The 21 best helmet cameras brands
GoPro, Insta360 and SJCAM lead our ranking of 21 helmet cameras brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Helmet Cameras brands, ranked
TSCentral is reader-supported: we may earn a commission when you shop through links on this page. It does not affect the ranking.
-
1
GoPro
Hero models are waterproof to 10m without a case and use HyperSmooth stabilisation, so helmet footage stays steady.
Top products: Hero 9 Black
Website: gopro.com |Brands like GoPro
Popularity 10.0/10
-
2
Insta360
Its 360-degree and standard action cams let you reframe footage after shooting, which suits hands-free helmet filming.
Website: store.insta360.com |Brands like Insta360
Popularity 9.6/10
-
3
SJCAM
Budget-friendly action cameras with 4K recording and gyro stabilisation, often sold with helmet and chin mount kits.
Top products: C110Plus
Website: sjcam.com |Brands like SJCAM
Popularity 5.4/10
-
4
AKASO
Low-cost 4K action cameras, usually bundled with helmet and chin mounts and waterproof cases for motorcycle use.
Website: akasotech.com |Brands like AKASO
Popularity 4.5/10
-
5
DJI
Mostly famous for drones, DJI's Osmo Action line is a waterproof, helmet-friendly camera with a front touchscreen.
Website: dji.com |Brands like DJI
Popularity 3.7/10
-
6
Contour
An early helmet-cam pioneer whose compact clip-on cameras record onboard footage with minimal setup.
Top products: Contour 4K
Website: contourliving.com |Brands like Contour
Popularity 3.4/10
-
7
SOOCOO
Budget action cameras with simple touchscreen controls, mostly aimed at casual riders and beginner videographers.
Website: soocooplus.com |Brands like SOOCOO
Popularity 3.3/10
-
8
Archos
Mainly a tablet and phone maker, Archos also produced a small helmet-mount action camera.
Website: archos.com |Brands like Archos
Popularity 3.0/10
-
9
Drift
Ghost-series models from Drift are rated waterproof to 10 metres and suit motorcycle and bike helmets.
Website: driftinnovation.com |Brands like Drift
Popularity 2.9/10
-
10
Sony
Sony's Action Cam range is compact, shockproof and waterproof, with image stabilisation for helmet-mounted footage.
Website: sony.com |Brands like Sony
Popularity 2.9/10
-
11
Vivitar
With its rich heritage of over 80 years, Vivitar has curated some favorable consumer electronics. Their digital still cameras and other accessories are popular among large crowds across the globe. Bestselling STEAM toys that help make learning fun for kids...
Website: vivitar.com |Brands like Vivitar
Popularity 2.8/10
-
12
Samsung
Samsung's XC-L2N is a bare external POV camera head, more of a rig component than a finished consumer helmet cam.
Top products: XC-L2N
Website: samsung.com |Brands like Samsung
Popularity 1.7/10
-
13
Oregon Scientific
Oregon Scientific is your one-stop lifestyle shop. Wireless weather stations, weather instruments, bright globes, and other items are among the things they offer. Its mission is to make your life easier and more enjoyable by providing you with the most...
Website: oregonscientificstore.com |Brands like Oregon Scientific
Popularity 1.6/10
-
14
Bullet HD
Are you a motorcycle and riding enthusiast who finds it difficult to take pictures and record videos while riding? Bullet HD creates products for people like you who enjoy riding and photographing at the same time. With its biker cameras,...
Website: bullethd.com |Brands like Bullet HD
Popularity 1.4/10
-
15
Kodak
Eastman Kodak Company has a long history in film photography and imaging. Its film cameras, including folding models and vintage designs, are the products most associated with the Kodak name and remain popular with collectors and film users. Ink cartridges...
Website: resources.kodak.com |Brands like Kodak
Popularity 1.4/10
-
16
Panasonic
Matsushita Konosuke founded the Matsushita Electric Industrial Company to produce electric plugs and lamp sockets that he had designed. The 30s incorporated these products and experienced a rapid expansion of business. Over the years, various products such as irons, radios,...
Popularity 1.2/10
-
17
-
18
APEMAN
Portable mini projectors, dash cameras and digital cameras are the main electronics from APEMAN, a maker of outdoor and consumer devices. The products target people who use gear on trips, drives and active days outside. The company's stated goal is...
Website: apemans.com |Brands like APEMAN
Popularity 1.1/10
-
19
Kitvision
Kitvision manufactures camera equipment and accessories for adventure cinematography. Their line of products includes waterproof cameras up to 30m with wireless Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity and 4k recording. They also provide camera accessories that are easy to use and will...
Popularity 1.1/10
-
20
Minolta
Japanese camera maker Minolta built film and digital cameras, interchangeable lenses and flash units. Its vintage SLR bodies and lenses remain sought after by film photographers. Minolta's camera strobes and accessories fit both collectors and working photographers who use older...
Website: kmbs.konicaminolta.us |Brands like Minolta
Popularity 1.1/10
-
21
Crosstour
Nothing beats the thrill of adventure sports, the adrenaline coursing through your body as you fly off a cliff or jump off an airplane. Crosstour brings the best imaging technology that gives you a chance to relive some of your...
Website: crosstour.co |Brands like Crosstour
Popularity 1.1/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GoPro | gopro.com | – | – | @gopro | – |
| Insta360 | store.insta360.com | – | – | – | – |
| SJCAM | sjcam.com | /sjcamofficial | sjcam_global | @sjcam_official | SJCAM |
| AKASO | akasotech.com | /akaso.global | akaso_official | @akaso_official | akaso_official |
| DJI | dji.com | /DJI | DJIglobal | @djiglobal | djiinnovations |
| Contour | contourliving.com | /ContourProducts | – | @ContourLiving | ContourL |
| SOOCOO | soocooplus.com | – | – | – | SOOCOO Official |
| Archos | archos.com | /ArchosOfficial | archosofficial | @ARCHOS | UCI6zpM3dYvzMlwYtLJtKdOw |
| Drift | driftinnovation.com | /driftinnovation | drift_innovation | @driftinnovation | – |
| Sony | sony.com | – | – | – | – |
Helmet Cameras Buying Guide
Helmet cameras or action cameras have become an essential tool for capturing and sharing outdoor activities, especially those that involve movement like biking, hiking, skiing or surfing. These cameras generally feature a compact, robust and waterproof design with mounting accessories that allow them to be securely fastened on helmets, handlebars, or on one's body. The footage captured by a helmet camera can be used for personal enjoyment, to create promotional content, to document an adventure, or for capturing evidence in case of an accident or crime. There are numerous brands and models of helmet cameras available in the market, each with different features, specs, and price points. In this article, we will discuss what to consider when buying a helmet camera.
1. Video Quality
The video quality of a helmet camera is perhaps the most important factor to consider. Most helmet cameras capture video in HD resolution (720p or 1080p), while more expensive models may have 4K or even 8K capabilities. Lower resolution cameras may be sufficient for casual use, but for professional purposes or for those who want the best possible video quality, higher resolution cameras are recommended. High-quality footage not only looks great but also provides more details, which can be important in discerning the condition of the terrain, tracking an animal or capturing license plates in case of an accident. It is also important to check if the camera has a good image stabilization feature that helps to minimize bumpy footage while in motion. Look for cameras with optical image stabilization (OIS) or electronic image stabilization (EIS) to improve footage quality.
2. Battery Life
The battery life of a helmet camera is also an essential consideration. It can be frustrating to run out of battery in the middle of an adventure, which is why looking for a camera with good battery life is crucial. However, the life of the battery of a helmet camera is affected by several factors, such as the quality of the video being recorded, whether the Wi-Fi and GPS are switched on, and the outside temperature. Most helmet cameras have batteries that last between 1 and 3 hours, but some models have removable batteries that can be swapped on the go. Additionally, it is essential to check the charging time of the camera's battery; some models may take several hours to charge fully. A long-lasting battery and quick charging time are both desirable features when shopping for a helmet camera.
3. Field of View (FOV)
The field of view (FOV) is another important feature to consider when shopping for a helmet camera. It refers to the angle of the camera lens that can capture the surrounding area. A wider FOV allows for capturing more of the surroundings, but it may also cause a fisheye effect on the captured footage, which can be corrected during editing. A narrow FOV, on the other hand, can capture less of the surroundings, but it offers more natural-looking footage that is less distorted. Most helmet cameras offer an adjustable FOV, which allows users to choose the desired angle of view for the footage. Consider the area you want to capture and choose the camera with an FOV that suits your needs.
4. Waterproof and Shockproof Capability
Many outdoor activities involve water or rough terrain, which makes waterproof and shockproof capability essential features for a helmet camera. A waterproof camera can withstand being submerged in water up to a certain depth, which can vary depending on the model. Some cameras are only water-resistant and can handle splashes, while others are rated for deep-sea diving. Some cameras may come with a waterproof casing, while others feature an integrated waterproof design. A shockproof camera, on the other hand, can withstand impact and vibration without being damaged. This feature is crucial for extreme sports where the camera may be subjected to sudden drops or vibrations. If you will be using your helmet camera for activities in wet or rough terrain, make sure to check its waterproof and shockproof rating.
5. Connectivity and Accessories
Another significant factor to consider is how the camera can connect to other devices, such as a smartphone or tablet. Some cameras may have built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows users to transfer footage wirelessly and remotely control the camera through a mobile app. Some cameras also come with GPS or Bluetooth capabilities, which can be useful in tracking locations or sharing data with other devices. Additionally, consider the mounting accessories that come with the camera. Ensure that the camera has a variety of mounting options that allow it to be easily attached to different surfaces, such as helmets, handlebars, or chests. It's also essential to confirm that the mounting accessories are compatible with the camera, as some may require specific brackets or mounts.
6. Price
Price is a crucial factor when choosing a helmet camera. There are many different options available, ranging from budget-friendly to high-end models. It is essential to find a camera that offers a good balance between cost and features. Cheaper models may not have all the features and capabilities of higher-end models but may be sufficient for casual use. On the other hand, more expensive models may have advanced features, higher video quality, and more durable build quality, but they come with a significantly higher price tag. Determine your budget and choose a camera that offers the features you require within your budget range.
7. Brand Reputation
The brand reputation of a helmet camera can provide insight into its quality and performance. Reputable brands have a history of producing high-quality products, and they often provide better customer service and support. Take the time to research the different helmet camera brands available and read reviews from other users to see if they are satisfied with their purchase. Brands that have been on the market for a longer time are usually more reliable and have a better reputation.
Conclusion
When shopping for a helmet camera, consider what matters most to you. Video quality, battery life, field of view, waterproof and shockproof capability, connectivity and accessories, price, and brand reputation are all essential factors to consider. Determine which features are essential for you and choose a model that best meets your needs. A good helmet camera should be easy to use, durable, and capture high-quality video footage that can be shared with others.
