Some people choose to use a helmet cam while they race. They are great for being able to go back and watch race footage. If you're in the market for one, you might be asking yourself- how do I know what to pick? Keep reading for help on choosing the right camera for you.

Camera Options

• Go Pro
  • Go Pro is a very popular brand, especially for this purpose. There are many models now, but a new option is the Hero12. It costs $399.99 and is available now online or at stores such as Best Buy. 
  • This camera features 4K120 resolution, LED display, HDR photo/video, Hypersmooth stabilization, and is waterproof. There are a few different models with slight differences, including:
    • Hollywood- has extended battery life and enhanced audio capturing
    • Mini- more compact, one button simplicity and built-in mounting fingers
    • There are also older models still available on the website, like the Hero 10 and 11
  • A great thing about Go Pro, since it is so popular, is that there are many accessories available. You have the option of mounting the camera on top of your helmet or at your chin based on the type of mount you choose to purchase. You could also attach it directly to your bike or on your chest protector rather than your helmet- it's all up to you and your preferences.
• Liquid Image Video Goggles
  • A lesser known option is MX goggles with the camera built in. These come in at $150, significantly less than the Go Pro. However, the video quality and features are also decreased. They also haven't made many changes since they came out in 2012, so that is something to keep in mind.
  • These googles feature a 720p camera and a 1.5-2 hour battery life span. This could become a problem with people who race hare-scramble, because the races could last longer than that. These goggles would most likely be a better option for motocross or flat track racers. It is also worth noting that they only come in adult sizes.
• Liquid Image Helmet Camera
  • The same brand makes a helmet camera for $179.95. 
  • This camera has better picture than the goggles, as it shoots in 1080p. It also features live wifi stream, just like a Go Pro. As an added bonus, this camera is capable of being mounted on Go Pro mounts, so you have the same options for mounting as those. Size wise this camera is more comparable to the Go Pro mini.
  • This camera is not waterproof, but there is a waterproof case available for purchase. This would be necessary for racing. 

Picking a Camera

When deciding which camera is right for you, it is best to do research. There are many other camera options we didn't mention, but they will all have pros and cons. Most people tend to go with the Go Pro because it is well-known and has good reviews. If you are on a budget, there's always the option to buy an older model. Some people might prefer the Liquid Image camera due to it's smaller size and lower cost. The goggles are also a good option if you are willing to compromise on quality and want less items to bring with you to the track. You also don't have to worry about mounting those.

It is also important to consider battery life when picking which camera is right for you. If you are a motocross or flat track racer, it will be easier to find one capable of what you need. However, if you race hare-scramble or want to film your trail riding, you will need a camera that has as longer battery life. In that case, the Hollywood model of the Go Pro might be the best option for you. It does have a heavier price tag of $599.99 though.

Why use a Camera?

You might also be thinking to yourself- what do I need a camera for? Having video footage of your race is great to be able to look back and remember the race. This can be helpful for improving your skills. Watching the videos can help you learn from your mistakes and do better for the next time. 

Cameras are also great for kids, so their parents can watch how they rode afterwards. It's hard to be able to keep up with exactly where your child is the whole race, so a camera can aid with that. Parents can go back and watch the videos to give their kids tips and tricks for next time.

Just like pictures- videos are capturing memories. It could be fun to look back on videos from years ago and remember certain rounds or bikes you've had. This is especially true for kids- it's interesting to go back and watch videos from when they were younger and see how much they have improved. For example, check out this video of Ronnie Rusch from when he was a kid (he's in the first row on the Polaris #4)  and now he's grown into a pro! Even though it's not a helmet cam video, it still proves the point that it's interesting and fun to see how far he has made it.

Many people use the camera footage to post online also. If you are considering starting a TikTok or a YouTube channel about racing, a helmet camera would be the perfect investment.

The choice is yours when it comes to using a camera to record your races. Overall, it's a fun thing to do, allows for improvement with skills and creates lasting memories you can look back on years later!