This is a review of the best helmet cameras in the year of 2022.
I am Aspen, an NZSIA certified ski instructor and APSI certified snowboard instructor, and motorbike rider. Today, I will work with Kan, a professional photographer, CSIA certified ski instructor, and SBNIZ certified snowboard instructor. Kan’s work was featured in several famous media such as De Standard Belgium.
A helmet camera is an essential accessory for us and we use it a lot for our work.
The GoPro Hero 10 Black is our pick for the best helmet camera of the year. I love that it is very easy to use, can stand against all sort of tough conditions, and can produce excellent quality videos and photos in low light conditions.
There are many other great cameras with different features on the list, so we will show you our favorites in this post, to help you make a good buying decision that matches your needs or the conditions the most.
Let’s pick some great helmet cameras together!
Quick Summary
- Best Overall: GoPro Hero 10 Black
- Best for Quality: Sony FDR X3000
- Best Budget (GoPro): GoPro MAX 360
- Best Budget: DJI Osmo Action
Do You Need a Helmet Cameras?
One does not simply bring a handheld DSLR camera on biking, diving, or skiing trips. What you need is a helmet camera to keep those hands free.
Helmet cameras, commonly (and often inaccurately) referred to as GoPros, are small cameras that are either mounted on a helmet or attached to the end of a selfie stick to capture memories and events into digital frames.
These are usually meant for outdoor activities like watersports, snowsports, or sports. For instance, if you want to film your point of view while horse riding, the easiest way to do it is to use a helmet camera.
4 Best Helmet Cameras Reviewed
Here are my top picks for the best helmet cameras of the year.
GoPro Hero 10 Black
- Key Features: Waterproof, Low Light
- Weight: 5.6 oz / 158 g
- Resolution: 5.3K video, 23MP picture
- Voice Control: Yes
- Image Stabilization: Yes (HyperSmooth 4.0)
- Camera Capture Speed: 60fps
- Connectivity Technology: WiFi/USB
- Best for: Overall
If you’re a frequent swimmer or happen to be highly adventurous like me, then the GoPro Hero 10 Black might be the perfect fit for you. With its waterproof technology, you’re guaranteed fine-grained high-quality clips, videos, and photos no matter the weather.
Equipped with HyperSmooth technology, image stabilization isn’t a problem. This camera allows a generous 60 frames per second, even in low-light environments.
The Hero 10 Black can connect either via WiFi or a USB cable in terms of connectivity. Just plug your device into your computer or let it connect to your Internet at home and you’ll be good to go.
We use GoPro Hero 10 a lot since it was released, backcountry skiing, motorbike trips, and white water rafting, we love that it is very easy to handle, even when we were wearing our gloves we can perform all the adjustments easily.
Sony FDR X3000
- Weight: 4.1 oz / 114 g
- Key Features: Time-lapse, Optical Zoom 1x, Built-in WiFi and GPS, Wind-noise reduction
- Resolution: 4K
- Image Stabilization: Yes (Balanced Optical SteadyShot)
- Camera Capture Speed: 120fps at 1080p and 240fps at 720p
- Connectivity Technology: USB, Bluetooth, and WiFi
- Waterproof: Yes (up to 197 feet)
- Best for: Quality
The Sony FDR X3000 is capable of delivering 4k videos with astonishing image stability. Its audio is also enhanced with wind-noise reduction, so you’re sure your recordings come smooth and crisp.
It comes in with GPS support with some features, including creating a map based on where you’ve been. The time-lapse feature also isn’t too bad, and its Optical Zoom should allow users to explore their creativity.
While the camera itself is already waterproof, we recommend incorporating its housing for added protection from dirt, bugs, and all sorts of debris.
This item is indeed quite pricey for most consumers, but if you’re really looking for quality, the Sony FDR X3000 will not disappoint.
GoPro MAX 360
- Key Features: Waterproof, 360 Recording, Built-in WiFi and GPS
- Weight: 5.75 oz / 163 g
- Resolution: 5.6k
- Voice Control: Yes
- Image Stabilization: Yes (HyperSmooth)
- Camera Capture Speed: 30 fps
- Connectivity Technology: Micro SD Card
- Best for: Budget (GoPro)
With the GoPro Max 360, you can record 5.7k resolution at 30 fps in 360 mode. Though it’s only waterproof up to 5 meters, it still makes a great companion for all your skiing and swimming adventures.
It comes built-in with HyperSmooth, so no need to worry about your images or videos not stabilizing. Got shaky hands? No worries. You’ll still be able to capture high-quality videos with this bad boy.
Like the Insta360 One X2, the GoPro Max 360 also has a Micro SD Card for connectivity. Weighing at 163 grams, it’s also a bit heavier than most helmet cameras.
However, the GoPro MAX 360 is a slightly older version compared to the GoPro HERO series in the market today. In terms of resolution and raw photo quality, you’d probably be better off with the HERO10.
But if you’re looking for more creativity with the 360 mode and at a relatively budget-friendly approach, then this camera is the right way to go.
DJI Osmo Action
- Key Features: Waterproof, Time-lapse, Slow-motion, Light-weight, Dual Screen
- Weight: 4.37 oz / 124 g
- Resolution: 4k
- Voice Control: No
- Image Stabilization: Yes (RockSteady)
- Camera Capture Speed: 240fps
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Best for: Budget
Last on our list, we’ve got the DJI Osmo Action, which is my personal favorite. Not only is it the cheapest on the list, but it’s also got some great specs to go with it.
One interesting feature of this camera would be its slow-motion settings and time-lapse. You can record up to 240fps at 1080p in slow motion to really get those impressive shots frame by frame. Powered by RockSteady technology, the camera also offers excellent image stability while being lightweight.
As price-friendly as it is, there are some things to consider with this camera. For one, it doesn’t have voice control so you’d have to manually tap on its user interface.
Another drawback is that it only records a resolution of 4k at most. While 4k is already quite impressive, other cameras, like the GoPro Max 360, offer better resolutions.
The Best Helmet Camera: What to Consider?
Below are some essential factors to keep in mind when shopping for a good helmet camera.
Resolution
Camera resolutions are the number of pixels a camera can take in. The more pixels, the greater the detail and the better they are in general.
Weight
The camera weight doesn’t seem like they matter much at first. However, every ounce counts when you mount these portable devices on an actual helmet. Considering the weight of your camera is crucial so that you can choose the right fit for you.
Voice Control
Some camera models or brands don’t offer built-in voice detection and control. If you’re comfortable with pressing the picture button yourself, then it shouldn’t be a problem. Typically, this feature would be listed in the camera specs whether it’s supported or not.
Image Stabilization
Different brands offer their own kind of image stabilization, but they essentially accomplish the same thing.
Image stabilization aims to reduce blurring caused by camera movement or shakes as it can be hard to hold a camera still when filming something. If you’re constantly on the go, you should consider getting a camera that provides this feature.
Frames per second
Frames per second or FPS measure how many frames a camera can capture in a second. More FPS are usually associated with cameras that enable slow-motion effects like the DJI Osmo Action camera.
Connectivity Technology
Some camera models like the GoPro Hero 10 Black offer both WiFi and USB connectivity. Other models, however, store your photos and videos via a Micro SD card.
Before purchasing a camera, make sure you check if it supports multiple connectivity methods. Otherwise, I’d recommend getting an SD Reader or Micro SD Adapter to help you transfer files.
FAQS
What is the best motorcycle helmet camera?
Camera stability and camera capturing speed will be my topmost priority if I’m even considering taking a helmet camera with me during biking. The fast-paced nature of the activity requires a camera that can handle a lot of frames.
I can personally recommend the DJI Osmo Action camera described above. It’s stable, light-weight, and has a high frame rate, perfect for when you’re on the road.
How do helmet cameras work?
Helmet cameras are micro video cameras, which allow a person to record their point of view, while keeping their hands free. If the camera model permits, you may use voice control to take a snapshot, or you could set it to record while you swim or bike.
What kind of cameras do bikers use?
Typically, bikers tend to use cameras that offer a high number of frames per second. So even when you’re fast on the road, you’d be able to capture every detail at high quality.
Are all helmet cameras also called GoPros?
GoPro is an American tech company that manufactures helmet cameras. But there are also other brands like Insta360 and DJI Action that manufacture them, so not all helmet cameras are GoPros. However, it is a rather common misconception to refer to off-brand helmet cameras as GoPros.