Show us your two-wheeled exploitsAdvertisementAdvertisementMotorcyclists love to tell stories about things that happened while they were riding. Having video evidence to back it up makes the stories even more fun. Who would believe you if you said that, as you were hard on the brakes from 160+ mph into Turn 2 at Laguna Seca, a ground squirrel ran across the track in front of you and the $100,000 Ducati Superleggera you were piloting? Well, Troy was able to document Mister Squizzles' near-fatal dash, thanks to his helmet cam, and put an end to our disbelief. (See the proof here.)Heroics aside, traveling by motorcycle is even more fun when you can capture the important moments of your trip while you're actually riding. Group rides can be relived later. Track day lean angles can impress your buddies. Then there are the workday road warriors who commute via bike through the concrete canyons of their local city. They need the moto-equivalent of a dash cam to keep tabs on the other road users who are often paying more attention to their breakfast burrito than the other vehicles around them.You just need to choose the right action camera, and you've got a ton of options. There are helmet cams, 360 cams, and even permanently mounted dash cams for commuters to use in case of a mishap. No matter what you want to record, there is a camera to handle that task. So, we've chosen what we think are the best motorcycle cameras around. Let us know in the comments if you have a personal favorite that isn't mentioned here.Why Trust Motorcycle.com?At Motorcycle.com, our reputation as a trusted authority in the motorcycle world since 1994 is built on our deep expertise and commitment to quality. Our team, composed of seasoned riders and industry experts, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every review and product recommendation we offer. We understand that when it comes to motorcycles, parts, and accessories, the right choice can enhance both performance and safety.AdvertisementAdvertisementOur extensive range of in-depth reviews and performance tests are more than just evaluations; they are insights born from years of hands-on experience and a thorough understanding of what riders truly need. We cover every aspect of motorcycling, from sport bikes and cruisers to adventure bikes and beyond, ensuring that our recommendations cater to every type of rider.The trust placed in us by over 2 million enthusiasts monthly is a testament to the reliability and accuracy of our advice. Whether it's selecting a new bike, finding the best accessories, or choosing the right gear for your ride, Motorcycle.com is dedicated to providing advice you can trust, backed by decades of expertise in the motorcycling field.Table of ContentsStaff Pick: Insta360 X5: Shop NowRead reviewGoPro Hero13 Black: Shop NowRead reviewInsta360 GO 3S: Shop NowRead review1. Staff Pick: Insta360 X5Check PriceAdvertisementAdvertisementIf you've been paying attention to the video content published on Motorcycle.com's YouTube channel, you'll notice that we're big fans of the Insta360 360-degree action cameras. Capturing every angle of action and changing perspective during the editing process is an enormous benefit for any professional or hobbyist filmmaker, delivering incredibly dynamic footage.MO staffers utilized the Insta360 X4 for quite a while and still do, but the budding action camera brand isn't resting on its laurels. The Insta360 X5 is the latest iteration of the brand's popular 360-degree camera, replete with a handful of updates that expand on a product we already enjoyed putting to the test.The specifications satisfy any budding vlogger, adrenaline junky, or lowly motojournalist, capable of filming in 8K 360° video at 30fps, 5.7K at 60fps, and 4K at a blistering 120fps with a dual 1/1.28" sensors and a triple AI chip system. Its new PureVideo mode leverages AI-powered noise reduction for superior low-light performance. Durability has also seen a boost with user-replaceable ultra-durable glass lenses, allowing for quick repairs. The audio experience is clearer too, with a built-in wind guard reducing noise interference, while the 2400mAh battery delivers up to 185 minutes of 5.7K recording and rapid 80% recharge in just 20 minutes. For creators, the new InstaFrame mode enables simultaneous capture of both auto-framed flat footage and full 360° video, making content creation and editing easier than ever. Lastly, its IP68 waterproof rating means the X5 can dive up to 49 feet without a case, ready for underwater adventures straight out of the box.There are a few minor quibbles. Even with the enhanced low-light performance from the X4, it could still be improved upon. As we've seen in the past, many accessories will not transfer over to be used with the X5 from previous models, including batteries. The X5 is also slightly larger and heavier and carries a $50 price increase over the X4. Still, the fact remains: Insta360 continues to upgrade its cameras on a regular basis.2. Industry Standard: GoPro HERO13 BlackCheck PriceAdvertisementAdvertisementThe GoPro Hero13 Black is the latest action camera from the brand that started it all, delivering a few incremental improvements to keep up with the competition. Returning to the fold are several familiar elements, such as the iconic GoPro form factor that became the industry standard long ago and the waterproof housing that's good for a 33-foot plunge. A bright 2.27-inch rear touchscreen allows easy navigation, and the updated 1.4-inch front display can assist with framing while on the go. Like its competitors in this space, the newest from GoPro integrates AI-powered features like its AutoBoost, which adjusts camera settings in real-time to get the best out of your footage.Where the Hero13 steps out from the Hero12 can be measured in a handful of notable upgrades, though the addition of the Hero Black (HB) interchangeable lens system is something we think takes the headlines. Three auto-detected lenses are currently offered, adding massive amounts of versatility to how we capture footage, with the Ultra-Wide 177-degree lens being perfect for POV situations, a Macro lens helping maintain focus during tight close-ups, and finally, an Anamorphic lens to create that "cinematic" look. ND filters are also available, too.GoPro also takes a page from the competition's playbook, deploying a new magnetic mountain system that speeds up the mounting and dismounting process. Other helpful features include the new Contacto charging system, which enables USB-C pass-through charging without opening the battery compartment door, though it is a pricey optional accessory.The performance remains more than respectable with 5.3K at 60fps, 4K at 120fps, and 10-bit color with HLG HDR for enhanced dynamic range and color depth. GoPro isn't offering 8K resolution yet since we're seeing the same 27-megapixel sensor return, and that might disappoint users expecting a leap in image quality, but what you get is excellent. Meanwhile, the updated image stabilization and slow-motion features remain among the best in the industry. We're also seeing a built-in GPS geotagging function come back into play after it was inexplicably removed on the Hero12 Black. That means we can access speed, elevation, and location overlays again!AdvertisementAdvertisementBattery life also sees a marginal improvement on the specification sheet via a 1900mAh Enduro battery, which is said to provide 10 percent more runtime than its predecessor. Frustratingly, it uses a new battery design, and prior-gen batteries are incompatible. The brand introduced Wi-Fi 6 support to allow speedier file transfers and improve device pairing, which we've struggled with while using past GoPro units. Overheating is another problem the brand claims to have alleviated, though we'll need additional testing.The Hero13 Black is not a massive departure from its predecessor, as it uses the same many of the internal specifications remain the same. A handful of abilities appeal to serious content creators, namely, the interchangeable lens system. If you want to take your footage to the next level, that could be enough of a selling point alone. Our critiques of the Hero13 echo longstanding critiques of the brand in that GoPro sometimes isn't doing enough to differentiate models. That said, the interchangeable lenses, updated image stabilization, and inclusion of GPS data are compelling arguments compared to the Hero12.3. Insta360 GO 3SCheck PriceThe Insta360 GO 3S is a high-performance, ultra-compact action camera designed to capture every second of adventure with next-level image quality. Upgraded from the original GO 3, it features a new processing chip that boosts CPU computing power by 50% and a brand-new wide-angle lens. These internal enhancements allow it to shoot in stunning 4K resolution-a 99% increase in pixels compared to its predecessor's 2.7K limits-while pushing video bitrates up to 120Mbps and offering slow-motion capture up to 200fps at 1080p.AdvertisementAdvertisementEngineered for extreme versatility, the camera boasts unique filming modes and structural design features that simplify creative shooting. It introduces a new MegaView FOV that significantly reduces edge distortion in ultra-wide angle footage for a more natural look, alongside improvements in color accuracy, contrast, and dynamic range. The physical setup includes a flippable, eversible screen on the Action Pod for effortlessly framing talking heads, an AI-powered video editing mobile app, and a robust 6-axis gyroscope to ensure stable, buttery-smooth filming even during high-intensity motion.This camera bundle is tailor-made for action sports enthusiasts, vloggers, and content creators who need a lightweight, low-profile device capable of capturing unique points of view. Thanks to its incredibly small size and a wide assortment of included accessories-like the Magnet Pendant, Easy Clip, and Pivot Stand-it is perfect for athletes, motorcyclists, and travelers who want to mount a camera in tight spaces or unusual angles without being weighed down by a bulky standard action cam.Motorcycle Camera FAQWhat is the best motorcycle camera?As the action camera market has matured and diversified, that question can only be answered by asking more questions: What do I want to use the camera for? Do I want to mount it permanently on the bike or move it around? Do I want the camera with the highest resolution? All of these questions can be answered with one of the models above.AdvertisementAdvertisementAre motorcycle helmet cameras legal?Good question. It depends on the state. For example, in California, objects that protrude more than 5mm from the helmet are illegal, but we've never seen it enforced.Where is the best place to mount a 360-degree camera on a motorcycle?We'd recommend mounting it on the tank or the handlebar. That way both the road and the rider can be seen in the video. That said, there are plenty of other places to mount a camera and lots of different mounts that give the option to get some really interesting angles of your ride.Recent Updates:July 2026: Updated list with Insta360 GO 3SApril 2025: Updated list with Insta360 X5January, 2025: Updated list with Insta360 X4 and GoPro Hero13 Black; removed Insta360 X3 and GoPro Hero12 BlackFebruary 16, 2024: Refined our list of recommendations to just three products. Our top pick remains the same, while our second and third have been changed.June 2023: Added Insta360 Go 3, Removed Insta360 X3, Moved Insta360 X3 into top positionMarch 2023: Added insta360 X3, GoPro Hero 11, INNOVV H5. Removed insta360 Go, GoPro Hero 10, GoPro Hero 9, Cambox V4 Pro.August 2022: Replaced Sena 10c EVO with 50C, updated FAQ, added to additional resources.March 2022: Updated imagery, added Insta360 One X2 review link, and changed camera ranking.September 2021: Replaced the GoPro Hero8 with the GoPro Hero10 Black, removed Insta360 R and replaced with Insta360 ONE X2.Additional ResourcesMO Tested: Insta360 One X2 Camera ReviewMO Tested: Innovv K3 ReviewMO Tested: Cambox MkV4 Pro Action CameraMO Tested: Insta360 GO 2 ReviewMO Tested: Innovv C5 Motorcycle Camera System ReviewMO Tested: Innovv K1 Motorcycle Camera ReviewMO Tested: Insta360 One R Action Camera ReviewAdvertisementAdvertisementWe are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews and other articles. Learn more about how this works.Become a Motorcycle.com insider. 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