Technology is perhaps one of the most divisive topics among motorcyclists, as I've mentioned before, and even more than rider aids and comfort assists, nothing might divide more than cameras. Because the camera itself in no way adds to the actual experience of riding, there's a large portion of motorcyclists that probably wouldn't even consider a camera to be riding gear. There's also a pretty big portion who probably would tell you that riders look silly with cameras poking out of their helmets in random directions.
So why a camera at all? Why are riders attaching cameras to their helmets at all? Perhaps it's a generational thing, younger riders grew up in the Social Media era, where if it didn't happen on camera it didn't happen. Perhaps it's just that camera technology has improved to the point that durable, reliable, and perfectly functioning action cameras have become available to the general public for reasonable investment, and just like drivers with dash cams, it can be important to have video of things that happen on the road. Perhaps it's the fact that motovlogging is becoming a very popular on platforms such as YouTube, inspiring riders to record their own videos. Maybe it's all or none of these, as each rider will probably tell you a different reason. Regardless, it's undeniable that it's becoming, more and more of a common sight to see that familiar GoPro square sticking up like a parascope on the helmets of passing riders.
Personally, I can give a variety of reasons and justifications for attaching a camera to my lid. When I'm not ranting about motorcycles, I'm an insurance adjuster, and my work has taught me the value of a dash camera. In the event of a crash, video can be critical in determining fault and finding parties. I also believe strongly that the future of motorcycling as a hobby is in peril, and one of the best ways we can keep it alive is to introduce it to the next generation. If we're going to engage young people and show them the joys of the road, one of the best ways to do that is through social media and vlogging. Two decades ago, it was guys like Jesse James and Orange County choppers going on TV and making people excited about bikes, today it's HerTwoWheels and ShadeTree Surgeon on YouTube doing the same thing. Even for those of us without hundreds of thousands of followers, putting content out there helps spread the word. That said, these reasons are entirely too lofty and not at all why I actually have a camera. They sound great though.
The truth is, I just like sharing pics and videos. I enjoy capturing content. Even before buying a motorcycle, all those years ago, I was into photography. I just like it, and that's reason enough for me. Over the years, I've ran a number of different camera solutions while on the bike, from keeping a simple point and shoot in the tool back on my windscreen, to different action cameras and now, a GoPro. I can say without a shadow of a doubt, that a GoPro is the way to go when it comes to action cameras.
I started with an integrated Sena 10C, which provided a fairly decent camera built into the Bluetooth Intercom. There were a number of things that made this an attractive solution. Number one, it mounted very clean and nice on the helmet, and had a decent point of view. Second, it recorded audio directly through the Sena mic, which means it didn't record wind noise and I could speak directly over the recording and have it contained in one neat file. Unfortunately, the camera was missing a lot of modern features, such as being able to stream to a smart phone, and was limited by having it's battery tied to the intercom which wasn't removable. This meant that on an all day ride, you'd run out of battery and lose both your camera and intercom until you'd had a chance to charge it. Not idea.
From there I bought a Sony Action Camera. I liked how small the camera was, and how good the still photos it took were. It had removable batteries, and great battery life. It could also stream directly to my phone. All the features I was looking for at the time, and for around $150 of the comparable GoPro at the time. This was a great solution for me, and I'd still recommend it to someone looking to get a camera for their helmet that doesn't break the bank. It works. Still, there were things to be desired here. The camera's software for that phone streaming I wanted so much was outdated and obtuse, and because the camera lacked a proper screen, there was no way to review video without it. Also, the camera maxed out at 1080p, 30fps. At the time I bought it, this was standard, but as 4k screens became more common, on both phones and TVs and computers, I wanted better video.
That brings me to my current set up, the GoPro Hero 9 Black. If I'm honest, I'd wanted a GoPro from the very start, but they always seemed like so much money when there were alternatives that offered the same features for a much smaller price. My frugality made it tough for me to justify the expenditure for gear that doesn't even change my riding experience. Then the Hero9 came and I could no longer resist. GoPro dropped the price of the Black model, and had integrated the unit so no case was needed anymore. For $349.99, I got a camera that has not only a full color view screen on the back for reviewing videos, but also one on the front for setting up the shot!
Those superficial improvements might have been what got me to take the plunge, but now that I have the camera, I've discovered that the bonuses don't stop there. The things GoPros have over other action cameras are legion. For starters, the software. GoPro has a wide range of cameras they have offered over a wide variety of years, and they've developed one robust app to interact with them all, which they call GoPro Quik. Whether on iPhone, Android, or a computer, viewing media that's on the camera is a snap, as is removing media from it. You can even setup automated uploads to the cloud directly from the camera, as soon as it's plugged in and on a familiar WiFi network. What's more, using the phone app, you can even edit videos on the fly, or pull still images from the footage, and share directly to social media, meaning you can shoot footage on a ride, and post it as soon as you get there. For those interested in engaging on social media, this is amazing. You can even manage more than one camera in the same app, meaning people with multiple GoPro set ups can even edit videos together from two devices right from their phone. There's really not a camera company that has software that come anywhere close to what GoPro is offering, and they continue to update and add features.
There's also their mounting system. GoPro has been making nothing but action cameras for over a decade, and they've been using the same exact mounting system the entire time. Sure, the original GoPro might have had a gas with an ugly unmovable mount, and the Hero 9 has a novel collapsing mount that seats flush in the camera when not in use, but they both attach in exactly the same way. Meaning that nearly every GoPro accessory ever made works with any and all of their cameras. The result, is that it really doesn't matter where you want to put your camera, whether it be your helmet, on the top, side or chin or on your handlebars or even on your windshield, you can buy a mount for it that works great and is inexpensive. You can find them at Walmart, on Amazon, or at camping and electronics stores. They're everywhere. You can even quickly unattach your camera from your helmet, and snap it onto a monopod or tripod with ease. This is again something that you just don't find with other cameras, and it's a result of years of doing just the one thing, making action cameras. Buying a GoPro means entering into a really well maintained ecosystem, geared toward using the camera the way you need to use it. This has convinced me that their cameras are well worth the extra cost over the competition.
In the end though, none of these features mean anything if the GoPro isn't good at it's main reason for being, recording video and taking photos. Luckily, this is another category where this camera really shines. Capable of crisp video at 4k 60fps, and a variety of different aspect ratios, refresh rates, and qualities as well as HDR color, the GoPro records, really, really good looking video. What's more, it has world class stabilization, meaning it regardless of where it's mounted, or what the road conditions are like, your video is going to look great. I really was not prepared for how much better the GoPro would look compared to other cameras I'd used. It's really is in a class of it's own.
Much like my adventures in Bluetooth Intercom units, my camera choices have lead me to one inevitable conclusion. When it comes to gear.... spend the money. Do your research of course, expensive doesn't always mean better, but often and extra investment up front means spending less in the long run, and you get what you pay for. The GoPro Hero 9 might cost a bit more than other brands, but has a feature set and function that make it more than worth it. I suspect the same would be true with other cameras throughout their line up. Whether you want to be the next big motovlogger, or just share your adventures on the road with your friends, I highly recommend going with the GoPro Hero 9, it's easily the best action camera I've ever used, and likely one of the best ever made. If you want to check out videos from all the cameras I've had over the years, and following my continuing recording of my rides, check out my YouTube channel and Instagram: