If you’re a vlogger, there’s a good chance you’re always on the lookout for new gear and equipment that will make your videos look better and help you produce content more efficiently. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the best setup for moto vlogging – whether you’re just starting out or are looking to upgrade your current setup.
What is Moto Vlogging?
A moto vlogger is a vlogger who creates video content while riding a motorcycle. Motovlogging is a popular subgenre of vlogging, and numerous moto vloggers have built up large followings online.
While moto vlogging requires a certain amount of skill and coordination, it can be an advantageous experience for both the vlogger and their audience.
For the vlogger, it provides a unique perspective on the world and a new way to connect with their followers. And for the viewer, it offers an exciting and adrenaline-pumping way to experience the world vicariously through the vlogger’s eyes.
Motovlogging has become a popular niche these days. Some moto vloggers have adapted this profession as their full-time hobby. Example of these vloggers includes Walterrific and DoltWithDan.
What Do You Need for A Motovlog?
A Content Plan:
A plan is needed before starting anything. Your moto vlog should have the quality that engages your viewers. For this purpose, make a content plan that includes your area of expertise and interests. Also, focus on the audience that you’re going to target. Brainstorm the ideas, create bullet points, and make up every video in your mind before starting.
A Good Camera:
A camera is an essential part of moto vlogging. The quality of your content and the audience’s interest depends a lot on your video. Nobody is going to watch poor-quality videos.
For a beginner in moto vlogging, he should not go for expensive cameras. Instead, he can opt for cheap cameras, such as AKASO EK700, You can also read my other cameras reviews below.
Other Accessories:
Microphone
With a camera, you may also need other accessories to help you with your passion. If you plan to do commentary or want to add the sweet sound of the bike’s exhaust, you may need an external microphone. Most of the time, built-in microphones don’t have better sound quality. I’ve reviewed some good mics in this guide.
Mounts
You will also need a mount to hold your camera. There are different mount positions that you can try to get the best possible viewing angle. Some moto vloggers like to attach their camera to their helmets, while others place it on their chests. A good amount must provide a firm grip, and it should be easy to wear.
BEST MOTOVLOG CAMERA REVIEWS:
Special Features:
- 5.3K video recording
- New GP2 processor
- 23MP sensor
- Dual-LCD screens
- HyperSmooth 4.0
- A lot of video modes that can help you in your motovlogging.
Video Quality:
The back of the Hero 10 features a 23.6 MP sensor, and the best part is that it can record up to 5.3K at 60 fps resolution of the video. And, all this comes packed in a small body.
I found out that colour production is accurately balanced, and the dynamic range was sharp in my testing. The new GP2 processor provides more excellent details using advanced tone mapping and 3D noise reduction.
Video Stabilization:
No doubt Hero 10 offers mind-blowing video quality, but its hot feature is its video stabilization. The company calls it HyperSmooth 4.0. The videos are buttery smooth, just like jelly. While driving my Triumph Tiger 800 XCX on a random offroad trip, I found the camera footage pretty flat. Plus, the company has increased the in-camera horizon to whopping 45 degrees. However, this option is only available in linear mode shooting.
Low Light Photography:
I always faced an issue with the previous generation of GoPro, like Hero 7 or 8, that their video quality fell apart when it comes to low light photography. But with Hero 10, the company has resolved this issue with its latest GP2 processor.
Even on the fast tracks at night, the details are fantastic. The grain and noise in the footage were low. Yet, there is a downside that the indoor low-light videos are still soft and have a bit of grain. But this isn’t a big thing, considering a moto vlog is usually an outdoor activity.
Battery Life:
The camera’s battery life matters a lot for a moto vlogger since they have to travel around with very little time for charging. As per my experience with Hero 10, it was mediocre in the battery segment.
If I was recording 5K at 60 fps, the battery lasted only 50 minutes. So, if you’re thinking of carrying Hero 10 as your sole gear for Motovlogging, I recommend you bring a couple of extra batteries.
Audio Quality:
The audio quality of Hero 10 is decent and comparable to its previous generations. The built-in mic doesn’t have a wind muff yet. It decently censors the noise, especially when you’re on your bike and don’t want any glitch added to the video.
However, you can hear wind noises in the background. Therefore, I would recommend you buy an external mic for moto vlogging.
Specifications:
Reason To Buy?
- 5.3K excellent quality video resolution
- Waterproofing and strong built
- Class-leading digital video stabilization
Reason To Avoid?
- Battery life is short
- Occasionally, the camera becomes hot while shooting
Special Features:
- 5.7K video Resolution
- Multi-mode video recording
- 360 footage shooting
- Water protection
- 6-axis digital stabilization
Video Quality:
When it comes to 360 video recording, there is only one name, Insta360 One X2. Compared to GoPro Hero 10, which goes up to 5.3 K, this camera can record up to 5.7 K at 30 fps. But this feature is only available at 360 degrees shots.
There are two lenses in the One X2, like in every other 360 camera. Both cameras work together to capture full all-sky 5.7K video. The video quality looks fabulous as the Color Plus feature adds more vibrance to your footage. I didn’t observe any blur in the edges or centre softness with this camera (I saw this issue with One X).
In addition to this, One X2 is the only one in the category of 360 cameras that can record HDR footage. This shot works by combining different exposures to improve the overall appearance of the video.
Multiview:
To help vloggers, there is a MultiView option with a built-in face tracking facility, a picture-in-picture mode that displays your face in a box in one corner. Having said this, you record point-of-view videos or show yourself during a motovlog.
Timeshift:
Timeshift is another feature of One X2, and it is one of my favourite ones on this camera. It is an extreme hyper-lapse that combines speed, blur, and movement. Through this feature, you can create a fast-forwarded video of your moto vlog.
Other available video modes are timelapse, bullet time, and steady cam.
Stabilization:
Insta360 One X2 has digital stabilization. The company calls it FlowState stabilization. It is the best digital stabilization on a camera I’ve ever used. This stabilization is based on 6-axis gyroscope technology.
I tested the stabilization while walking, running, and even riding the bike, and the video shows no jerkiness and lags. Charry on top is that you can even record 360 shots with this super-smooth stabilization enabled. Plus, a horizon lock feature helps you keep the footage balanced and levelled.
Audio Quality:
By default, One X2 has an internal mic. This microphone has decent audio quality. In addition to this, there is also a Wind Reduction feature that eliminates the wind’s rushing sounds while riding the bike.
Overall, this mic produces good results, but I don’t consider it practical for motovlogging because it doesn’t capture the engine’s sound. For this purpose, you may have to get an external mic. You can connect an external microphone in the Insta360 mic adapter module, which fits in the USB-C port of the camera (Using an external microphone may nullify the water protection.
Specifications:
Reason To Buy?
- Extensive video modes
- Excellent video stabilization
- Colors are good and full of details
Reason To Avoid?
- Editing videos may take time
- Require an external mic for motovlogging
Special Features:
- Record 4K Ultra-HD video.
- Wide-angle lens.
- Waterproofing up to 30 meters.
- Good battery life.
- A good budget camera.
Video Quality:
The 12 MP sensor of AKASO EK700 can record up to 4K at 25 fps. In addition to this, the camera has other options like 720p and 1080p at 60 fps. Under bright daylight, the quality of the camera is pretty good, mentioning its $80 price range.
The camera has decent colours, plus the dynamic range is perfectly balanced.
As per my experience, it competes with GoPro Hero 7, yet AKASO EK700 is half the price of this camera. It is pretty good at capturing fast-moving objects, but shaking the camera fast can fade the sharpness.
Apart from the video quality, AKASO EK700 also has different video modes, including time-lapse and burst mode.
Stabilization:
AKASO EK700 doesn’t have any image stabilization. For some people, lack of stabilization can be a downside of this camera. But considering the price range, I’ll pass on it as you can always buy a standard quality gimble.
Plus, any video editing software can also help you in this regard.
Low Light Video Quality:
The low light performance of the camera was not par excellence. Grains and fringes start appearing in the footage if there is no light source. First of all, I won’t use AKASO EK700 under dark light for Motovlogging. But if it is necessary, I will always carry an extra light source to maintain the video quality.
Waterproofing:
AKASO EK700 is waterproofed up to 100 feet. During my trip to Castaway Island, Fiji, I tested this camera underwater to capture some 4K of the underwater world. Not only the camera delivers fabulous performance, but also it does an excellent job while keeping the water out of the body. The company is kind enough to include durable weatherproof cases to increase its protection in the harsh environment.
Audio Quality:
The mic of AKASO EK700 is not the one you can expect good results. The quality of the audio was okay and usable. Sometimes I felt that there was a delay in lip sync. No, there is no option for an external microphone. You can pair the camera with a mobile phone as an external mic. Plus, you can use editing software to combine the audio to sync it up with the video.
One worth mentioning thing is that the camera’s body is super attractive to the fingerprints. I noticed a white haze in my videos, and I found that the lens was a bit blurry due to the oil on my finger. I would recommend using a frame mount to avoid this problem.
Specifications:
Reason To Buy?
- 4K video recording
- Excellent video quality
- Affordable price
- Waterproofing up to 30 meters
Reason To Avoid?
- Low night video result is not too good
- No video stabilization
BEST MOTOVLOG MICROPHONE REVIEWS:
Overview:
PoP voice microphone is an omnidirectional plug-and-play microphone. It can connect with any video recording device with a 3.5mm headphone jack. This microphone comes in a pretty affordable price tag, making it possible to own even for beginner motovloggers.
I first bought this microphone in 2021, along with GoPro Hero 10. Although the built-in mic has a great voice recording, it feels useless in front of the motorbike engine. I loved the PoP voice lapel microphone as it had a decent sound quality.
Compared to PowerDeWise (Used before), this microphone doesn’t have isolated signal processing technology, but it still beats the PowerDeWise as it is cheap and has a clearer voice. Plus, it also comes with 2-extra wind muffs that can help you reduce the wind’s noise.
Features:
- An omnidirectional mic that can pick voice from any direction
- Wind muffs eliminate the noise produced by wind
- Affordable price range
- Compatible with every device having a 3.5mm headphone jack
- An excellent choice for a motovlogger who wants good quality on a fair budget
Overview:
For motovlogging in the city and at slower speeds, here comes a cheap microphone called Audio-Technica ATR3350xiS Omni Condenser Microphone. My experience was very good with this mic. The sound was clear and strong. The mic also worked fine at higher speed as there was no hissing and background wind noise in it.
The quality of the audio is crisp and solid. It is an ACTIVE microphone, canceling background sound and wind noises. Plus, it also mutes the sound of the bike’s exhaust, making it a pretty good mic at this low price.
Other than that, Audio-Technica also comes with a TRS plug that saves you from using an adapter while connecting it directly with a camera. Also, you can tweak audio as per your preferences by pulling down the gain up to 1 kHz.
Another thing is that the mic utilizes more power than other mics in this price range, so you may need to carry an extra battery. Apart from that, there is no light indicator.
Therefore, you have to give special attention to turning off the mic after using it to avoid loss of battery.
Features:
- An omnidirectional microphone that can pick sounds from all directions equally
- It comes with a battery that has on/off controls for convenience
- Built-in TRS plug that can directly plug the mic into the camera
- Noise cancellation technology that works perfectly both on higher and lower speeds
3- Purple Panda Lavalier Lapel Microphone
Overview:
Purple Panda microphone offers many features that make it an excellent choice for professional motovloggers. Just like Audio-Technica, it is compatible with almost every video recording device, thanks to the luxury of TRS and mini-USB adapters.
This mic performs well when it comes to quality. It is an omnidirectional mic and captures monaural audio, contrary to stereo audio, as claimed by the company. It minimizes all the surrounding sounds by picking only the sound nearer to its face. Plus, it also reduces the handling sound to almost zero.
A bonus feature is that Purple Panda comes with a “dead cat” furry windscreen, which is actually a fake fur that handles the background noise and cancels all the disturbing sounds.
The sensitivity of the mic is pretty good. Again, it picks your voice clearly, and some outside sounds like the bike’s engine. Sometimes, I heard slight mosquito-like buzzing in the recording. However, this issue was not very common and can be removed easily in post-shooting editing.
Features:
- Eliminate background noises
- Clear and high-quality voice
- Affordable price range
- It comes with a windscreen that can remove background noises
BEST MOTOVLOG MOUNT REVIEWS:
Overview:
As the name indicates, Amazon Basics Head Strap is built for novice motovloggers. This product is affordable, but it also provides strong build quality and robustness.
I used this mount with my Hero 10, and my experience was pretty good. Even on the jumpy and offroad driving, the mount firmly captured the camera, and it didn’t fall off. However, I forgot to set my camera angle. Therefore, most of the shot was above eye level. So, always test your angle before starting the vlog.
As all the action cameras are almost the same size, you can attach your GoPro cameras and other actions cams like Insta 360 or DJI with this mount.
Pro tip: As you insert your camera into the mount, make sure it is properly inserted and adjusted, as in some cases, the camera can slip off from the mount.
Features:
- Strong build quality
- Universal size and can be used with any kind of bike helmet
- The strips are made of nylon and are waterproof
Overview:
SUREWO helmet mount is a good option for those people who don’t want to buy a helmet separately with a mount. Plus, it is an excellent alternative for vloggers who don’t like the original GoPro mount, as it offers the same quality but at much lower rates.
A feature worth mentioning of this mount is its chin mounting. Due to this reason, you can get the best viewing angle from the rider’s eyes. Also, it offers the same field of view as the top-mounted camera.
SURWERO mount is made of aluminum and can be used with any action camera, as I did use it for my Hero 8 Black. Also, you may need to purchase extra sticky pads as the default sticky pads do not hold up that long, and your camera may fall if you’re on offroad motovlogging.
Features:
- Chin mount gives the best point of view
- Stabilizes the camera while vlogging due to its firm grip
- Affordable mount
- The aluminum build makes a solid and sturdy mount
Overview:
A chest mount introduced by GoPro is the one that can be used to get a wide viewing angle, as well as the chesty plate, which makes the GoPro camera-less shaky.
The best part of the mount is that it steadily holds the camera, and neither did it bulge nor loosen. Wearing a chest mount harness while doing a dirt biking, I felt my camera was very secure. Plus, the mount is made of solid fabric, so there is no issue with the durability.
Being a chest mount, it is easy to control your camera when not using your remote. The locking system is easy to operate and quick to release. The camera gives the best viewing angle, but you have to set it very carefully, i.e., upside down.
Features:
- Official mount from GoPro
- Handsfree experience and camera can be operated easily
- Provides durability
- Holds the camera steadily
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
1- How do you set up a helmet camera?
First, you’ll need to find a mount that’s compatible with your camera. There are a variety of mounts available, so make sure to do your research to find one that’s right for you.
Once you have your mount, attach it to your helmet using the appropriate hardware. Next, position the camera so that it’s pointing in the direction you want to vlog.
You may need to experiment with different positions to find one that’s comfortable and gives you the best results. Finally, secure the camera in place using the mount’s adjustment screws. Once everything is tight, you’re ready to start vlogging!
2- How to Back up Video for motovlogging?
You can use a laptop/PC to transfer your data from the camera. Alternatively, you can buy cloud backup services from the camera company, e.g., GoPro provides a GoPro Plus account to store your videos/images online.
3- What do you need for moto vlogging?
Following are the things that you need for moto vlogging:
- An action camera and its accessories
- An external microphone
- A moto bike
- Find your target audience and creates a content plan
4- Is it safe to mount GoPro on a helmet?
Yes, it is safe to have a GoPro on your helmet. GoPro company provides some good options for this purpose. You can also buy some cheap helmets from Amazon. Alternatively, you can make your DIY camera helmet. Always remember to fasten your GoPro in the helmet for safety.
5- What are some best helmets with a built-in camera for vlogging?
Here are some of the best helmets for vlogging:
The Sena 10U is a Bluetooth enabled helmet that allows you to record high quality audio and video while you are riding. The helmet has a built in camera that records in 1080p HD. The camera is also Wi-Fi enabled, so you can share your videos with your social media followers as soon as you finish recording them.
The Shoei Multitec is another great option for vloggers. This helmet has a built in camera that records in 720p HD. The camera is located in the front of the helmet, so it will capture your face as you are riding. The helmet also has an integrated microphone, so you can vlog without having to worry about wind noise interrupting your audio.
The Bell Qualifier DLX is another excellent choice for vloggers. This helmet has a built in 1080p HD camera that is located in the front of the helmet. The camera has a wide field of view, so it will capture everything
5- What camera is the best for motovlogging?
Usually, action cameras are recommended for motovlogging. Some of the cameras I’ve used for this purpose are GoPro 10, AKASO EK700, Insta360, and DJI Action. You can choose a camera that best fits your requirements and budget.
