The Best Motorcycle Helmet Cameras For Capturing Your Ride
Motorcycle camera helmets are an innovative way to capture every moment of your ride. Whether you're capturing the thrill of riding along winding country roads, documenting your dirt biking adventures, or simply using them in the event of an accident, camera helmets are the perfect way to record your ride. In this blog, we'll not only review the best motorcycle camera helmets on the market, but we'll also tell you what to look for when choosing a camera helmet. Plus, we'll also investigate all the legalities of using a camera helmet while riding. So, let's get started!
Can you have a camera on your motorcycle helmet when riding in Australia?
If you've been wondering, "Are helmet cameras legal in Australia?" - the answer is, for the most part, yes.
The rules pertaining to the use of cameras on motorcycle helmets vary from state to state in Australia. Generally, it is not illegal to have a camera mounted on your helmet, provided that the helmet meets the relevant safety standards. Taking NSW road rules as an example, Article 270, which relates to the wearing of motorbike helmets stipulates that:
(1) The rider of a motor bike that is moving, or is stationary but not parked, must--
(a) wear an approved motor bike helmet securely fitted and fastened on the rider's head
Understanding exactly what this means in relation to attaching a camera to a motorbike helmet can be a challenge, as the road rules refer to standard AS/NZS 1698 but are silent on issues such as third-party modifications such as cameras. For this reason, if you plan to use a camera on your motorcycle helmet in Australia, it's important that any helmet you choose must meet the appropriate standards. You should also not attach the camera directly to your helmet via drilling holes. This would certainly interfere with the helmet's integrity, void any manufacturer's warranties, and be in breach of the road rules.
That said, there are many helmet camera mounts available that do not interfere with the integrity of your helmet. And we will take a look at these later in the article. For now, let's talk about why you might want a motorcycle camera helmet in the first place.
What are the benefits of using a motorbike camera helmet?
Using a motorcycle camera helmet has a number of benefits, not least the ability to capture your ride. This can be great for recording rides with friends or family, and also for documenting any special events or trips you’ve taken. It also provides you with some great footage to show off your skills and experiences to other people.
In addition to this, camera helmets can also provide an invaluable form of evidence in the event of an accident. The footage from a motorcycle camera helmet can be used to help prove liability in an insurance claim, or if you are found to be not at fault in a collision. The footage can also be used to help challenge a conviction or fine if you feel that the police have incorrectly charged you with an offence.
What features should you look for in a motorcycle helmet camera?
When choosing a motorcycle helmet camera, there are several factors to consider:
- The resolution of the camera – The higher the resolution, the better quality your footage will be.
- Battery life – Look for a helmet with a battery life of at least 6-8 hours.
- The waterproof rating – Make sure the camera is rated for wet weather riding.
- Compatibility – Make sure the camera is compatible with the major brands of helmet mounting systems.
- The size and weight of the camera – Look for a lightweight and slimline design that won’t interfere with your ride.
With these features in mind, now it's time to explore some of the best motorcycle helmet cameras on the market.
The top 5 helmet cameras for Australian motorcycle riders
Here are the 5 best motorcycle cameras available on the Australian market in rank order:
5. AKASO V50 Pro
Are you looking for a camera to capture your upcoming motorbike rides but don't want to break the bank? Look no further than the AKASO V50 Pro – it gives amateur photographers and videographers the chance to capture stunning 4K footage at 30 frames per second, as well as excellent 20-megapixel photos. With this compact and lightweight camera be mounted on your helmet you'll be able to capture dynamic, wide-angle shots – perfect for those ambitious air jumps! Plus, its 6-axis built-in electronic video stabilization technology ensures a smooth video even if you're riding on bumpy roads. And with two rechargeable batteries, a remote control, and other useful accessories included in the box, this device is great value for money.
4. Drift Innovation Ghost X
The Drift Innovation Ghost X Camera is a great choice for those looking for a mounted motorbike helmet cam with impressive capabilities. Its compact design, live-streaming functionality, and 300-degree rotation allow you to get the perfect shot. With its 1080p Full HD 30FPS resolution, this video camera ensures you will capture all of the action in perfect detail. With up to 5 hours of battery life when filming in HD, it's not as long-lasting as other helmet cameras on this list. However, it's able to connect to most GoPro mounts which makes it super versatile.
3. GoPro HERO10 Black
GoPro just made the most powerful and user-friendly GoPro HERO yet. The GoPro HERO10 Black has HyperSmooth 4.0 and 8X Slo-Mo features that you can use to add drama to your shots. Plus, for convenience, it will automatically upload new footage as soon as you plug it in for its recharge! If you're a dirt biker, this GoPro is especially great in that it's also weatherproof and designed to stand up to the tough conditions of off-road riding.
2. Garmin VIRB Ultra 30
The Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 is considered by some to be the best dirtbike action helmet camera. Featuring 4K Ultra HD resolution, hands-free using voice control, as well as 3-axis image stabilization, you can be sure to capture flawless footage. In addition, built-in sensors and GPS capture all the key data about how far and how fast you went. So if you're looking for one of the best action cameras around to document all your most memorable moments on the bike, this is definitely worth a look.
1. Sony FDRX3000
A popular option for riders looking for a durable, waterproof and versatile motorcycle camera, this camera's streamlined design makes it possible to mount on the top or side of your helmet, unlike the more boxy GoPros. Not to mention you'll be able to capture footage up to 4K quality, as well as photos at 12 megapixels. Plus, the power and recording buttons are conveniently located on the top of the camera for easy access. This camera even features a small screen so that you can easily change the settings. Other great features include built-in image stabilization, zooming capabilities, micro SD card support, and a wide range of exposure settings – so you should have everything you need to get that perfect shot!
Which camera is best for a motorcycle helmet?
It all depends on your needs and budget. The AKASO V50 Pro is great for amateur riders who want to capture decent-quality footage without breaking the bank, while the GoPro HERO10 Black and the Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 are better suited for more avid riders who want high-quality video shots with plenty of data tracking options. The Sony FDRX3000 is great for riders who want an all-around camera that offers a range of features and settings. Ultimately, the best helmet cam for you will mostly depend on what suits your needs the most.
Final thoughts
Not a lot of riders factor in motorcycle helmet cams when it comes to the costs of motorcycle ownership. However, the investment can definitely be worth it. Whether you just want to capture every last moment of your ride, or if you have peace of mind knowing that you have a reliable camera to document any potential accidents, helmet cameras are an excellent addition to your riding gear.
We hope this guide helps you find the best helmet cam for your needs, and when it comes to finding the right motorcycle finance, let Driva be your first stop. With our network of over 30 lenders we can compare motorcycle loans for you. Plus, we can even find your next bike. Simply tell us a bit about your requirements and we'll find the right motorcycle and the right motorcycle loan for you.
Start your search with Driva today, and happy riding!