We have already reviewed some of the popular motorcycle riding accessories such as Bluetooth headsets and phone mounts. But, there was still one type of gadget missing on our website and it is a motorcycle helmet camera. If you are a real motorcycle enthusiast and you would like to record your riding adventures, then a high-quality action camera is a must for you.
Action cameras can be attached to different kinds of objects and surfaces using clamps or adhesive mounts. Not only you can put the camera on your helmet, but there is also a possibility to mount it directly to your motorcycle using sticky pads. Other than that, you can use the camera for many different types of sports or recreational activities such as hiking, cycling, surfing, skiing, or snowboarding. They can also be inserted into waterproof cases, which will protect them against rain and rocks, and you can even submerge them into water.
Thanks to their extra large buttons, you can easily operate the cameras even with your motorcycle gloves on. This all makes them the ideal gadget that will accompany you on your motorcycle rides. So, if you would like to have a high-quality footage of your riding experience, or you are planning to start a motorcycle vlogging channel, then you should definitely check these cameras out!
In this review, I am going to show you some of the Best Motorcycle Helmet Cameras that are both extremely compact and super-easy to use.
Read Also: Best Motorcycle Helmets of 2024
List of the Top 6 Motorcycle Helmet Cameras
Best Motorcycle Helmet Camera Reviews
I have decided to make a list of the 6 highest-rated motorcycle helmet cameras and give you some information about their general usability and the quality of the footage they can make. You can see that there is one brand dominating this niche and it is called GoPro. The company has been in the market for many years and their products are very popular among bikers. But, you can also find some other brands that are almost as good as GoPro, if not better in some technical aspects. So, if you want to find out what is the best overall and the most affordable motorcycle helmet camera out there, then keep reading.
GoPro Hero 8 Action Camera Review
The Hero 8 is one of the latest GoPro’s action cameras and it is also one of the most premium cameras you can mount to your helmet. Not only can you use it for your motorcycle rides, but thanks to its high durability and IP rating, it can be used for almost any extreme sport imaginable. Unfortunately, all of these features come at a higher cost and you will have to pay around $300 for this motorcycle helmet camera.
Camera Design & Durability
The GoPro Hero 8 camera has a rectangular shape and the dimensions are 2.6 x 1.14 x 1.89 inches (66 x 29 x 48 mm). The lens of the camera is non-removable and it offers very high impact resistance. In the front of the camera, you will find a small camera status screen that will show some basic information such as recording time and battery level. In the back, the camera has a large colored touchscreen display that will let you control all functions of the camera with ease. There are two microphones on the camera, one in the front and another one on the bottom, under the legs of the camera. On the side, the camera has a newly designed door that can be opened to insert a battery.
Video Quality & Stabilization
The camera can record video footage in resolution of up to 4k at 60 fps and it features a video stabilization technology called HyperSmooth 2.0, which is an improved version of the stabilization you will find in the Hero 7 camera. The video quality is excellent and there is no shaking or stuttering whatsoever. On top of that, you can also do live streaming in 1080p and share your video with the rest of the world. If you like to capture time lapse videos, then you will love the feature called TimeWarp 2.0, which will let you record time lapses with super smooth stabilization. Apart from video, the GoPro Hero 8 camera can also take beautiful photos with 12MP resolution and improved HDR.
Motorcycle Helmet Mounting Options
The GoPro Hero 8 camera can be attached to a motorcycle helmet using a dedicated mount than you can buy separately for around $40. You will have to insert the mount into the legs of the camera on one end and then stick it to your helmet on the other end. You can put the camera to the side of your helmet as well as to any other part such as the chin bar. Other than that, it can also be easily mounted directly to your motorcycle fairings or fenders using adhesive pads, so you will be able to use it as a dash cam and record some interesting front-view and rear-view footage. Unfortunately, GoPro cameras don’t have very aerodynamic design, so I wouldn’t advice putting it on the top of your motorcycle helmet.
The Verdict
To sum it up, the GoPro Hero 8 is a great action camera that you can easily mount to your motorcycle helmet for the ability to record your rides. It has a fantastic video stabilization and it also offers waterproofing properties without any additional case. The camera features and improved durability compared to its predecessors, so you don’t have to worry about dropping it on the ground. Overall, I would say that even with its higher price tag, the GoPro Hero 8 is definitely an action camera worth checking out and it is considerably the best motorcycle helmet camera on the market today. The only two small downsides of the device are its non-removable lens and no lens cover.
GoPro Hero 8 Action Camera
️Pros: High Durability, 4k 60 fps resolution, HyperSmooth 2.0 stabilization, Live streaming in 1080p, Waterproof
Cons: A little too expensive, No lens protection
GoPro Hero 7 Action Camera Review
The GoPro Hero 7 is the seventh generation of GoPro’s legendary line-up of action cams that can also be used as motorcycle helmet cameras. It was released in 2018 and it is still one of the absolute best products in this category. It offers a lot of interesting features and costs around $250, which is a relatively affordable price for what you get.
Camera Design & Durability
As all GoPro Hero action cameras, the Hero 7 has a compact size and a minimalist design with a raised lens in the front. The dimensions of the camera are 2.4 x 1.3 x 1.8 inches (62 x 32 x 45 mm) and it is one of the smallest action cameras on the market. At first glance, the design might seem very similar to the previous version of the camera, but you will soon realize that it has some new things to offer. The GoPro Hero 7 camera is available in three different color variations (black, grey and white) and each of them comes with different specifications. In this review, I will focus on the “Black” variant, which has the most interesting features of them all. It is super durable, waterproof and thanks to the IP rating, it can be fully submerged into water without any case on.
Video Quality & Stabilization
The GoPro Hero 7 motorcycle helmet camera comes with a 12MP lens that can take both HDR and Raw photos. The picture quality is very good for an action camera and the photos have lots of detail. The video can be recorded in a resolution of up to 4k at 60 fps, but there are many more resolutions available such as 1080p or 720p. But, no matter which resolution you will use, you can always be sure that all your videos will be super stable. The GoPro Hero 7 motorcycle helmet camera is equipped with an innovative feature called HyperSmooth and it is GoPro’s exclusive stabilization technology that the manufacturer uses in their action cameras.
Motorcycle Helmet Mounting Options
As all other GoPro cameras, the Hero 7 action camera can easily be mounted to your helmet or any part of your motorcycle such as a fender or fairings. If you want to attach it to your handlebars, there is absolutely no problem about it. Thanks to the IP rating, you don’t have to worry about some water or mud coming from the wheels of your bike. Simply attach it using one of the mounts you can buy separately and you are good to go!
The Verdict
Overall, the GoPro Hero 7 is a good all-around action camera that you can mount to your motorcycle helmet. It is slightly cheaper than GoPro’s latest cameras, yet it doesn’t lack many of their features. It comes with the Hypersmooth stabilization and the maximum video resolution of 4k at 60 fps, which is more than enough for most situations. The IP68 rating is also a very important feature for motorcycle riding. What I didn’t like that much was the build quality, as it didn’t seem as solid as some other action cameras. Other than that, some people are also reporting frequent freezing and problems with connection to the GoPro app.
GoPro Hero 7 Action Camera
️Pros: High Durability, 4k 60 fps resolution, HyperSmooth stabilization, Waterproof, Replaceable lens
Cons: Average build quality, Freezing and connectivity issues.
GoPro Hero 5 Action Camera Review
The GoPro Hero 5 action camera has been around for quiet some time, but it is still one of the most popular helmet cameras on the market. It is considerably cheaper than most other cameras on our list and at its price of around $200 or less, it is great bang for the buck!
Camera Design & Durability
As you can see, the GoPro Hero 5 looks very similar to most of the other GoPro cameras. It has a small display in the front and a larger colored display in the back. The camera has a durable body with a rubberized finish and it is supposed to be waterproof to up to 33ft (10m) without a housing, however, some customers were reporting that it is not really that waterproof. It has a removable lens, so you can replace in a case it gets damaged. Dimensions of the camera are: 2.4 x 1.7 x 1 inches (62 x 44 x 24 mm).
Video Quality & Stabilization
The GoPro Hero 5 action camera makes videos of a phenomenal quality if you consider the fact how affordable it is. It can take photos of up to 12MP resolution and record videos of up to 4k at 30 fps resolution or 1080p at 120 fps, which are all sufficient resolutions even for today’s standards. Unfortunately, there is no option to record video at 4k/60fps resolution and you will have to use 1080p for a higher refresh rate. The GoPro Hero 5 action camera offers three modes you can use for video recording (Single, Burst and Time Lapse) and they all work pretty well. On top of that, you can enjoy very good stabilization that most GoPro cameras are famous for.
Motorcycle Helmet Mounting Options
As all GoPro Hero cameras are nearly identical, they all share the same mounting techniques. Therefore, I will not spend much time here. You can either use a clamp mount or a sticky mount. To attach it to your motorcycle helmet, you will have to purchase a dedicated mount and some adhesive pads, which are sold separately. The camera can be mounted onto a motorcycle helmet, handlebars, fenders, fairings, etc.
The Verdict
Despite the fact it is an older model, the GoPro Hero 5 is still a very good motorcycle helmet camera that is easy to use and relatively affordable to buy. It features a touchscreen display, replaceable lens and rugged finish. The video quality is excellent and the stabilization works flawlessly. The camera is supposed to be be waterproof, but it is rather just splash-proof, as some customers were reporting they had some issues with the waterproofing of this camera. Also, if you want to record your videos in 4k at 60 fps, look elsewhere because you won’t find that option in this camera.
GoPro Hero 5 Action Camera
️Pros: Rugged design, Good stabilization, Waterproof, Replaceable lens, Relatively affordable
Cons: 4k/30 fps max resolution, Not 100% waterproof
Sena 10C Pro Motorcycle Bluetooth Camera Review
Sena is mostly known for being the market leader in the motorcycle Bluetooth headsets industry. They make quality Bluetooth communication devices that have very good intercom range and offer many additional features such as voice command and noise cancellation technology. Apart from the Bluetooth device category, they have also started to focus on the camera department. Their mission is to create the best helmet camera for motorcycle riders. Let’s find out if they have managed to achieve it or not…
Camera Design & Durability
The Sena 10C Pro is a combination of a Bluetooth communication device and a motorcycle helmet camera and you won’t find many devices like this on the market. The camera has an aerodynamic “uni-body” design with dimension of 4.1 x 2.4 x 1.2 inches (105 x 60 x 31 mm) and you can stick it directly to your motorcycle helmet without the need for any additional mount. It weighs around 3.19 oz (90 g) and it is one of the lightest motorcycle helmet cameras out there. In the front of the camera, you will find a big lens that can be rotated by up to 30 degrees. On the side of the camera, there is wheel of buttons called “Jog Dial” that can be used to navigate in the options menu, to answer calls and to change music volume etc. On the top, the Sena 10C Pro has a large camera button and an intercom antenna.
Video Quality & Stabilization
Being a combination of a Bluetooth device and a camera, you can’t expect the Sena 10C Pro to have the same specifications as some of the higher-end action cameras. It can record videos in 1080p/60fps or 1440p/30fps but that’s it, no 4k resolution is available here. Also, it will make rather low-resolution photos of only 3.7MP, which is a bit disappointing. Where the camera excels though, is its usability. You can turn the lens by up to 30 degrees, which is an awesome feature and it can be used on the go! There are three different photo modes: Shot, burst and timelapse. Unfortunately, the Sena 10C Pro Bluetooth camera comes with no video stabilization, which is a huge letdown and the biggest downside of this camera.
Bluetooth Communication Device
The Sena 10C Pro comes with an Bluetooth headset that is integrated into the camera. This means you will be able to communicate with other riders, make phone calls or listen to music. It is equipped with a four-way intercom, FM radio and Bluetooth 4.1 technology. You will be able to enjoy the intercom range of up to 1.6 km (1.0 miles) in open terrain. Other than that, the device is also equipped with the Advanced Noise Control, which is a technology created to reduce background noise during an intercom conversation. For operating the device, you can either use the hardware buttons, or activate the voice command to control the device using your voice.
The Verdict
“A lot of missed opportunities”, this is the phrase I will use to sum it all up. The Sena 10C Pro would be an excellent motorcycle helmet camera if the camera part of the device was done better. The design of the camera is very good and you can mount it directly to your helmet. I absolutely love the lens rotation feature which will let you fine-tune the angle of your footage during a ride. On top of that, it has an integrated Bluetooth device with a long intercom range and many interesting extra features. Unfortunately, the camera doesn’t offer 4k video recording and the lack of any kind of stabilization is unforgivable in 2024.
Sena 10C Pro Motorcycle Bluetooth Camera
️Pros: Aerodynamic design, No need for a mount, 30 degree lens rotation, Water resistant, Lightweight, Integrated Bluetooth
Cons: No 4k resolution, No video stabilization, Not 100% waterproof
Sony FDR-X3000 Action Camera Review
The Sony FDR-X3000 has been available on the market for many years since it was first released in 2016 and it is still one of the best selling action cameras of all times. The fact that its price didn’t go down that much over the years indicates that it is truly a high quality product. I have been personally using this camera for a very long time and it is my favorite action camera from this list, however it has some downsides such as a higher price tag ($400).
Camera Design & Durability
The Sony FDR-X3000 is a little bit different in terms of design when you compare it to all other cameras in this article. Instead of a matte black rubberized finish, the FDR-X3000 has a glossy white finish that looks premium and you will usually find it on professional cameras. It has a long aerodynamic body, which is very good shape for a motorcycle helmet camera. Dimensions of the Sony FDR-X3000 camera are 1.89 x 2.09 x 0.75 inches (48 x 53 x 19 mm). The camera on its own is only splash-proof, but you can use an external housing to make it fully waterproof and submersible to up to 197ft of water. The front of the camera is equipped with a built-in stereo microphone and a Zeiss lens that is made from an extremely durable glass. On the side of the camera, you will find a couple of buttons and a small status screen that will show some basic info. Unfortunately, there is no touchscreen display on the FDR-X3000 camera.
Video Quality & Stabilization
When buying any model of Sony cameras, you can be sure you are getting a well-balanced product with fantastic picture and video quality. The Sony FDR-X3000 action camera can record video in multiple different resolutions of up to the maximum resolution of 4k at 30 fps or 1080p at 100 fps, sadly there is no 4k/60fps option. The camera can take pictures in up to 8 MP and the colors of both photo and video are punchy, yet very natural. Sony has equipped the FDR-X3000 action camera with their famous Balanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, which is one of the the best image stabilization technologies in the camera industry. The footage is super-smooth and there is absolutely no stutter at all.
Motorcycle Helmet Mounting Options
You can mount the FDR-X3000 action camera to your motorcycle helmet using the Sony VCT-HSM1 helmet side mount that can be purchased separately and it will cost you around $30. You will need to attach the mount to your camera on one side and insert it into a plastic dock on the other side. The dock will then be attached directly to your helmet using an adhesive pad. The mount is very sturdy and it is fully adjustable into all directions. There is a lot of space for moving the camera into different angles.
The Verdict
Without a doubt, the Sony FDR-X3000 is a great compact action camera that is very suitable as a motorcycle helmet camera. Thanks to its minimalist design and long narrow body, it will not catch a lot of wind and you will be able to mount it onto any part of your helmet. Its picture and video quality is absolutely amazing and the stabilization is wonderful. So, if you don’t need to record your 4k videos at 60fps and you don’t mind a higher price tag, then the Sony FDR-X3000 might be the best motorcycle helmet camera for you.
Sony FDR-X3000 Action Camera
️Pros: Premium finish, Aerodynamic design, Extremely compact, Zeiss lens, SteadyShot image stabilization
Cons: No 4k/60fps resolution, No touchscreen display, Very expensive
Akaso EK7000 Pro 4K Action Camera Review
If you have been wandering what is one of the most affordable motorcycle helmet cameras with a lot of features to offer, then I have the answer for you! The Akaso EK7000 Pro 4K is a budget-friendly action camera that costs around $60, it is waterproof and offers 4k resolution video recording. It has been one of the Amazon’s best-selling cameras of all times. In my opinion, the Akaso EK7000 Pro 4K is the best affordable motorcycle helmet camera the money can buy.
Camera Design & Durability
The Akaso EK7000 Pro 4K action camera has a minimalist rugged design with sharp edges and textured finish. On the back of the camera, you will find a 2-inch IPS touch screen that you can use to preview your footage, switch shooting modes or change some basic setting of the device. The camera is not waterproof on its own, but you can use the upgraded case to make it fully waterproof (up to 131 feet) and to increase its durability.
Video Quality & Stabilization
As mentioned earlier, the camera is able to shoot video at 4k resolution, but the refresh rate is limited to 25fps. Apart from that, you will also be able to record your videos in 2.7K/30fps and 1080p/60fps. The Akaso EK7000 Pro 4K action camera is equipped with a build-in Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS), which is there and it does it’s job, but it isn’t very good compared to some higher-end cameras. The picture quality could also be better and the footage taken in 4k looks more like a 720p or 1080p footage at max. The camera can make 16 MP photos and their quality is pretty good for a cheap action camera, but it is not on par with the action cameras from Sony and GoPro.
Motorcycle Helmet Mounting Options
You can mount the Akaso EK7000 Pro 4K action camera to your motorcycle helmet using an aftermarket GoPro mount. The camera needs to be inserted into the case as it doesn’t have any feet for attachment, but the case does have them. You can then simply stick the mount to your helmet using an adhesive pad.
The Verdict
The Akaso EK7000 Pro 4K action camera is the clear winner when it comes to price, as there is no other motorcycle helmet camera that is as affordable yet comes with 4k resolution and a waterproof case included in the box. It is also super-durable and looks decent as well. What I didn’t like was the quality of the picture and stabilization. Videos look pixelated even on highest resolution and the stabilization creates an unnatural effect in some videos, making it obvious it is not an optical stabilization.
Akaso EK7000 Pro 4K Action Camera
️Pros: Rugged finish, 4K video recording, Waterproof case included, Extremely affordable
Cons: No 4k/60fps resolution, Average video quality and stabilization
Reasons to Buy a Motorcycle Helmet Camera
There are many reasons why you would want to buy a motorcycle helmet camera. If you travel a lot on your motorcycle, it is always good to have an option to record your ride. You don’t have to buy the most expensive camera on the market to be able to make a decent footage or to take some quick photos. But, if you would like to use the camera for more professional purposes such as dirt bike racing or motorcycle vlogging, it might be a better idea to invest more money and buy a higher-end device.
Record Your Riding Experiences
Having a camera mounted to your motorcycle helmet opens a world of endless possibilities. You can record your adventure trips or off-road racing competitions and share the experience with your family and friends. It can also make you a better rider, as you can watch your rides after some time and see what mistakes you have made. Sometimes you just want to check that beautiful scenery once again, or maybe you have some great memories from a group ride with friends and want to have a good laugh with them. It is all possible when you have a video record of your trip.
Professional Use & Video Blogging
Nowadays, there are many professional motorcycle racers and Youtube bloggers that use action cameras to record their rides. Buying an action camera can actually be a good investment in some cases as you can create a valuable content that people are looking for and then monetize it. The higher quality and professional looking your videos are, the more people will follow you and more money you can eventually make. So, if you are planning to start a motorcycle vlog or you are getting into motocross racing, you should definitely consider buying a an action camera and mount it to your motorcycle or a dirt bike helmet.
Extreme Sports & Other Activities
The biggest advantage of having a motorcycle helmet camera is a possibility to use it for other activities as well. You can take it with you for holiday trip and record your cycling, skiing or diving sessions, etc. If you are a fan of music and festivals, the camera will also be very useful, as it can not only capture video, but it can record sound as well. In some situations, you can actually use your motorcycle helmet camera as a replacement for your smartphone or regular camera.
Safety & Other Reasons
Last but not least, you can use the camera for safety reasons. If you commute a lot on your motorcycle and there is a high possibility you will encounter an accident, the camera can record it. However, I wouldn’t recommend using an action camera for this purpose, as there is a different type of cameras available called “dash cam”. Having a dash cam is more suitable for safety reasons, as it is able to record higher amounts of footage and it has more useful functions than an action camera.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Motorcycle Helmet Cameras Legal in the US?
Yes it is legal to have an action camera mounted to your motorcycle helmet, but it can decrease the safety of your helmet in case of an accident. It is strongly recommended to use a proper mounting setup that will hold the camera in its place and prevent it falling off the helmet.
How to Mount a Camera to Your Motorcycle Helmet?
Each of the cameras has a different mounting setup, but mounting it to the chin bar of your helmet seems to be the best possible option in most cases. You can watch this video to get an idea on how to mount the GoPro Hero action camera to a motorcycle helmet.
Conclusion
I am pretty sure, that after reading this review of the Best Motorcycle Helmet Cameras of 2024, you will be able to decide what camera will suit the best for your needs. There are lots of awesome motorcycle helmet cameras that didn’t make it to this article, but it is impossible to review them all. If you want to have a good all-around action camera mounted to your motorcycle helmet, then a great choice would either be the GoPro Hero 7 or the GoPro Hero 8 camera. If you want something compact and you are willing to spend a little bit more for a premium build and a high-quality lens, then you should check out the Sony FDR-X3000 camera. Maybe you would like to have the lightest camera possible that also has an integrated Bluetooth headset, then the best option for you is definitely the Sena 10C Pro motorcycle helmet camera.
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