The Best Motorcycle Cameras To Document Your Rides

Show us your two-wheeled exploits

If 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 X3 for quite a while and still do, but the budding action camera brand isn't resting on its laurels. The Insta360 X4 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 the following high-resolution formats: 8K video at 30 fps, 5.7K at 60 fps, or 4K at 100 fps. Naturally, this footage is aided by impressive image stabilization software to ensure smooth viewing even in rougher conditions, which is a huge help when capturing content on motorcycles. Content creators will also want to note the still photography capabilities, such as the massive 72-megapixel 360-degree photo capability that can help produce impressive thumbnails or social media images.

Nifty features new to the X4 include AI software to recognize the user's gestures, allowing them to start or stop recording without physically interacting with the camera, thanks to the new 5nm AI Chip said to increase computing power by 140 percent. Following that up is the Single-Lens Mode, which essentially turns the X4 into a conventional action camera without the 360-degree view, meaning that content creators can leave extra cameras at home and let the X4 handle everything. Meanwhile, image quality has improved noticeably when compared to its predecessor, as well as enhanced capabilities with fan-favorite settings such as Bullet Time (5.7K at 120 fps), Timelapse (11K), and TimeShift (8K), all of which shoot in a significantly higher resolution than the X3.

The Insta360 X4 is still built to a rugged standard with a 2.5-inch Gorilla Glass touchscreen, while the IPX8 waterproofing allows it to dive down to a depth of 33 feet without any additional housing. That's great for motorcyclists filming in rainy weather because we can trust that the weather sealing won't fail. However, we still strongly recommend utilizing accessory lens protection and wish it was standard. We've also experienced good battery life with the larger 2290mAh X4 battery. Unfortunately, it is a new design, meaning that older batteries are incompatible.

There are a few minor quibbles. Low-light performance is still not particularly outstanding, though most motorcyclists will probably be filming in the daytime, and the lack of a standard, built-in GPS feature is a little annoying. Yet, the Insta360 X4's performance eclipses a few complaints, and meaningful upgrades make it a worthy successor. Is it worth upgrading from the X3? Perhaps not yet, but the X4 represents a massive step forward compared to older models. The fact remains: If you're getting into a 360 camera, this is the one to buy.

The 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!

Battery 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.

As the latest intercom/camera hybrid from Sena, the 50C integrates Sena's Mesh and Bluetooth communications systems that allows us to connect with other riders and devices. The 4K camera captures high quality video of our rides at 30fps. One of the Sena 50C's standout features are the Harmon Kardon speakers and microphone, delivering quality audio compared to other products within this price range. We applaud Sena's focus on using higher-end audio components because it's definitely a shortcoming in other products.

We recommend the Sena 50C to motorcycle enthusiasts who prioritize communication with other riders over video quality. It's an ideal choice to document journeys with a focus on enhanced audio thanks to Harman Kardon components. If you don't care about better audio, there are better video cameras, but overall, this package delivers excellent performance for both categories.