Top Best Cycling Cameras Professional Review Guide for You

If you love riding your bike, you might also be interested in capturing some of that footage. More and more cyclists are getting into vlogging. Plus, you may want to collect slow motion footage captured while on a bicycle tour. Overall, there are many reasons to purchase a quality cycling camera with a good pivot stand. This is especially true for mountain biking.

There are many great options out there- so how do you know which is the best one for you? Well, that is where we come in. We made sure to find all of the most important information and record it during our extensive research.

If you are looking for the best 2021 cycling cameras, make sure to keep reading!

Review of The Best Bike Camera

GoPro HERO9 Waterproof Action Camera – Best Overall

GoPro HERO9 Waterproof Action Camera

We chose the HERO9 as our best overall pick. The 5k video resolution is stunning; you still have great quality as you zoom in. Plus, the photo

quality that the high end cameras take is high and at the level of a professional image.

It comes with a front display and a rear screen, which is larger than previous models. That way, you can zoom in easily and see what you are working with. The front display makes it easier to ensure that you are in the frame as you ride your bike without turning the camera around.

This model also features a wonderful live streaming quality, at 1080p. Your broadcast will appear to be smooth and crisp to all of your viewers. The camera comes with HyperSmooth 3.0 as well, which will stabilize your content. This is necessary if you are not riding and recording on smooth pavement.

The final feature is the waterproofing. This camera comes with high waterproofing levels, so much so that you could take it up to 33 feet underwater, and it would be fine. We recommend this feature if you ride your bike often in the rain or live in an area with unpredictable weather.

Users brought up that this model is better than the previous HERO8 for many reasons. The battery has a longer life, and the app connects more smoothly. However, the camera may still get hot.

Still, many users highly rate this product and believe that it is the best GoPro so far, which is why we believe it deserves the number one spot.

Specs

• 5k Video resolution
• 1080p live streaming
• Waterproof down to 33 feet
• 20MP photos

GoPro MAX – best 360 Camera

GoPro MAX

The GoPro MAX is another great cycling camera. It is not as durable or as waterproof as our top pick, but it is amazing at recording action shots. The MAX can stabilize your footage captured as well, making it perfect for cycling. Combine this with 1080p live streaming capabilities, and you have an effective way to reach your audience with quality content.

If you turn on HERO mode, you gain access to a smooth stabilizer. The system makes you capture smooth footage, no matter what you are doing. While in this mode, you will also have access to different digital lenses. They are Narrow, Linear, Wide, and Max SuperView. The brand says this is their “widest view yet.”

Users said that they loved all of the stabilization features. Along with the front-facing screen, it made recording and streaming a lot easier while doing physical activities. They also brought up that they wish it had more support. The camera does not offer sensor data, archiving recorded videos, or other library management that other models may have.

Specs

• 1440p and 1080p video capture
• 360 footage
• 1080p live streams
• 270-degree panoramic shots

DJI Osmo Action Digital Camera – Budget Pick

DJI Osmo Action Digital Camera

This model costs a fraction of the ones we listed above. While it does have many of the same features, they are a little rougher around the edges. However, this camera is great if you are on a budget and still want to get great value.

The company designs the bike cameras for action. So, this is good for mountain biking. It offers a front-facing screen, some waterproofing, and a stabilizer for clear photo quality, even when you are on the move. The camera can also capture video footage in 4k, which is pretty impressive.

Users seem to love stabilizer technology and feel that it is very reliable. There was little to no image warping, and the bike cameras made editing footage easier. On the other hand, users did not like that it did not come with an external mic. Plus, when filming in low light, the quality of the video dropped greatly.

Specs

• 4k video recording
• 12MP images
• 145-degree shots
• Dual screens
• 11m Waterproofing
• Temperature resistant

Sony FDRX3000 Underwater Camcorder – Best Multi-Use

Sony Underwater Camcorder

This Sony camera comes with recording lights, so you can achieve the best lighting, no matter what time of day you like to record the most. The audio recording also includes noise reduction systems, meaning you can still expect good audio when riding alongside traffic.

Users enjoyed the 120fps in 1080p, along with the built-in wifi connectivity system. It allowed them to connect their camera to their phones without much effort. Depending on your smartphone, you will likely be able to do the same.

The biggest issues seem to be with its durability. The camera is waterproof but cannot go deep into the water. You will only want to take it a few feet, or you risk breaking it. When it is cold outside, the camera also does not function very well. The battery life will drop drastically in cold weather, meaning you will not have as much time to collect your cycling footage.

Specs

• 1080p video recording
• 12MP images
• USB connection
• 4k recording

Garmin VIRB 360 – Best Waterproofing

Garmin VIRB 360

As long as your lens is attached tightly and you ensure all doors on your camera are closed, this option has the best waterproofing on this list. The video quality and stabilization features also work wonderfully, making this a good cycling camera option.

If you expect your equipment to get wet often during your bike rides, you will need a camera that can stand up against water damage. This product is very protected, as long as you follow their guide. The device can withstand pressure up to 10 m under the water.

Specs

• 3x Optical Zoom
• 5.7k with 30fps resolution with manual stitching
• 4k with 30fps automatic stitching
• Stabilization system
• High-quality waterproofing

Olympus TG Tracker LCD – Most Sensors

Olympus TG Tracker LCD

If you want a cycling camera with many features, this option would be the best choice for you. It offers five different built-in sensors that we listed above. Suppose you want to record and have a lot of GPS and metrics data after your cycling adventure is over. In that case, this camera can track a ton of information.

It is a bit bulkier than most users like attached to their bike. However, they do still appreciate everything that this camera has to offer. Many agree that the captured video quality is amazing and perfect for stunts or simply taking a ride.

The brand does say that the camera is waterproof. However, we recommend that you do your best not to get it wet. Some users have had issues with water ruining their cameras. If you can avoid water, that may be for the best with this product.

Specs

• 4k 30P video recording
• Waterproof
• Built-in wifi
• Five sensors
• Accelerometer, thermometer, barometer, GPS, and eCompass

AKASO V50 Pro Native Action Camera – Best Touch Screen

AKASO V50 Pro

If you are looking for a cycling camera with a high-quality screen, this would be the perfect product to test out. It comes with image stabilization and an optional view angle, which allows you to adjust the view of your recordings.

It comes with built-in wifi and HDMI support, which is something that we wish more cameras had. The camera also includes some accessories, such as multiple batteries, which will be useful to you if you plan on cycling for long periods at a time.

Many users love the screen, so we are sure that you will enjoy it as well. It is worth mentioning that some users have had issues with the camera freezing and not turning back on. These incidents were, however, limited and still covered by the brand’s warranty. If this happens to you, do not hesitate to contact their customer support team for a replacement.

Specs

• HDMI compatible
• 4k video recording
• Interchangeable lenses
• 2-inch display screen
• 20MP images
• 4k with 30fps footage

APEMAN Touch Screen Camera: Most Accessories

APEMAN Touch Screen Camera

If you are a blogger, you may want to consider this option if you are on a tight budget. The camera is less than 100 dollars and comes with 22 accessories that you can use to enhance your recording quality for your cycling videos.

Overall, this would be the perfect product to try out if you are new to using a cycling camera. It is an excellent value, comes with many additional accessories, and can record your content at a decent quality. You can use this as a step to purchasing a more professional option in the future if you so choose.

Specs

• 4k with 60fps recording
• Waterproofing
• Comes with 22 Accessories
• Touch screen
• Wifi

Crosstour Action Camera Webcam – Best Low Price Option

Crosstour Action Camera Webcam

Check this out for the best prices option. This camera is very cost-effective; you should be able to afford it on a tight budget. The camera can capture quality images with its wide-angle lens and 14MP. We also appreciated that users could control it wirelessly through an app that comes with the order.

The camera comes in a kit of 18 accessories, which can enhance your recording experience. Overall, this is the best option for anyone who wants to try out a cycling camera but does not want to make an expensive commitment.

After charging the included batteries for 4 hours, a user reported that they could only get 30 minutes of footage out of it. Users feel that the camera has limited features and wish that they could use it to do more. Although, when it comes to cameras, you do typically get what you pay for.

Specs

• 2 inch LCD
• Waterproof
• 170-degree wide recording angle
• 1080p video recording
• 14MP images

Value Editorial and Buying Debates

If this is your first time purchasing a cycling camera, there is a lot that you will want to know. What is image stabilization? Does the weight of the camera matter? How do I know if a camera will take quality footage? We will be answering all of these questions and more below.

The following is what you will need to know about ensuring you buy the best cycling camera.

Buying Guide

Image Stabilization

Image stabilization, also called IS, is a technique used in cameras that reduces blurring from motion. You will need to ensure that your cycling camera has this feature since the paths you travel on will not always be perfectly smooth.

Video cameras are also susceptible to shake when not moving, making it more noticeable if you perform physical activity. If you post your content online, the shake will be more noticeable to your views, especially if they are watching on a large screen.

Reducing the shake your camera captures will make the videos more enjoyable for your audience to watch. Overall, this feature will still provide you with sharp image quality, even if you are not posting online. That way, you can still enjoy clear image quality at home.

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Size and Weight

The size and weight of your cycling camera also matter. You will want to find an option that is small enough to not get in your way. If you are constantly adjusting the camera because its weight is making it tilt, you could also be losing out on a ton of great footage.

The size and weight will also determine where it is alright to mount your camera. That is the mounting point. These are the helmet mounts and are important for helmet cameras. Heavy ones cannot sit on your helmet since they will put a lot of pressure on your head and neck. Light cameras can be attached to your helmet or even to your chest or handlebars. In the case of your chest, it is a chest mount. When they are mounted on helmets, they are called helmet mounts.

At the end of the day, it will be up to you to choose what weight of the helmet camera you are comfortable attaching to your bike or body. Most cyclists say that they do not enjoy using bulky cameras since they tend to get in the way. However, they might be a more durable option than a thin camera.

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Battery Life

Of course, the battery life on your new cycling camera is going to be essential to consider. If your battery life is too short, you will not be able to cycle very far before you either need to stop recording or switch out your battery for a fresh one.

You can find information on battery life by reading reviews and content posted by users of the camera. Most brands will not post exactly how many hours you can expect your camera to record since it is likely not very long. It will also vary between users. Since various users will all be using different settings.

Suppose you do happen to buy a camera that is lacking decent battery life. In that case, you should be able to find a replacement battery online. Make sure to charge up your new backup and take it cycling with you. You will need to pull over to make the swap, but it is better than not recording while you are out.

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Storage Capacity

Most cycling cameras require a microSD card to hold your captured footage. You will want to check the manual that comes with your camera since it will let you know exactly what kinds of SD cards it is compatible with. Some cameras are much pickier than others.

If you think you will be recording a lot at one time, you will need to invest in a microSD card with a lot of storage space available on it. That way, you will not have to be carrying multiple cards around and making frequent swaps when they run out of space.

The best microSD card sizes are at least 128 GB. You can get options with more storage capacity than that for your cycling camera. However, they will be a lot more expensive.

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Field of View

Field of View, often referred to as FoV or the angle of your recording, is measured in degrees. It is often associated with the front lens, as this is the area that your camera can capture. For example, if your camera can record at 140 degrees, that means that you will capture footage from 70 degrees on every side.

The area around you that your camera can pick up is crucial to making your audience feel immersed in your surroundings. Plus, the more that you can see around yourself, the safer that you will be. Plenty of cyclists use their cameras as a way to see behind them while they are on the move.

The higher the angle number, the further around you that the lens will be able to capture. Like the GoPro MAX, some cameras can even capture 360 degrees around you- which is impressive and would make for a fun recording session. This feature would probably be the most beneficial to anyone on a cycling tour or traveling with a group who wants to be on camera.

Overall, a high-quality cycling camera should have at least 120 degrees for its field of view. How high you go is up to you since wider fields tend to make the lens (and the camera) more costly.

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FAQ

Where to Mount a Bike Cam?

The first option that will come to mind for many people is having the camera facing forwards from the handlebar. This viewpoint gives you footage of the road and is more like what you are seeing while riding. Many cameras will come with a handlebar mount that you can use to hold your cycling camera in place.

You can also attach the camera to your handlebars but have the lens recording you instead of the road. There are many more angles that you can experiment with when you have the camera placed here.

Another option is to place the camera underneath your seat. Some mounts can attach to the rail under the seat, which is excellent to enable riders to record riders behind you. If your seat is high enough, you also can avoid getting your back tire in your footage.

Overall, there are many places that you can mount your camera. As long as you can secure your mount, then you can try recording from that angle. We recommend that you try many different mount locations when editing your videos; you will likely find something that you want to stick with in the future.

No matter what you decide, you will need to ensure that your camera will not bother you. If it makes you feel off-balance or gets in the way, you will want to pull over and try attaching it to another location. It is also crucial that you secure the camera properly, no matter what type you are using.

It could be dangerous to yourself or others if the camera were to fly off, either into the road or somewhere another cyclist could hit it. Plus, you do not want all of that money you just invested in your new cycling camera to go to waste!

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What’s the Best Way to Use a Cycling Camera?

The best way to use a cycling camera is to attach it to the bike and capture your riding footage. You can also capture slow motion footage this way. This can be a fun way to live stream to your audience or encourage you to push yourself during your workout since you will compare your results easier.

There are many ways to use a cycling camera. Plus, you can use them around the house, for vlogging, or just capturing pictures that will make nice memories. No matter how you decide to use your new camera, remember that the possibilities are endless. You should be able to find plenty of creative ways to capture footage and capture slow motion footage.

What you do after you have your footage depends on you. You can keep it for yourself, post it on social media, edit it, and include it in a vlog, and more. Cameras are amazing tools that can be adjusted to suit your needs.

Conclusion

Our topic pick in this roundup was the GoPro HERO9. It offered all of the features that you could possibly want, has quality images, and is easy to use. As you work with the camera, you will quickly discover new ways to get the shots that you want for your final edits.

A close second would have to be the GoPro MAX. It offers amazing stability support and can capture some very high-quality footage. Not to mention that it is durable and waterproof. It even has a 360 field of view option, so you can view it all around yourself.

The GoPro HERO9 fills all of the categories that we discussed above in our buying guide. It offers stability to your footage, so it does not turn out blurry. It is lightweight and compact, so it does not get in your way, allowing you to place it wherever you want on your bike.

The HERO9 even has an excellent battery life and field of view. The storage capacity will depend on the type of microSD card that you get for it, however. Finally, the product is waterproof and durable, so you do not need to worry about it so much when you take it out for a ride.

We feel that this was a well-rounded camera. You can find other models that do better, such as better waterproofing or a wider frame of view, but this option has no real downsides to it. If you want a high-quality cycling camera, the HERO9 will fill that role for you.

Overall, this was our top pick since it excelled in all of the above categories. If you want to invest in a quality camera that is going to last you a good amount of time, the HERO9 would be our recommendation. The camera is not as expensive as similar options, so you will not be forking over an arm and leg for it.