In the XXI century, if you did not film your experience, did it really happen? You might think that filming with a budget camera is just as simple, but what about do you really want to stop every second? Dedicated riders use the helmet 360 cameras and there is the reason for it.
The 360 cameras are convenient and provide a new way to shoot video with the significant stabilization and ability to capture everything around you at once.
Have not you heard? With this great feature comes money well spent. Because cameras cost so much, you need to find the one with all features you are looking for.
To help you with this process, we will review all of the best 360 cameras for motorcycles.
For starters, our best choice is the GoPro Hero 5 Helmet Camera, with an outstanding performance built with the capacity to withstand adverse conditions while on a trip.
Whether you need it as a regular camera or a travel camera, it gets equipped with features that help it serve its purpose as a pro and help you preserve your favorite memories without interrupting your trip.
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best 360 Cameras for Motorcycles
1. GoPro Hero7 Camera 4K
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A slightly different version is the HERO7 Black, our second entry. Two of its best features are the Time Warp Video Capture (TWVC) and the HyperSmooth Video Stabilization.
With the TWVC, owners can take their videos and speed them up to 30x normal, which allows them to share longer activities as viewable.
Keeping them stable, even at that speed, the HyperSmooth feature provides gimbal-like stability without the sensitive, and expensive, equipment. With it, shaky-cam footage is no longer a problem unless you drop it down the stairs.
Sometimes, slowing everything down is a preferred option. Each HERO7 Black has 8x Slo-Mo Video, which lets users take advantage of the ultra-high frame rate of 1080×240 to show every single moment of the hilarious moments every motorcycle owner sees when going to work or just out for a ride.
No matter how slow or how fast you want to show your video, you can live to stream it with the HERO7 Black.
This motorcycle helmet camera sends video directly to Facebook Live so that the perfect, full moon coming out of a cloudbank gets seen by everyone as it happens. There is also the option to save high-resolution, streaming video to an SD card.
As with every GoPro product in this line, the HERO7 Black can handle exposure to the worst storms you can ride through, and then go down to 10 meters (33 feet) on a dive.
The touch screen is designed to function as a smartphone, so learning and mastering this camera is a snap.
2. GoPro – HERO5 4K Camera
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
First up is the GoPro HERO5 Black. It is an incredible, waterproof camera that can handle the worst storm possible while out riding.
- It is designed not just for travel, but also for submersion up to 33 feet (10 meters).
- It takes less than a minute to switch it from your helmet to an armband for diving, surfing, and swimming.
The video is a 4K wonder, and the options for single pictures are burst, single, and time-lapse. Under time lapse, users can set up for 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 30, and 60-second intervals.
After completing your ride, you can playback the video and preview your pictures right on the HERO5 Black.
The program, and the simple-to-use touch screen, also let you trim your footage and even change some settings for both video and single pictures.
Using the QuikStories option you can send video and pictures automatically to your smartphone. Once loaded, it only takes a few minutes to edit everything and turn it into a professional-looking video.
By using GoPro Plus, you can then load the final product to the cloud, even setting up multiple videos to load automatically.
To fully use all the options available with the HERO5 Black, it is necessary to download the GoPro and the Quik apps for your mobile device.
Using the GoPro Plus service requires a subscription that can be canceled by the owner at any time, fully charges the battery and a connection to an AC power source. A charger is not included with the HERO5 Black.
3. Crosstour Action Helmet Camera
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Our third entry is the Crosstour Action Underwater Camera. This sports camera is a little larger than some of the other options, but it comes with an impressive 2” LCD screen for better viewing of videos and pictures.
It has an 18-piece mounting kit for helmets, motorcycles, bikes, and other vehicles, as well as wrist and armbands.
The lens on the Crosstour has an amazing 170-degree wide-angle that is especially useful for motorcycle riders to capture everything in front of them.
Combine that with 1080P and 12MP, the Crosstour helps every user capture some of the best pictures and video available while in motion.
The wireless connection goes much farther than simply allowing users to download, view, and delete photos and videos.
Once the owner downloads the iSmart DV app to their smartphone or another mobile device, they can operate every aspect of the Crosstour remotely.
Running out of power on a long ride is not a concern for this camera. Each Crosstour Action comes with 2 long-lasting, 1050mAh, rechargeable batteries.
If the user enjoys water sports as well as motorcycles, this is an excellent choice. The Crosstour Action comes with a tough, waterproof case that functions superbly at depths up to 30 meters or 98 feet, which makes it perfect for diving, swimming, and surfing.
Each Crosstour Action comes with a sturdy USB cable for connection to laptops, smartphones, and other mobile devices. There is no battery charger or SD card included, however, so both must be purchased separately.
4. GoPro Hero Session Camera
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another best motorcycle helmet camera is GoPro HERO Session Waterproof Digital Action Cameras. For motorcycle helmet cameras, it is an excellent choice for a first-time user. It is a compact design, just 2.6 ounces or 74 kilograms.
It has a low profile once attached to a helmet, so riders do not feel any weight and do not bang it up too often when putting on or removing their helmet.
The HERO Session has a one-button remote that turns on the camera and automatically begins recording video or taking pictures on a pre-determined schedule.
The remote is very small, and can be attached to the motorcycle, or clipped to a body harness, arm, or wristband for instant access.
Like their other products, the HERO Session is designed for use in even the worst weather and is waterproof for up to 33 feet or 10 meters underwater with no additional protective housing needed.
The video image quality for this GoPro model can be set at 720p100, 1080p60, or a stunning 1440p30. At 1440 pixels, the high resolution delivers professional-quality video, and with a frame rate of 100fps, provides exceptionally clear and smooth slow-motion playback.
It can capture 8MP single photos, 10 fps burst photos, and do it all with a time-lapse range of 0.5 to 60 seconds.
The HERO Session helmet camera supports 128GB, so the user can record multiple daily commutes on a single card, or one long ride on the open road. It does not have an LCD display.
5. AKASO 4K Wifi Camera
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This Ultra HD camera can shoot 12MP photos at up to 30 frames per second.
It also records 4K videos at a professional 25Fps & 2.7K 30Fps. That is 4 times the resolution of traditional HD cameras and allows users to take some of the most incredible pictures possible with a helmet camera using the AKASO EK7000.
The lens records an incredible 170-degree view.
The EK7000 also comes with a 2.4G, wireless wrist controller, providing incredible remote access to the camera and allowing the rider to record video and take pictures better than many other models.
Framing shots and controlling the video are very convenient, even when in motion. With built-in Wi-Fi & HDMI, users can edit & share clips or the entire ride in minutes.
All it takes is downloading the Smart DV app on their phone or mobile device to connect with this AKASO camera. The Wi-Fi signal has a solid range of up to 10 meters.
Fading power is not a problem with the AKASO EK7000. It comes with 21050mAh, rechargeable batteries that can record up to 90 minutes of video each.
Recording every moment of a long ride is no longer an issue and you’ll never miss another moment of your commute to work. A charger is also included.
The AKASO EK4700 is designed to withstand extreme weather and environments. Tough on its own, each one also comes with a waterproof case that lets you take it from the highway to 100 feet underwater.
6. Dragon Touch 4k Action Camera
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Dragon Touch 4K helmet camera has a 4X Zoom that enhances an already incredible set of features:
It can produce professional-quality 4K/30fps, 2.7K/30fps, and 1080P/60fps video, and with a 16MP photo resolution, lets the user create some truly stunning photos you would never associate with a helmet camera.
The Dragon Touch is waterproof against even the most severe storms and can be submerged up to 100 feet. That’s not a good thing when attached to a helmet, but for divers and surfers, it is an incredible option few other action cameras can offer.
It also comes with a 2″ screen that allows owners and users to easily edit their photos and video on the go. Saving and posting the results on social media is a very simple process that takes place in seconds.
All of it can be controlled from a smartphone or tablet using the XDV app. The built-in WiFi signal has a range of up to 33 feet or 10 meters.
Besides the mobile device connection, the Dragon Touch also comes with a wireless remote that can be easily strapped to a wristband or attached to a body harness for quick access while in motion.
The remote device also has a range of 33 feet, but it is not waterproof like the camera.
This model is very compact and has a low profile when attached to a helmet. Each camera comes with a USB cable and battery charger. Each Dragon Action camera also multiple point mounts and tethers.
7. YI 4K+ Action Helmet CAMERA
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The YI 4K+ is the first action camera to record 4K/60fps video, the double the frame rate of other cameras. The built-in Sony IMX377 image sensor also helps capture stunning 12MP pictures.
The internal Electronic Image Stabilizer provides incredibly smooth video recording and helps eliminate blurry pictures when in motion and capturing images of fast-moving objects.
The YI 4K+ also has an intuitive UI design. Thanks to the 2.2” Gorilla Glass retina touchscreen, it not only shows bright, crystal clear images, it also makes changing the settings very simple.
Users can also quickly change between modes of shooting, and easily preview and playback video footage and single photos.
This YI model also comes with a 1200mAh high capacity battery for longer recording life. Fully charged, it supports recording 4K/60fps video for up to 70 minutes.
The camera package includes a USB-C connector which provides rapid data transfer and efficiently delivers power for a quick recharge.
In addition to being a superb motorcycle helmet camera, it also is a versatile camcorder when traveling anywhere.
The YI 4K+ comes with voice control of some features, built-in, low energy Bluetooth and WiFi connections, and supports an external Type-C microphone.
Please note that the company recommends you upload the latest firmware (currently version 1.3.11) and keep it updated to ensure the stability of the system and the hardware of the camera.
Each YI 4K+ utilizes a HI silicon Hi3556V100 processor, has slots for a memory card, a USB charging port for the battery, and has a 12-month warranty.
8. GoPro HD Hero Camera
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Like the other GoPros on our list, the HERO 960 Wearable HD is one tough, little helmet camera. When it comes to video, everything is in 1280p x 960p High Definition with a wide-angle lens that captures everything the rider sees in front of him.
The picture quality is also superb, with the ability to shoot 5mp digital photos in 720p and 960p HD resolutions.
The owner can take a single shot, or set up the camera to take a picture at intervals from 2 seconds to 1 minute.
The timer can be set to repeat the interval for up to 2.5 hours. It also has a self-timer and a function for ‘triple shots’.
Video and photos all record to a standard 32GB SD card (about 9 hours of video storage). The card must be purchased separately though. Unfortunately, there is no microphone jack for the 960 Wearable.
In addition to the slot for the SD card and the USB port, however, there is a jack for HDTV and standard TV.
The 960 Wearable is powered by a Lithium-ion battery, included with the camera. That gives users 2.5 hours of power without a recharge, making it one of the longer-lasting helmet camera batteries available.
Included with the camera are the battery, a helmet front mount, two adhesive mounts, and a head strap for wearing the 960 in a headlamp-style fashion.
If you are also looking to dual-use your helmet camera as a dive camera, the 960 Wearable can shoot as deep as 180 feet below the surface. The deepest level for a camera on this list.
9. ION Air Pro Wifi Camera
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Ion 1011L Air Pro Lite Wi-Fi has an incredible 170-degree field of view, which makes its 1080p x 720p, HD videos even more impressive than other helmet camera models.
The camera also captures 14MP single photos, burst-shot pictures, and time-lapse images at the touch of a button or as a pre-set program that begins when the camera powers up.
The 1011L Air Pro Lite Wi-Fi can also record very clear audio with its built-in, high-quality microphone. It is a feature not present in many other cameras, which allows users to record a monologue to go with their videos and photo presentations.
Utilizing Wi-Fi PODZ allows users to upload their videos and photos with Shoot/Share to every social media platform on a real-time basis.
The Ion app allows owners to check every frame on their camera from their mobile device, edit them, and then upload directly to social media or to cloud storage in a matter of seconds.
This is especially useful when riders want to upload videos and photos without having to remove the camera from the helmet mount.
The 1011L Air Pro Lite Wi-Fi is compatible with all Ion helmets and bike mounts as well as all of their accessories.
It is very weather-resistant and completely waterproof up to a depth of 33 feet or 10 meters in case a user drops it into a ditch, pond, or creek. The battery included with the camera, when fully charged, has a life or 2.5 hours.
The camera also comes with a USB cable and a cam lock to secure the camera to the bike frame.
10. Akaso Pro Action Camera
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our list wraps up with another great AKASO camera. The V50 Pro Native is a great option as a motorcycle helmet camera and for any outdoor activity.
For video and single photos, it features 4K/30fps and 20mp imaging which can capture every detail of the user’s city commute, weekend rides, and any other outdoor activity.
The camera has a built-in Electronic Image Stabilization or EIS. The 6-axis gyroscope detects all position shifts and motion changes, so whenever the camera tilts, gets dropped, vibrates, or moves in any other way, it still produces amazing videos and photos.
Riders can change the view angle of the V50 Pro Native from Narrow to Medium, Wide, and Super Wide to record everything that they see. It also has a calibration feature that can improve distorted images.
Combine these features with the EIS, and the V50 Pro Native can produce some of the sharpest images you can get from motorcycle helmet cameras.
It is easy to upload photos and videos from the V50 as well. Users simply need to download the iSmart Pro+ app to their phone or another mobile device.
Sharing to social media takes only seconds and with a built-in HDMI port, it is simple to connect the camera to any television.
When you purchase this AKASO camera, it also comes with the following accessories: (2) 1100mAh batteries, a battery charger, a waterproof case, a remote control, a bicycle stand, (2) helmet mounts, (5) tethers, (10) mounts, a USB cable, a lens cloth, and a Quick Reference Guide.
360 Camera for Motorcycle Touring GUIDE
The best motorcycle helmet camera depends on what you need it for, but there are some common features to consider. Regardless if you pick one of these selections or another camera in your own research, you need to make certain that you cover the basics before trying to become a vlogger on two wheels.
Know what you want
If you only have a desire to hang a camera on your helmet, then you are going to buy the wrong device. For example, are you going to use this only for your motorcycle?
If you are, then a smaller device with fewer options is a good choice to start out with, especially if you are new to motorcycles as well.
The larger helmet-mounted cameras have more features, but they also have more drag and newer riders tend to focus too much on the camera and not enough on the road in front of them.
If you are going to use your new device for other activities or even as a regular camera, then a larger device is a better choice.
As you read above, many models can be used for diving, and with a headband or a lanyard, can document everything from museum trips to door-to-door sales.
Operational Life
If most of your time is on your daily commute, and you do not make long trips over the weekend, then battery life is not really a problem for you.
If you prefer spending your weekends on two wheels no matter what the weather, then you need to find a helmet camera with the longest life battery.
Compliance with Local Helmet Laws
Believe it or not, there are some states, and countries, that believe mounting a camera on your helmet renders it non-compliant with safety regulations.
In some places, that means you cannot drill into your helmet or do anything else that is considered to interfere with or reduce its structural integrity if there is a crash.
That means your camera has to mount to the helmet using some type of adhesive or a strap that holds it in place.
If the local or state rules prevent any type of helmet camera, then your options are to mount the camera to the motorcycle or purchase a helmet with a built-in camera that also meets DOT regulations. Just keep in mind that these are more expensive than a regular helmet.
Check the Reviews
When you are picking a camera, see what other riders have to say about the different models. While there are always a handful of people that hate everything, find a website where the individual is a verified purchaser.
If the reviewer provides any personal information, check them out on social media to see them actually using the camera and why it failed to meet their expectations.
Sites like YouTube are great for this. Riders who love or hate their choice have a direct link to anyone who wants to see exactly what they do.
Some of these reviewers have developed a split-screen to show what the company claims the rider can experience with their product and what their helmet camera actually recorded and photographed under the same conditions.
Benefits Of Using Motorcycle Helmet Camera
The greatest benefit of using a motorcycle helmet camera is the protection it offers. Not necessarily protecting you against a crash or a spill, but protecting you from false accusations.
Despite decades of safe rides and generations of safe, motorcycle riders, there is still an assumption of guilt by insurance companies and others when it comes to who caused a crash.
People see a sleek bike in their mind and decide that the rider had to have been driving too fast and was splitting lanes at unsafe speeds. The truth, of course, is that the majority of riders are far safer than their four-wheeled counterparts.
A motorcycle or helmet-mounted camera can clearly show that the texting parent in their ‘safe’ Volvo cut you off to make an off-ramp at 65mph, forced you onto the shoulder, and then into the guardrail.
Nothing says distracted driver better than a clear shot lifted from the video that shows Mom or Dad on their phone and not watching out for you and everyone else.
The same applies to speed tickets and moving violations. More than one rider has beaten a ticket by looking down at his speedometer to show exactly how fast they were going when the lights and sirens started. They also defend themselves about running red lights or not coming to a complete stop before making a right-hand turn.
In some cases, the motorcycle owner has used the app on her phone to show the officer that three minutes ago, the light was green when she entered the intersection, and not already yellow or red.
Then there is the much nicer side of using a helmet camera. On nearly every outing, there are a few moments that every rider remembers for years, or even decades, and wants to share with the people who understand what they saw and what it means.
Depending on the model of the camera, they can load the raw footage so everyone can see and feel exactly what they did within seconds of it happening. With just a little editing, riders can create an amazing video or slideshow of each outing.
For a few models, owners can use their remote device, smartphone, or another mobile device to add narration and change the lighting of other settings to provide more of the mood of the event rather than just what the eye caught at a given moment.
FAQs
Am I really safer using a helmet camera?
It’s amazing how quickly road rage evaporates when the other driver sees that camera pointed right at him. For many, it is enough to make them get back in their car, truck, or SUV and drive off as quickly as they slammed on the brakes to confront you.
Why can’t I just use my smartphone? It takes wonderful pictures and video.
With new developments in lens technology, the picture range for a camera can be up to 170 degrees, which is far more than most phones and other devices.
The panoramic range provides far better video and pictures of a ride than any mobile device.
Even the smallest smartphone or other mobile device is larger and more awkward to mount than a helmet camera. Given their size, they have to be mounted to the motorcycle itself, or attached to a body harness worn over the chest.
Both options are very secure, but neither one allows the rider to record something with only a glance in the right direction.
Aren’t these just another expensive device I’ll throw in a drawer in the kitchen and forget about?
At first, you may forget the camera is there and leave it on the helmet overnight. That’s normal, and it means you probably bought the exact size you need if you forget that it is still attached.
Once you get used to having one, you’ll discover more about each ride from your road trips to your daily commute, to just driving through your neighborhood. With the right camera, you can open up your world.
Summary
So what is the top pick out of the best camera for motorcycle touring? For us, it’s the GoPro HERO5 Black. This mid-level camera combines the best in pricing and features for an all-around excellent product.
If you check out the helmet camera reviews, it has some of the best praises out of all of our choices and even the poor reviews still have good things to say about one or more of the HERO5 Black’s features.
If this is the first time you’ll mount a camera on your helmet or if you are looking to replace one that has worn out over time, the HERO5 Black is a great choice.
We love the GoPro HERO5 Black, but the final choice is, of course, up to you. If you are on a tight budget, and only need a camera for safety reasons, or to document distance and locations traveled, then a more basic, cost-efficient camera like the HERO Session might fit your needs. If cost is not a factor, then the Crosstour Action camera might be a better choice.
The same is true for how you use it. If the camera never leaves your helmet, then a low-profile model is best. If it comes off for other sports, then a larger camera with additional functions is the better choice. Make the right one, and the possibilities are amazing.