An action camera with strong stabilization and waterproofing is the best choice for motorcycle riding footage.
Choosing a camera for motorcycle riding comes down to one thing first: whether the footage will actually be usable. Road vibration, wind blast, and weather exposure destroy footage from ordinary cameras and phones. The working answer for riders is a dedicated action camera built to handle those conditions, and the current flagships—GoPro HERO13 Black at $399.99 and Insta360 Ace Pro 2 at $399.99—are the two models that dominate rider rigs today.
Why an Action Camera Beats a Phone for Riding
Action cameras are engineered for exactly what motorcycle riding throws at them. They have compact bodies that mount on helmets, chests, handlebars, and mirrors, plus stabilization systems that cancel out the constant vibration of an engine and road shock. A phone camera lacks all three: no vibration compensation while exposed, no waterproof body without a case, and no safe mounting position that keeps it from becoming a projectile.
For exposed riding use, the phone is out. An action camera with a rugged body is the tool that survives the ride and delivers footage worth watching.
The Five Specs That Matter Most for Moto Footage
Not every spec on the box matters on a motorcycle. These five do, in this order.
- Stabilization first. Continuous vibration is the core motorcycle-capture problem. GoPro markets HyperSmooth 6.0 on the HERO13 Black, and Insta360 positions the Ace Pro 2 as a moto-ready camera with dashcam and pre-recording modes built for rides.
- Waterproofing. Rain and spray are part of riding. The HERO13 Black is rated to 33 ft / 10 m, and the Ace Pro 2 is rated to 12 m without a housing.
- Battery runtime for your ride length.
- Mounting ecosystem. Both brands sell the mounts you need, but check compatibility before buying. The Ace Pro 2’s bundles explicitly include a Standard Mount, and motorcycle bundle availability is listed in Insta360’s store.
- Readable screens. You need to confirm recording while the camera is mounted. The HERO13 Black has a 2.27-inch rear touchscreen and 1.4-inch front display; the Ace Pro 2 has a 2.5-inch tilting touchscreen.
When you’re ready to see tested setups side by side, our tested picks for a motorcycle camera break down real-world mounting and footage results.
HERO13 Black vs. Ace Pro 2: The Current Flagships
GoPro announced the HERO13 Black on September 4, 2024, and Insta360 announced the Ace Pro 2 on October 22, 2024. Both are current-generation models priced at $399.99, and both deliver the stabilization and ruggedness riders need. The differences come down to resolution, sensor size, and bundle contents.
| Spec | GoPro HERO13 Black | Insta360 Ace Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (US) | $399.99 standalone | $399.99 Standard Bundle |
| Max video / photo | 5.3K/60, 4K/120 / 27MP | 8K/30 / 50MP |
| Stabilization | HyperSmooth 6.0 | Moto-ready with dashcam mode |
| Waterproof rating | 33 ft / 10 m | 12 m |
| Battery runtime | 2.5+ hrs at 1080p30 | Up to 180 minutes |
| Weight | 159 g | 177 g |
| Displays | 2.27-in rear, 1.4-in front | 2.5-in tilting touchscreen |
| Bundle extras | Standalone or Creator Edition | Standard or Dual Battery Bundle ($419.99) |
The HERO13 Black’s lighter body and longer 5.3K30 runtime suit riders who prioritize extended recording on one battery. Both have USB-C, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth for quick transfers to your phone.
The Mistakes That Ruin Moto Footage
Riders most often buy a non-stabilized camera and expect usable footage. Vibration is the defining issue of motorcycle capture; without stabilization, the result is unwatchable shaking.
Ignoring waterproofing is the second common failure. Mounting in rain or on wet roads without a sealed body kills cameras fast. Overlooking battery runtime is third—4K and 5K recording drains batteries quickly, and a dead camera mid-ride misses the whole point.
FAQs
Do I need a 360-degree camera for motorcycle riding?
No. A standard action camera with a wide field of view handles most riding footage well. A 360-degree camera adds editing flexibility and can record everything around you at once, but it costs more and requires more post-processing. For most riders, a quality standard action camera is the better value.
Can I use a phone camera for motorcycle videos?
Only for short, low-risk clips, not as a primary setup. Phones lack built-in vibration stabilization for exposed mounting and have no waterproof body without a case. They also have no safe mounting point that keeps them secure. For regular riding, a dedicated action camera is the right tool.
What is the best way to mount a camera on a motorcycle?
A chest mount gives the most stable and immersive footage, while a helmet mount captures head movement and looks. Handlebar mounts are easy but transmit more vibration to the camera. Chin-mounting on a full-face helmet offers a strong balance of stability and perspective.
Before you ride, check your local mounting and helmet laws—neither GoPro nor Insta360 claims approval for road use in every jurisdiction, and secure mounting matters as much as the camera itself. For a full comparison of tested setups, browse our tested motorcycle camera recommendations.
References & Sources
- GoPro Investor Relations. “GoPro Announces Two New Cameras: The $399 HERO13 Black and the $199 HERO.” Confirms HERO13 Black announcement date, price, and runtime specs.
- TechRadar. “Insta360 Ace Pro 2 review.” Details Ace Pro 2 specs including 8K video, 50MP photos, and 180-minute battery life.
- DPReview. “Insta360 announces the Ace Pro 2 action camera.” Confirms Ace Pro 2 announcement date, bundle contents, and pricing.