Buying a motorcycle camera in 2024 is a big and exciting step for a lot of riders. Every rider likes to buy themselves (or their bikes) “gifts,” but choosing the right type, make, and model of motorcycle camera can be a daunting task.
First, carefully consider your filming needs. Will you need the motorcycle camera to stay on the bike permanently, or should it detach so that you can carry it with you when you park? Should it have editing capabilities, or would you rather have it record on a continuous loop? Should the camera be able to track riding stats, location, or riding habits, or are you merely looking for the best image quality possible? Do you want to easily record and share vertical videos like TikTok or Instagram Reels?
After deciding what the purpose of your camera should serve, the next logical (and least favorite) step is to determine a budget. Cameras pricing can vary wildly within the market, with some models going for as low as ~$50 to over twelve times that price. While shopping, it’s important to remember that brand names don’t necessarily mean the best quality. Take the time to compare specs, guarantees, and payment plans. Ask your riding friends what are they using and what would they recommend based on your needs.
Finally, you’ll need to determine what kind of camera is compatible with your bike and current tech. Most cameras these days will come with either standard or aftermarket mounting options.
Now that you’ve determined exactly what your motorcycle camera should do, let’s take a look at what the market has to offer.
Types of Motorcycle Cameras
Whether you want to capture an upcoming vacation on film or prove to your friends that you really were going that fast on the track (for the record, we believe you) — there’s undoubtedly a camera out there that will fit your needs perfectly.
Everybody has heard of Go Pros, but motorcycle camera variety and functionality actually extends far beyond that popular brand. Each type of camera is designed by manufacturers to meet specific needs and riding styles:
Motorcycle Action / Extreme Cameras
On-body cameras are a popular choice for many in the motorcycling world. These versatile cameras are compact, lightweight, and typically attach to a rider’s helmet or chest (via a harness). Benefits of this camera type include the ability to change the field of view with a simple head turn or body shift.
Another benefit of this type of motorcycle camera is its one-size-fits-all approach for most riders. Unless mounted cameras, on-body cameras can fit just about anywhere on just about any rider. Unfortunately, though this versatility comes with a cost.
On-Bike (dash) Motorcycle Cameras
As the name suggests — these types of cameras are mounted directly to some part of the motorcycle. Typically these models will feature a ball-and-base mounting style that either sticks or screws onto the bike, though some feature a “clamp” style base that attaches similarly. Popular mounting areas include front fairings, frame trellises, tank, and rear fairings. Positive features of this type of camera include hassle-free recording, you can risk missing out on some footage if you don’t have a dual-camera or 360 system due to the fixed filming area.
Now for the fun part — buying a camera! Once you’ve determined the type you need, then it’s time to choose a make and model. Comparing and contrasting camera types is an important step while shopping. Check out some of the most popular models in the motorcycling world right now below:
High-Resolution Action / Extreme Motorcycle Cameras
Insta360 One X3 ($449)
If you are looking for some 360 action video, the One X3 from Insta360 is the best value for money. The ONE X3 is a pocket 360-degree onboard camera. With just one device, you can capture every angle at once and reframe it after the fact. This let's you create fake drone-shots, self portraits and tiny-world style videos which are super cool to watch and are very eye catching. Paired with Insta360’s Invisible Selfie Stick, it easily captures aerial angles and video-game-style third-person views by making your camera grip invisible. Moreover, with badass stabilization and horizon leveling, the footage will always stay smooth and steady during your riding. Here's a video I shot using the Insta 360 (and some Go Pro footage):
You can buy the Insta360 ONE X3 directly from the Insta360 global shop and get a free accessory like the invisible selfie stick.
I recommend adding a motorcycle kit ($49) that has all the motorcycle mounting options you can think of!
GoPro Hero 12 ($399)
This is my favorite 2024 motorcycle camera. The GoPro Hero 12 Black is a significant advancement in the GoPro lineup, offering a suite of new features and improvements designed to enhance the user's shooting and content creation experience. The camera retains the renowned 27MP photo capability and introduces high-quality video recording options, including 5.3K at 60fps, 4K at 120fps, and 2.7K at 240fps, catering to a wide range of content creation needs from high-resolution stills to smooth, slow-motion footage.
One of the standout features of the Hero 12 Black is its enhanced video stabilization with HyperSmooth 6.0, ensuring even smoother footage across a variety of action-packed scenarios. The camera also introduces a new Max Lens Mod 2.0, which expands the field of view, making it especially useful for vertical-video-oriented creators by allowing more content in the frame while minimizing edge warping in a standard 16:9 aspect ratio.
The Hero 12 Black emphasizes ease of use and flexibility with features like wireless audio connectivity for Bluetooth headphones or microphones, GP-Log for creative color grading in post-production, and the ability to wirelessly timecode sync multiple cameras. The vertical capture mode is another user-friendly addition, offering a 9:16 aspect ratio directly from the camera without the need for post-editing.
Battery life and thermal efficiency have been improved, particularly in high framerate and quality modes, addressing previous concerns about overheating and extending the camera's runtime. The HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode is now more accessible, providing more balanced exposures in challenging lighting conditions by effectively managing highlights and shadows.
While the Hero 12 Black shares some similarities with its predecessor, the Hero 11, such as the GP2 processor and video resolutions, the new model distinguishes itself with its battery life enhancements, HDR video capabilities, and professional video features. These upgrades, combined with the improved user interface and stabilization, make the Hero 12 Black a compelling option for both new users and those considering an upgrade from older models.
Here are my favorite GoPro 12 new features:
Bluetooth audio- connect with your Apple Airpods or any other bluetooth mic/headphones you use in just a few clicks. The killer feature he is the ability to connect to your Bluetooth headset (Cardo, Sena, etc.) so if you like recording yourself talk while riding, you no longer need to run cables through you helmet.
Hindsight- allows you to capture the 15 seconds before you clicked the recording button, so if your buddy crashed in the trail, you can still get it on video.
Framing versatility- you can capture vertical videos for Tiktok even while the camera is mounted horizontally.
Battery life- In 5.3K60 recording mode, the Hero 12 can shoot for 70 minutes on one charge, whereas the Hero 11 Black would give up after 35 minutes. According to GoPro the battery management software has been upgraded while the Enduro battery is the same as GoPro11.
GoPro Hero 11 ($349)
If you are a rider that takes your adventures seriously then you’ll undoubtedly be hearing about this state-of-the-art camera sooner or later. The all new Go Pro Hero 11 is the ultimate camera (and holiday gift) for any content creating motorcycle rider, road or offroad.
Its new, larger image sensor captures more of the scene with higher image quality, letting you instantly share vertical shots to social media. HyperSmooth 5.0 features AutoBoost and Horizon Lock built-in, ensuring your smoothest, most stunning shots yet, topped with a dual screen for easier vlogging experience.
Waterproof to 33ft + built tough to whitstand rain, mud and falling over (believe me, I test it every other week).
You can also check out the new Go Pro Hero 11 Mini model ($399) which has the same tech specs but comes in a smaller size (without the screens) and without the ability to replace betteries.
GoPro Hero9 Black ($281)
If you are looking to start on a smaller budget, the Go Pro Hero 9 is what you need. Featuring some of the most advanced specs on the market, the GoPro Hero9 boasts voice control, scheduled capture, live streaming capabilities, Superphoto +HDR, hyper smooth multi-stabilization levels, and more. It works with many resolutions and framerates and offers you a stable 4K UHD 2160p quality recording.
DJI Osmo Action 4 ($349)
The DJI Osmo Action 4 is a versatile and advanced action camera designed to capture high-quality footage in various conditions. It features a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, enabling excellent performance in low-light environments, and supports a wide ISO range of 100-12800 for both photos and videos. The camera offers a 155° field of view with an f/2.8 aperture and a focus range from 0.4 meters to infinity, ensuring clear and wide shots. For video recording, it provides multiple resolutions and frame rates, including 4K at up to 120fps and 1080p at up to 240fps for slow motion, along with Hyperlapse and Timelapse modes for creative effects.
The Osmo Action 4 is equipped with advanced stabilization technologies like RockSteady 3.0 and HorizonSteady, ensuring smooth footage even in dynamic conditions. It's designed for durability, featuring deep-freeze resistance and a waterproof design up to 18 meters without additional housing. The camera supports microSD cards up to 512GB, allowing extensive recording sessions without worrying about storage.
For creators looking to enhance their videos with clear audio, the Osmo Action 4 integrates three microphones for omnidirectional recording and offers advanced wind noise reduction. It also supports direct Bluetooth connection with DJI Mic 2 for high-quality remote audio recording. Additionally, the camera facilitates Wi-Fi livestreaming, voice control for hands-free operation, and timecode sync for efficient multi-camera editing.
The companion LightCut app offers AI editing capabilities, automatically selecting the best shots from your footage and providing a range of templates for quick and professional-looking edits. The Osmo Action 4 is also compatible with a wide range of accessories, including mounts and cases for various activities like biking, diving, and skiing, enhancing its versatility for different shooting scenarios.
Cost-Effective Motorcycle Dash Cameras
Regardless of any extreme or helmet mounted camera you may have to share your travels with friends, documenting every second of your daily rides can be crucial in emergencies and accidents, which aren't always up to us, riders.
The VSYSTO WiFi camera for motorcycles is the best in daily, ongoing ride recording with dual 1080 high-res cameras and easily installation prcoess. It is waterproof and very easy to operate using a mobile phone app and a remote controller you can install on your handlebar. The B6L comes without a display version, so it's cheaper and doesn't make you look at the screen while riding, which is super dangerous.
AKASO V50 ($99)
If you’re a rider on a budget who still wants to document your journeys then these cameras make great cost-effective choices. The AKASO V50 camera features 4k at 30fps, a 170° wide-angle camera, 2-inch touch screen with IPS display, external microphone input, and is waterproof up to 100ft (30m) within its case. Document your journey at a reasonable price with this lightweight, durable and compact camera, a great dash cam for motorcycles.
Crosstour CT7000 ($48)
The Crosstour CT7000 may not have the allure of a big brand name like GoPro, but it will certainly get the job done when it comes to 2-wheeled filming needs. Their standard sales package features a 170° wide-angle lens, companion app, waterproof (up to 33ft or 10m) housing, GoPro compatible mounts, spare battery, and 1080p at 30fps recording capability. While not the most advanced motorcycle camera on the market, this budget-friendly option ensures that you’ll catch your memories on film without breaking the bank!
Premium Motorcycle Dash Cameras
1. INNOVV K5 ($478)
While these cameras may not help you avoid an accident like Ride Vision 1, they can help to collect evidence of one (though we hope that feature is never needed!). The INNOVV K5 is a dual-channel camera system that permanently mounts to your bike. It features continuous recording of front and rear-facing views in HD 1080p 30fps, 720p 60fps, and 720p 30fps.
2. THINKWARE Sports M1 ($349)
One of the most popular motorcycle dash cam options on the market, the THINKWARE Sports M1 has been a reliable provider of car dash cams for years. Having recently released their motorcycle camera setups, it’s clear that this manufacturer knows what consumers want when it comes to dash cams. Both cameras in this dual system feature 1080p HD video and use a 2.13MP Sony STARVIS image sensor for superior nighttime filming and crips daytime recordings. Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) means that footage is smooth even on the bumpiest of roads, and the entire system is promoted as being waterproof and element resistant.
3. HaloCam M1
Another crowd favorite in the motorcycle dash cam market, the HaloCam M1 is rugged, durable, and waterproof. Direct-to-bike battery wiring means the system can power on as soon as the bike’s ignition is turned, while an additional internal battery ensures that you have time to save your video files after the bike is turned off as well. This popular dual-camera system features HD 1080p video, waterproof lenses, and an optional GPS module.
When choosing a motorcycle camera there are a variety of factors to take into account. Details like personal budget, bike layout, camera mounting location and style, and camera system needs all will have to be considered before purchasing the perfect product.
Some models, like most dash cameras, are best suited for day-to-day filming needs. These will typically attach directly to the bike, come with an ECU and GPS tracking capabilities, and feature a dual-camera setup with continuous loop recording.
Action cameras are typically rugged, lightweight, and versatile. They can come in a variety of cost ranges and setup options, which include both on-body and on-bike mounting options.