Best Motovlogging Cameras
The crème de la crème, GoPro Hero 8 Black is one of the best action cameras currently on the market. It allows vloggers to capture 4K ultra HD video footage and is packed with 4 lenses.
The GoPro Hero 7 Black is a great option for any professional vlogger as it allows users to film sharp 4K video footage and HD films. It offers everything you will need in a good camera and offers robust stabilization.
Another great option for savvy vloggers, the SONY FDRX3000 is packed with a ZEISS Tessar Lens and a black-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor that enables users to film high-quality video footage.
Any professional vlogger out there can make use of the GoPro Hero 6 model. This camera comes together with a GP1 chip that enables high-quality video footage and incredible video stabilization.’
If you’re on a budget, check out the VanTop Moment 4 camera which features an incredible 170 degree lens. It’s water resistant and enables users to shoot sharp 4K video footage.
Best Motovlogging Microphones
Both affordable and high-quality, Professional Grand Lavalier Lapel Microphone features 3 wind muffs which allows savvy motovloggers to record some excellent sound.
The Purple Panda Lapel Microphone does a great job at reducing wind noise. Plus, it allows motovloggers to film clear sound without worrying about the mic’s battery life.
Best Motovlogging Mounts
Compatible with all GoPro models, the Full Face Helmet Chin Mount helps savvy motovloggers to capture the perfect angle for their video footage.
Another mount compatible with the GoPro models, the GoPro Side Mount gives motovloggers the chance to shoot some off-centred video footage.
The Chest Mount Harness is the perfect mount for motovloggers looking to shoot some personal footage as it captures both the arms and the motorcycle while driving.
Once you decide to start motovlogging, you’ll quickly see just how many cameras, mounts, and microphones are available.
You can spend hours researching and comparing, but you only want to know one thing: what motovlogging setup is the best for me?
To help you answer that question quickly and save you hours of research, we created this guide for motovlogging equipment. Whether you’re just looking to get started, or you’re a more experienced motovlogger looking to update your equipment to produce higher quality videos, we’re sure you’ll find this guide really helpful.
In-Depth Review of the Best Motovlogging Cameras
These are our recommended motovlogging cameras based on price, image quality, field of view, external microphone support, and available mounts.
#1 GoPro Hero 8 Black
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Our #1 recommendation and one of the best action cameras you can currently buy for motovlogging is the GoPro Hero 8 Black.This latest version of the intensely popular GoPro camera comes with the video and audio quality you have come to expect from GoPro with a bunch of new features.
Specifications
The GoPro Hero 8 Black is a small and compact camera that doesn’t occupy much space.
Specifications
The camera captures 4K video at 60 frames per second (fps) or Full HD at 240fps for slow motion footage. You can easily control it by using the touchscreen on the back of the camera or use voice control when that is more convenient.
There is also a screen on the front of the camera showing important info like battery charge, recording status, video resolution, and available SD card capacity. Just like the other GoPro cameras, this one is waterproof up to 33ft (10m) without the housing, so you can ride in any weather without worrying about your camera.
The Hero 8 features 4 digital lenses: narrow, distortion-free linear, wide, and superview, making it easier than ever to capture the best view of your ride. It also features a much improved image stabilization mode that was first introduced in the GoPro Hero 7, making your video footage more stable than ever before.The camera runs on a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery.
Storage
To use an external microphone you need the GoPro USB-C to 3.5 mm jack adapter which you can find on Amazon. Like many other cameras, there is no SD card included! We recommend adding the SanDisk Extreme Pro SD card to your shopping cart. The storage size depends on your needs. We recommend 64GB as a minimum but you can order up to 512GB if you want to record 4K or longer full HD videos.
Microphone
GoPro has a built-in microphone and is also compatible with a number of external microphones. Check out GoPro support hub to find out which external mic for GoPro will suit you best.
Pros
Ultra HD video in 60fps
Incredible video stabilization
Four (digital) lens options
Cons
Connecting an external microphone requires an expensive adapter
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#2 GoPro Hero 7 Black
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The GoPro Hero 7 Black is very popular among motovloggers due to its incredible video stabilization capabilities.
Specifications
The Hero 7 black records sharp 4K video at up to 60 frames per second or 1080p Full HD at up to 240fps to relive interesting moments in slow-motion.This generation of GoPro camera introduces “Hypersmooth” stabilization.
This technology predicts your movements and corrects for camera shake to deliver insanely smooth footage. Like using a gimbal — without using a gimbal.
You can easily control the camera by using the touchscreen on the back of the camera or use voice control when that is more convenient. Just like the other GoPro cameras, this one is waterproof up to 33ft (10m) without the housing, so riding in the rain is never a problem.
Storage
Like many other cameras, there is no SD card included! We recommend adding the SanDisk Extreme Pro SD card to your shopping cart. The storage size depends on your needs. We recommend 64GB as a minimum but you can order up to 512GB if you want to record 4K or longer full HD videos.
Microphone
The camera has a built-in microphone, however, savvy riders looking to have quality audio in every footage should invest in a GoPro external mic. To use an external microphone you need the GoPro USB-C to 3.5mm jack adapter which you can find on Amazon here.
Pros
Great video stabilization
Ultra HD video in 60fps
Easy-to-use
Cons
Connecting an external microphone requires an expensive adapter
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#3 Sony FDR-X3000
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The Sony FDR-X3000 is a high-end camera model that allows vloggers to film 4K footage with optical stabilization. The Sony FDRX3000 is a worthy competitor to the dominant GoPro cameras.
Specification
This camera records beautiful and stable 4K video footage with Balanced SteadyShot image stabilization. The camera’s lens and sensor are joined and move together to reduce the effects of camera shake internally which is much more effective than traditional optical image stabilization.
The FDRX3000 features a new ZEISS Tessar lens with significantly less distortion than previous models. It is also equipped with a back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor ensuring great video quality in different lighting situations. The sensor has full pixel readout without pixel binning which results in accurate colors and exceptionally high video resolution.
The camera has three different viewing settings: wide, medium and narrow, so you can choose how much of your surroundings you want to capture. With the 3x smooth zoom mode you can also capture everything that happens at long distance.
Storage
The last cool feature of this camera we want to highlight is the built-in GPS. This allows you to add a GPS data overlay to your video with speed information and more.
Because this camera captures video in 4K Ultra HD, you will need a memory card UHS-I U3 or higher. The Sandisk Ultra is a great option and is available from 16GB to 400GB storage sizes. We recommend a minimum of 64GB.
Microphone
The FDRX3000 has a built-in stereo microphone that captures audio in two-track stereo. It also has automatic wind noise reduction which is useful if you just want to capture your rides without talking. If you do want to talk in your videos, you can easily connect an external microphone with the microphone jack (we provide some suggestions for good external microphones a bit further down). The body is splash-proof, so if you are ever caught in the rain during a ride you can keep riding without worries!
Pros
Built-in microphone port (no expensive adapter needed)
Good image stabilization
Lots of features
Cons
No display to review footage like a GoPro
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#4 GoPro Hero 6
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A great GoPro model capable of delivering high-quality video footage in 4K resolution. The Hero 6 features an all-new GP1 chip for vastly improved image quality and smooth stabilized video footage.
Specifications
The Hero 6 manages to deliver 2x the performance compared to the Hero 5. This camera is capable of recording video in 4K Ultra HD (60 fps), 2.7K and 1440p (120fps), and Full HD 1080p at up to 240 fps.
It also features improved low-light video when you are riding in the twilight or in the night.
The design is everything you expect from a GoPro camera featuring two screens. A front display with battery and recording information and a 2-inch touchscreen for framing and reviewing shots. You can also control the camera with voice if you want to quickly adjust camera settings on the go. The Hero 6 is waterproof to 33ft (10m) without a housing, so there is no need to worry if it starts raining while riding. The camera is shipped with the frame, a rechargeable battery, curved and flat adhesive mount, mounting buckle, and a USB-C cable.
Storage
This camera can handle memory cards of up to 256GB.
Microphone
If you want to record your own voice, you will need an external microphone. GoPro’s don’t have a 3.5 mm audio jack so you need the GoPro USB-C to 3.5 mm jack adapter which you can find on Amazon here.
Pros
4K Ultra HD video at 60 frames per second
Advanced image stabilization
2-inch touch screen display
Cons
Connecting an external microphone requires an expensive adapter
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#5 VanTop Moment 4
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VanTop Moment 4 4K action camera is one heck of a motovlog camera that comes with a reasonable price. It features a Sony 20MP sensor which optimizes your footage and delivers captivating and smooth video material.
Specification
The camera captures 4K videos at 24 fps and produces high quality images with up to 20 megapixels in depth. The VanTop Moment 4 camera features a 170 degree lens which will provide daredevils with the opportunity to capture shots with a wide angle. Footage from wild rides will also be delivered with smooth and fine quality as this camera is packed with an electronic image stabilization feature (EIS) that manages to reduce video shake. VanTop also has a dash camera mode which is specially designed to record footage while driving.
Just like the other cameras mentioned above, this one is also water-resistant up to 100ft (30 meters) which means that heavy rain won’t stop you from creating great footage.
The 2.4 inch IPS touch screen is also a nice touch for a product in this price range. Bikers shooting their ride will have a real-time view of their recordings which will help them avoid low-quality footage. The touch screen also eases the process of navigating through settings and clips.
Storage
VanTop Moment 4 comes with a 32GB SD card and two 1050 mAh batteries that enable drivers to record around 70 minutes of 4K video footage. If you want to record longer 4K videos, VanTop supports up to 128GB SD cards.
Microphone
The camera has a microphone and a speaker.
Pros
4K Ultra HD video at 24 frames per second
Advanced image stabilization
Dash cam mode
2.4 inch IPS touch screen
Cons
4K videos can’t be recorded while using a mobile app
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Best Motovlog Microphone
These are the microphones we recommend for you to use with the cameras above.
For the GoPro Hero 6 and 7 you will need the GoPro Mic Adapter to connect an external microphone. If your camera does not have an external microphone connection, you will need a sound recorder like the Tascam DR-05 or Zoom H1.
You can mount these microphones inside your helmet to record clear speech and keep out wind noise. You will have to experiment with the position to see when the sound is up to your standards as this depends on the type of motorcycle and helmet.
If you still experience wind noise when the microphone is mounted inside your helmet, you can put a wind muff over it and the problem will be solved.
Professional Grand Lavalier Lapel Microphone
Professional Grand Lavalier Lapel is a small and easy-to-use microphone that will allow you to record a clear sound while shooting your motovlogging videos. This microphone is packed with 3 wind muffs which are able to cancel wind noise when recording on roads and open spaces. It also features a wind proof cap which guarantees a crisp and clean sound.
You don’t need batteries for this microphone and it can easily connect with a number of devices including iPhone, iOS, and Android smartphones. Professional Grand Lavalier is waterproof microphone so rain won’t be a problem while filming. The microphone comes with a 1 year warranty.
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Purple Panda Lapel Microphone
This is a premium quality lavalier microphone that records excellent stereo audio. It is durable, lightweight, and easy to use without needing any batteries. The kit also includes a fuzzy windscreen that works perfect for filtering wind noise, although you may need to trim it a bit to fit inside your helmet without itching your face.
This microphone comes with a lifetime guarantee, so if you ever feel unsatisfied with this microphone, you can easily get a replacement or refund.
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Helmet/Motorcycle Camera Mounts
This is our list of recommended camera mounts for your motovlogging setup. You can mount your camera in different places on your helmet, body, or motorcycle, so let’s see which one is most suitable for your needs.
Full Face Helmet Chin Mount for GoPro
The most popular among motovloggers is the chin mounted camera.
The chin mount POV appears almost as if it’s filmed from your eyes and gives your viewers the most realistic experience. It’s also very easy to connect to an external microphone mounted inside your helmet. That way, your entire motovlogging setup is attached to your helmet which you can easily take off when needed.
This Chin Mount can easily be attached to and removed from any full face helmet or transferred to another helmet. This chin mount provides the perfect angle for unobstructed POV footage recording and leaves easy access to your GoPro. The mount is compatible with any GoPro camera so you can keep this mount even if you upgrade to a newer model.
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GoPro Side Mount
Another popular camera angle for motovlogging is the side mount. Mounting the camera to the side is an excellent option for riders who don’t wear full face helmets.
Because it’s slightly off-center and partly blocks one side of the screen, it’s used less than the chin mount. This is an official GoPro mount with helmet attachment and is compatible with all GoPro HD Hero cameras.
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Chest Mount Harness for GoPro
The chest mount is an easy way to mount the GoPro to your body. It captures more of your arms and motorcycle while riding, creating a more immersive perspective for you.
The chest harness is fully adjustable to fit a wide range of adult sizes and is compatible with any GoPro. The downside of the chest mount is that the position of the camera is static. When looking to the side, the camera will keep pointing forward instead of moving with your head.
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GoPro Handlebar Mount
The handlebar mount securely attaches the camera housing to your handlebar, fork, or frame.
It captures a point of view perspective of your motorcycle similar to a dashcam.
The GoPro handlebar mount features a tool-free handlebar clamp and 3-way adjustable pivot arm which allows users to position the camera in the perfect angle.
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Comparison Table
| Product Type | Resolution | Lens | Dimensions | Weight | |
| 1 | GoPro Hero 8 Black | 4K | 12 | 62. x 4.4 x 3.3 | 126g |
| 2 | GoPro Hero 7 Black | 4K | 12 | 6.2 x 3.2 x 4.5 cm | 117 g |
| 3 | Sony FDRX3000 | 4K | 8 | 1.89 x 2.09 x 0.75 | 46 g |
| 4 | GoPro Hero 6 | 4K | 12 | 6.2 x 4.4 x 3.3 | 117g |
| Product Type | Compatibility | Directivity | Connector | |
| 1 | Professional Grand Lavalier Lapel Microphone | iPhone X, 8, 8 plus, 7, 7 plus, 6, 6s, 5, 5s, iOs and Android smartphone | Omnidirectional | 3.5 m jack |
| 2 | Purple Panda Lapel Microphone | iPhone, iPad, GoPro, DSLR, Zoom/Tascam Recorder, Samsung, Android, PS4 | Omnidirectional | 3.5mm jack |
| Product type | Compatibility | Dimensions | Weight | |
| 1 | Full Face Helmet Chin Mount for GoPro | Any full face helmet | 4 x 5 x 2 inches | 2.39 ounces |
| 2 | GoPro Side Mount | All GoPro models | 1.89 x 2.44 x 1.77 inches | 1.6 ounces |
| 3 | Chest Mount Harness for GoPro | With GoPro Hero Black 8, 7, 5 | 7 x 2 x 5 inches | 3.52 ounces |
| 4 | GoPro Handlebar Mount | GoPro camera, Canon and Garmin | 6 x 2 x 3 inches | 10.6 ounces |
Buying Guide
In order to complete your motovlogging setup that fits both your budget and needs, we recommend that you take some time to learn the most important things about motovlogging equipment.
Let’s start from the basics – a motovlog setup is consisted of three different pieces of equipment:
- Camera to record video;
- Microphone to record audio;
- Camera mount to mount the camera on your body, helmet, or motorbike.
Motovlog Camera
Video plays a vital role in your motovlogs, so, of course, you need to find a great camera. But many people only look at video resolution while ignoring some other important aspects such as:
- Field of View. A wide field of view enables you to not only record what’s in front of you, but what’s on the sides as well. This helps viewers see what’s happening in the lanes around you and see more scenery while riding. Because of this, we recommend going with an action camera over a ‘normal’ camera since the former have a bigger field of view and are also more robust.
- Mic connector. To record clear speech and limit wind noise, we recommend using an external microphone instead of the built-in one. Partly because that microphone is outside your helmet and exposed to the wind but also because of the usually not-so-good sound quality.
- Easy to mount. Your camera should be easy to mount to your helmet or motorcycle. Action cameras are a lot easier to mount to your helmet or motorcycle than DSLR cameras but they also stand up better to vibrations and different weather conditions.
Motovlogging Microphone
To get the best audio possible, we recommend using an external microphone. External microphones have better sound quality and can be mounted inside your helmet to eliminate wind noise.
To use the mic, simply plug it in your camera.
If your camera doesn’t have an external microphone connection, you need an external audio recorder like the Tascam DR-05 or Zoom ZH1. When using an external audio recorder, you will need to synchronize your audio to your video in post-production.
Camera Mount
The last thing you’ll need to complete your motovlog setup is a camera mount.
By far the most popular is the helmet mount since this provides a great angle and it’s easy to use with an external microphone. But you can also choose to mount the camera on your body with a chest mount or on your motorcycle.
When picking a camera, make sure there is a mount available for the position you want to mount it.
Conclusion
Let’s be honest, a complete and high-quality motovlogging setup for a motovlogger can be hard to find, especially with the numerous models on the market today. That being said, if you follow our guide, we’re sure that you’ll find your perfect motovlogging setup that’ll help you become a successful motovlogger in no time. Remember to pick a camera with a large field of view that can film in 4K resolution and is easily mounted on a helmet. Also, pick a microphone that comes wih wind miffs.
Motovlogging FAQ
Motovlogging is the activity of producing videos while riding a motorcycle. These types of videos usually contain footage of a bike passing through stunning locations and a motovlogger describing his experience. Motovlogs can be filmed in all sorts of ways including fast-paced, slow-motion, and timelapse footage. Riding a motorcycle and holding a camera can be dangerous which is why motovloggers use special equipment to lessen the risk.
There are a number of places where you can mount a camera on your motorcycle. GoPro users are usually mounting the camera on the handlebars. However, we do not recommend this solution as it can be dangerous. A safer solution is to mount your camera on your helmet. This way you’ll get the chance to record a better footage of your performance, and in case of an accident, you’ll have a better view of how the accident actually happened.
Yes, mounting your GoPro camera on a helmet is much safer than mounting it on the handlebars. Riders only need to make sure that their GoPro camera is properly attached.
There are three positions in which you can mount your camera on your helmet: top mount, side mount, and chin mount. The top mount basically means that you’ll place your camera on top or in the middle of your helmet. This is the most common helmet mounting and can be used as a rear facing camera. The side mount can provide you with some off-center views, however, you’ll capture wider angles than if you record with the top mount. And lastly, the chin mounting allows riders to get overall better framing in their videos because it records the rider’s actual field of vision.
All GoPro models reviewed in this article are suitable for bikers and record a fine and smooth footage. However, GoPro Hero 8 is considered the most powerful model as it has some advanced stabilization features that reduce harsh tremors, which is essential for motovlogging.
All GoPro models feature a built-in microphone. However, built-in microphones may not be suitable enough to record good sound for motovlogging videos as wind and traffic sounds can disrupt the audio quality.
GoPro cameras that have compatibility with external mics are HERO8 Black, HERO7 Black, HERO6 Black, HERO5 Black, HERO 5 Session, HERO 4 Black, HERO3+, and HERO3.
GoPro external mics are working with a GoPro camera only if you connect them with the GoPro 3.5 mm mic adapter. The adapter can be connected with the GoPro’s charging port and then any microphone with a 3.5 mm plug can be used as an external mic for a GoPro camera.
And that concludes our guide to creating the perfect motovlog setup for your budget and needs! We hope you found the perfect camera, microphone, and/or mount for your motovlogging adventures.
Feel free to share this guide with anyone who is interested in getting into motovlogging and leave a comment if you have any questions or want to add something that we might’ve missed.
Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Our editors may earn a small commission if products are purchased via our external partner links.
