what kind of stylus you need, you can choose a manufacturer and model. Shopping while comparing and contrasting camera types is a vital first step. Below you can find some of the most popular motorcycling models now in the market:
Halo Cam M1 Motorcycle Dash Cam – $257
The HaloCam motorcycle camera is a dashcam-like setup that connects to your motorcycle’s battery or an extra battery bank that connects to your motorcycle’s battery. M1 internal battery, but only to keep the camera powered long enough when you turn off your bike to save the last video file. Halocam will turn on and off when you start your bike’s ignition; unlike a helmet cam, you can forget to turn it on or off.
Both front and back HD 1080p cameras have lenses. Because each camera lens is entirely waterproof, you can use them outside your bike, exposed to the weather.
Please be sure to mount or store the main unit in a dry location. This is easily accessible because you may connect to the main unit via WiFi. In addition, the HaloCam Moto App allows you to access recorded films and photographs on your smartphone or tablet, making it simple to share video with others.
You can track and log your whole bike trip using the GPS module that comes with the device. Since this is a plug-in, you don’t have to use it if you don’t want to.
The camera quality is good overall and at a great price point.
GoPro Hero9 Black – $379.
To those who plan travels carefully, it’s almost sure that you will hear about this state-of-the-art camera at some point. This is because GoPro Hero9 Black has such feature-rich specs, including voice control, scheduled capture, live streaming, HyperSmooth stabilization, and Super photo and HyperHDR. In addition, it offers 4K UHD 2160p quality recording at any resolution or framerate.
GoPro Hero7 Silver -$199
A quick look at the specs reveals that this GoPro action camera is absolutely incredible. In conjunction with it, you’ll be able to have amazing moto-adventures on your own for around $200! This camera is water-resistant to a depth of 33ft (10m). It offers 4K video recording at a resolution of 30 frames per second. Apps that employ the built-in GPS and built-in camera, allowing recording such metrics as speed and elevation, and image stabilization producing extremely detailed and stable high-resolution videos, are ideal for mobile shooting applications.
Insta360 ONE R – $429
Here’s an action camera that’s best for people on the go that need the most significant amount of adaptability. 360° to 4k with 60 fps (wide-angle lens), one of the most popular action cameras on the market. Proclaiming that the camera boasts a resolution of 5.7k, an H.265 codec, and other such advanced technologies, along with an AI-powered post-processing system to ensure every piece of the film looks just as vivid as if you were present again.
You won’t miss a moment, no matter how difficult the action is, as long as you have the flow-state stabilization capability, which allows you to highlight and maintain all the good material.
Drift Ghost X Action Camera- 99$
When it comes to compactness, this is one of those cameras out there that seems simplistic. There are no sophisticated and challenging controls; therefore, using them is pretty simple. To stand up to the forces of nature, it has been built rugged. The camcorder records video at 1080p with 30 frames per second. However, the appealing feature of this compact camera is the battery backup that can continuously power the camera for 5 hours. If you’re still not impressed, you can pick up a long battery module that adds eight additional hours of battery life.
Thinkware Sports M1 -$349
The THINKWARE Sports M1 has long been one of the most famous motorbike dash cam solutions, offering a solid source of automobile dash cams. This manufacturer clearly understands what buyers want for dashcams, as they just debuted motorbike camera configurations. The twin camera system featured in this product offers 1080p HD video. In addition, it employs a 2.13MP Sony STARVIS image sensor for sharper daylight recordings and more brief nighttime video.
The technology is touted as being waterproof and element resistant. In addition, the film is motionless even on the bumpiest of roads, even if it is shot with an electronic image stabilization system.
AKASO EK7000 4K30FPS Action Camera Ultra HD – 59.99 $
Next, we enter the budget range. So-called “world-class” cameras from here on may actually be too great to be true. Akaso EK7000 is a cut above the rest, but there is no competition in this regard. 4K videos can be recorded at 25 FPS, and 2.7K videos can be recorded at 30 FPS. This is an activity camera with excellent video and image quality for the price. Another plus of having built-in WiFi is being able to connect to your smartphone and laptop wirelessly. You may use a wrist strap to connect a remote control to your phone so that taking images and movies is simple.
VSYSTO Motorcycle Recording Dashcam Dual Front & Rear-$299
For vehicle, truck, and motorcycle dash cams, VSYSTO has extensive experience with on-the-road cameras.
VSYSTO motorbike camera offers two channels with 1080p HD video at 30 fps. Each has a Sony IMX323 image sensor for better daytime and nighttime footage. In addition, both of the cameras have a 170-degree field of view, for a nearly 360-degree dashcam vision.
Both the front and rear cameras are waterproof and the camera itself, which boasts a 4.5 inch LCD that is scratch proof. You can see and modify video settings here on the screen.
The VSYSTO cam has built-in WiFi, so you can remotely download films to your phone and post them on sites like YouTube. Additionally, after a mishap or incident, it is useful to share video to your insurance provider.
While not in use, the cam is entirely waterproof and the main body can be left on the motorcycle. Having your motorcycle plugged in will allow the footage to start and stop as you turn the key. A cell phone mounted to a helmet does not fare well since the battery can die or the memory card fill up. “Loop recording” is used in the VSYSTO to save short 5-minute videos. When your memory card is full (hours of footage), it will overwrite older video files.
With the bundled GPS module, you may record and share your latest rides.
Final words
When picking up a motorbike camera, certain elements should be considered. All aspects including budget, bike setup, camera placement, and style are addressed when buying the perfect product.
Many dash cameras are better suited for day-to-day filming. Typically, these have an ECU and GPS tracker on them, and have a dual-camera configuration with continuous loop filming.
Action cameras are durable, compact, and adaptable. Setup choices include both on-body and on-bike mounting options.
No matter why you bought a motorbike camera (or another motorcycle camera for us techies), doing your homework and making an informed purchase is critical. Use the review forums, reviews, and blogs to find the perfect size!