11 Best GoPros and Action Cameras for Motocross (2020)

There’s nothing better than an intense dirt bike adventure, and when you can capture that adventure on camera and share it with others—even better.

The best GoPros and action cameras for motocross should have 4K video capability, electronic stabilizers, and noise reduction. These will make your footage crystal clear and smooth. You’ll also want to look for touchless controls and simple mounts that will make it easy to film and race simultaneously.

The best action cameras for motocross are hands-free, seamlessly following your movements without interference. Keep reading for a comprehensive list of the best options you can choose from, and what to look for when searching for the ideal camera for your dirt bike. 

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The GoPro HERO7

The GoPro HERO7 is one of the most popular choices for action cameras. It creates smooth, stable shots, applies HDR and noise reduction, and has local tone mapping that will help you capture incredible shots.

This camera also allows you to create smooth and stable footage. Users of the GoPro Hero7 boast about its gimbal-like qualities.Gimbals are mechanical stabilizers that keep a camera steady; three axes of rotation help to fix any unintended camera motion, leaving you with clear and smooth footage.

Though the GoPro Hero7 does not have gimbals, it provides a gimbal-like effect using electronic stabilization. This predicts your movement and provides you with smooth footage no matter how rugged the trail. A stabilized camera is essential when you’re jumping and moving fast through a track or trail.

This camera shoots 12MP (megapixel photos) and 4K60 videos. It also allows you to slow the footage down to 8x if you want to capture yourself looking back at that fat whip you threw in glorious, slowed down detail. In addition, you can create hyper-stabilized time-lapse footage with the GoPro Hero7.

This is also a rugged, waterproof camera that will hold up to any rough treatment that could occur while you’re out riding.

The GoPro Hero7 also allows you to stream live. You can connect your camera to Facebook or Instagram Live and stream your ride to friends or fans.

A key plus to this camera is its voice activation. It is completely hands-free, allowing you to focus on your ride. Simple commands like “GoPro, start recording” will allow you to film with ease. 

In addition to its easy to use voice commands, the camera has a streamlined and intuitive touchscreen that will help you review your footage once you’re done with your ride.

In October of 2019, GoPro released the GoPro Hero8, but many users find that the GoPro Hero7 works just as well—while potentially saving you a couple of hundred dollars.

In terms of cost, the GoPro Hero7 is a high-quality camera and affordable (or as affordable as a good action camera can get).

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The YI 4K Action Camera

This Action Camera is another popular camera when it comes to capturing motocross adventures. It has a sleek black look and a long battery life. Like the GoPro Hero7, it provides stable images and can render fast, erratic motion as smoothly and artfully as possible.

Filming at 4K/60fps, it will capture your images beautifully. Its electronic stabilizers keep the image smooth, eradicating the need to purchase expensive gimbals or stabilizers. The camera’s Sony IMX3777 image sensor will help you create incredible footage as you ride.

The YI 4K camera has an intuitive, easy to use touch screen. The retina screen is 2.2 inches (5.6 centimeters) of Gorilla Glass and displays all your options in clear defined detail. Simply tap the screen to see all the settings.

In addition to the easy to use touch screen, the camera comes with a helpful Voice Control. Voice-activated controls are perfect for riders, as it makes using the camera completely hands free.

What makes the YI 4K stand out from other cameras is its battery life. With a 1,400mAH battery, the YI 4K can last to record for over 2 and a half hours if you are going to be riding. 

This camera is in direct competition with the GoPro Hero series. While some claim the GoPro Hero’s have better image quality, the YI 4K definitely wins out on price. This camera is about half the cost of its competition.

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Garmin Virb Ultra Action

The Garmin Virb Ultra action is another popular option for action cameras. It shoots ultra HD 4K/30fps footage. The camera is equipped with 3-axis stabilization, which will help you to produce smooth, seamless footage.

Like any good action camera, the Garmin Virb Ultra Action has voice-activated controls that allow you to shoot hands-free. While riding, you can use simple voice commands to turn your camera on, film, or cease filming. The voice controls also allow you to snap photos.

The camera comes with built-in sensors and a GPS. The GPS captures data that lets you know exactly how far you rode, at what speeds you were riding, and allows you to check every ride’s data. With the Garmin Virb, you can easily track how far you go each ride: a feature that stands out among other cameras.

The Garmin Virb Ultra HD also has an incredible microphone. The microphone has high sensitivity and is able to pick up the smallest sounds, relaying them clearly. The microphone also comes with a port that you can link to external hardware, giving you more flexibility than competing cameras.

The camera also has a 1.75” (4.45 cm) screen so you can see what is being or has been recorded. It is an intuitive touch screen that anyone can use.

Another important feature of action cameras: the Garmin Virb is waterproof. It comes with a waterproof case that can protect the camera up to 40m. You won’t have to worry about your camera getting damaged in a puddle, lake, or storm: the Garmin Virb case is extremely durable.

The camera also comes equipped with micro-USB and micro HDMI ports. The ports make it easy to connect to any computer and upload your data. 

You can also download the Virb app, which is compatible with apple and allows you to stream footage live to social media.

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The Sony FDR-X3000 Action Camera

The Sony FDR-X3000 is another popular action camera for motocross racers. The camera has image stabilizers to capture smooth and steady action shots. It also allows you to film in time-lapse to help you capture everything from long rides to sunsets.

Most importantly, the Sony FDR-X3000’s stabilizers work to ensure smooth camerawork.

The camera comes with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, allowing you to connect to any network or device. It also comes with an NFC, HDMI, and USB so you can easily download your footage.

The audio is high quality. The microphone comes with noise reduction to cancel out any unwanted background noise.

The camera has built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, HDMI, USB, and mic jack with a high-quality interval record at 8.3 MP camera for stills and 4K time-lapse video high-quality stereo sound for removing noise.

You can access your footage from a remote device, as the camera also comes with remote camera control. This makes it easy to view your photos and film on any phone you might have.

Another essential for any action camera, this Sony FDR-X3000 is super durable. It is splashproof, freezeproof, and waterproof (down to 60m). Durability is a major necessity for any camera you might take out on the trails.

The Sony FDR-X3000 has up to 3x zoom capabilities. It shoots professional 4K quality, with a ZEISS lens andExmor R CMOS to ensure top quality footage. 

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DJI Osmo Action Camera

Another great option when it comes to action cameras is the DJI Osmo Action. This camera has a sturdy, durable, waterproof frame. The waterproof metal frame is equipped with textured rubber grips that make the camera easy to hold.

To operate the Osmo Action, there are simple buttons that are easy to press, even with a gloved hand. They offer click feedback to help you turn the camera on and record no matter what kind of gear you’re wearing.

The Osmo action comes with DJI’s solid image stabilization system, RockSteady. The camera will anticipate any movement and help you to create seamless, smooth action shots.

You can lift up a flap on the left side of the camera to reveal a water-sealed section that has a port for your USB-C, as well as a microSD card slot. These ports make it easy to transfer your footage onto another device.

The front screen of the Osmo Action is a square, 1.4 in (3.6 cm) display. On the back, there is a larger screen, a 2.4 in (6.1 cm) LCD display, with a pixel density of over 300 PP (pixels per inch).

The Osmo Action camera comes with an adhesive mount, making it ideal for racing or any sporty, rugged activity. Simply attach the mount to a helmet, car, or any surface and begin filming.

The camera comes with a 12MP sensor, and an ultra-wide angle lens. Perfect for long landscape shots. Ultra-wide lenses make it easy to keep both the background and foreground in clear, sharp focus.

This camera captures video at resolutions from between 720p to 4K, at aspect ratios of either 16:9 or 4:3.

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Akaso V50 Elite

The Akaso V50 is a sleek, lightweight action camera that captures incredible, crystal clear footage. As far as action cameras go, the Akaso V50 Elite is an excellent option. It shoots 4K Ultra HD footage at a rate of 60 frames per second.

Popular among mountain bikers, the Akaso attaches to your helmet and helps you capture incredible footage of your ride, no matter the terrain.

Some reviewers comment on the sleek, artful look of the Akaso V50. The aesthetics of the camera itself don’t matter to every user, and a beautiful camera won’t necessarily make beautiful footage. But if looks matter to you, the Akaso V50 has them.

The LCD screen is two inches, at a standard 4:3 format. It is a touch screen that is intuitive and simple to use.

The camera comes equipped with a remote control, so you can access the footage and control the camera remotely. It also comes with two 1050mAh batteries.

The camera also comes with a bicycle or motorcycle stand, as well as six different mounts— including helmet mounts. The mounts make it easy to strap your camera onto your helmet. No duct tape needed.

The Akaso also comes with a waterproof case that will protect your camera in up to 100-foot (30.5-meter) depths.

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Olympus TG Tracker

The Olympus TG Tracker has everything you could want in an action camera: it is durable, lightweight, waterproof, and shoots beautifully. It is even equipped with a variety of sensors, including an accelerometer, compass, and GPS: perfect for when you’re out on a rugged trail.

The camera shoots 4K 30P footage, producing clear and crisp images. It has a 204° Extreme Angle lens that can capture ultra-wide shots. You will be able to capture wide landscapes with this lens.

The Olympus TG Tracker operates similarly to a small camcorder. It has a flip-out screen and featurespoint-and-shoots.

The camera is also equipped with an Electronic 5-Axis Image stabilizer to help keep your shots clear, sharp, and smooth. 

Like any good action camera, the Olympus TG tracker is waterproof. It will remain protected even when submerged to up to 100 feet (30.5 meters) of water. It is an extremely durable camera. It’s crushproof, able to take up to 220 pounds (99.8 kilograms) of weight. It is also shockproof.

The camera comes with a F2.0 high-speed lens that can help you film fast action shots that will come out clear, smooth, and incredibly rendered.

The camera also features noise reduction that works even when the camera is submerged underwater. Noise reduction is a must if you plan on using audio with your footage.

If you plan on filming at night, the Olympus TG tracker is a great option, as it has an LED headlight. You can even use the camera as a flashlight.

If you like to film in time-lapse, the Olympus TG tracker allows you to do so.

The camera comes equipped with a strong lithium-ion battery that can allow you to record for extended periods of time.

The camera comes with five action track sensors. These help you track your rides, and allow you to contextualize your footage. There is a barometric pressure sensor, a GPS, a compass, a temperature sensor, and an accelerometer.

The action track censors are great tools. They not only help you contextualize your footage for family and friends, but they help you to keep a detailed log of your ride, allowing you to keep track of everything from distance, to heat, to speed.

The camera also connects to Wi-Fi, making it incredibly simple to share your footage. Simply connect to a device of your choice and upload your film.

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Kodak PIXPRO SP1

The Kodak PIXPRO SP1 is another popular option among motocross racers. It’s often chosen for its durability and easy to use settings.

The camera body is stable and extremely durable. It is waterproof, able to handle submersion of up to 32 feet (9.8 meters) in depth. It is also shockproof, dustproof, and freezeproof, so you won’t have to worry about weather damage impacting your camera.

The PIXPRO SP1 comes with a 1.5 inch (3.8 centimeters) color screen, operated by buttons. The camera also connects to Wi-Fi, making it easy to download and save your film or share it with family and friends.

The camera will help you film your rides in 10fps or 1080p Full-HD video.

This camera is a favorite among rugged, sports enthusiasts for its rugged, sporty look and its durability.

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Sony HDR-AZ1VR

The Sony HDR-AZ1VR is a small camera that attaches easily to your helmet for hands-free use. It comes with a wireless remote at the bottom, so it is easy to control.

It is a durable camera with protective waterproof housing.

The camera helps you to capture beautiful HD film, filming at 720p and 120fps for videos in slo-mo.

It also has its own Electronic Image Stabilization, helping you to reduce jarring and unattractive shots by predicting and eliminating any unwanted motion.

The camera features a small LCD screen with a simple two-button system that is intuitive to use. The wireless remote will help you to access all of the camera’s settings. The remote comes with a wrist strap, making the whole camera easy to manage while you’re on your bike.

The camera screen on the Sony HDR-AZ1VR is rather small, so you will need to rely on the remote. The remote can let you activate a preview on the screen; many users report that though the screen is small, the footage is clear and detailed.

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Campark Act74 Action Camera

The Campark Act74 Action camera is a durable camera intended for motorcycle users. It creates clear, incredible footage and is fully waterproof.

The camera films video footage at 4K and 30fps. It also comes with a 170° angle lens that allows you to shoot incredible wide shots.

You can control this camera remotely through Wi-Fi. It is compatible with iOS and Android, so you can control the camera through your smartphone. This makes it simple to share your footage on social media.

The camera comes with dual lithium batteries that can last for 180 minutes of shooting. They are fully rechargeable.

The camera comes with a helmet mounting kit and all the accessories that you might need to begin filming your motocross adventures.

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Sena Prism Tube 4.0 Action Camera

This is another action camera that is ideal for active, motorcycle racers. It is small, lightweight, and attaches easily to motorcycle helmets. The unique, signature features of this camera are its one of a kind tubular shape.

The camera comes with a glued surface mounting pale that makes it easy to stick right onto your helmet. Alternatively, it comes with a tube swivel mounting kit. The swivel mount will provide you with the opportunity to shoot a diverse range of shots.

This tubular camera comes with a one-touch system. It is also equipped with voice activation, and a voice feedback feature will keep you updated with the device.

The camera comes with accessories including lens caps to protect the lens from dust and debris, as well as a USB cable and external microphone.

This camera was designed specifically for motorcycle users. It is lightweight, durable, and hands-free.

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What to Look for When Searching for Dirt Bike Cameras

Ultimately, the best camera will meet all your particular individual needs. When searching for the best action camera for you, consider your own personal needs and filming goals.

You will want to look for a camera that is durable, rugged, lightweight, and easy to mount. Beyond that, there are some key features that you will want to consider before investing in potentially expensive equipment.

Stabilization

Good action shots have a rugged quality to them; they’re generally a little bit shaky and raw. But too much unwanted motion can cause a nauseating, unprofessional effect on your footage. The best action cameras come equipped with stabilizers to ensure smooth, high-quality shots.

High Resolution

Another thing to look out for when picking out an action camera is the resolution. A high-resolution camera will help you to create clear, beautiful footage. If you can, you will want to look for a camera with at least4K video.

4K video means the camera has at least 8 million active pixels. The more pixels, the more image detail. Smaller pixel resolution will lead your footage to look fuzzy and granulated.

1080p or HD used to be the standard for pixels, but 4K will create much sharper images with greater clarity.

Waterproof

To protect your footage and equipment, consider looking for a waterproof action camera. 

If you’re just intending to use this action camera for motocross racing, you may not consider this essential for your action camera. But if you’re going to be investing in good equipment, waterproof features are a good idea.

When riding, accidents can happen. Cameras can fall off mounts, or riders can fall, causing unwanted splashing or even submersion. Durability is an essential quality of any excellent action camera.

Battery Life

It depends on your personal needs, but most likely, you will want a camera with a long battery life. If you are going to be hitting the trails all day, you should look for a camera with a battery life that will last as long as you.

Most action cameras these days will be able to film forup to three hours before their batteries die. 

If you are planning to film high-resolution videos, that candrain your battery faster. Consider bringing an exterior portable charger to recharge your battery so it can last the day.

It’s important to consider that sometimes, cameras with longer battery life can be more expensive. You may want to weigh the cost of a portable charger compared to the cost of a large battery.

Voice Control

While riding your dirt bike, your hands will be occupied. This means that you will want to look for a voice controlled or remote controlled camera. Some cameras come equipped with wireless remotes that can attach to your wrist or your handlebars, making it easy to control and film.

Other cameras have voice-activated controls that make managing your camera even easier. You can forget about your hands and control your camera with simple voice commands to begin or end recording.

A Solid Microphone and Noise Reduction

Nothing is worse than when a reel of footage is ruined by wind sounds or unwanted noise. If you’re looking to have shots with sound, you will want to be sure to look for a camera that has a solid microphone as well as noise reduction.

Sounds like breathing can negatively impact your audio, and noise reduction will help eliminate the unwanted sounds. A camera with good noise reduction technology will help you produce top rate audio along with your visual footage.

Connectivity

Consider how you want to upload or share your footage. Some cameras come with HDMI and micro-USB ports for you to connect to any computer.

Other cameras come with wireless connectivity that allows you to connect to Wi-Fi and share your photos and footage that way.

You will also want to consider the Wi-Fi speed of the camera if that matters to you. Certain cameras will upload footage much more slowly than others. The connectivity speed won’t impact the quality of your footage, and it will only impact how fast that footage is made accessible.

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Conclusion

That’s everything you need to know about the best GoPros and action cameras for motocross and what to look for when you’re thinking of buying one. Hopefully, you’re able to take note of the things and features you should consider and prioritize for your own dirt bike camera. Best of luck racing!