How to Choose Cycling Camera | Buyers Guide 2022
Having a camera on your bike not only enhances its value but at the same time, also provides you with a lot of conveniences. If you want to mount a camera on your cycle but don’t know how to choose cycling camera, then you have come to the right place.
In this article, we have discussed every little aspect you must keep in mind while choosing camera to score yourself the best one in the market.
How to Choose Cycling Camera: Everything You Should Know
What Are the Benefits of a Bike Camera?
To many, a bicycle camera might seem an unnecessary luxury. But this accessory offers more benefits than you can ever imagine. Some of the prominent advantages of mounting a camera on your bike are:
Document your Journey
One reason bikers install a camera in their cycle is to capture some beautiful footage of their rides that they can reminisce on later.
As it records everything, you can make documentation of your specific journeys and see how well you have performed or how alluring the road was.
Accident Evidence
Another main reason people prefer to have a camera on their bike is that it will act as a piece of evidence if they are involved in any accidents as it records everything during the rides.
If any court case, pieces of evidence are more valued than words, and hence, serious riders never fail to put on a camera on their bikes.
Share Experience
Another benefit of having a bike camera is that it can help you share your riding experiences with others. As every second of your riding is recorded, you can share the video on your social media to inform and raise awareness of the issues you face while riding the bike.
Where Should You Mount the Bike Camera?
After buying the camera, many new users get confuse about where to mount it to record everything perfectly. Here, we have discussed where you can install this accessory for the best recording experience.
Handlebar
Most bikers want to have a clear view of what is happening in front of them. And if you are like most riders, and you too want a clear, front view of the roads you are riding, then installing on the handlebar would be the best option for you.
But then again, when you mount the recorder on the handlebar, it won’t provide the required stability you are looking for and because of lack of stability, the videos will be a bit blurry and unclear.
Helmet
On the other hand, if you mount the video camera on your helmet, it will give you a clearer and more detailed view of your journey.
As the camera angle changes while you move your head, a helmet camera will not only ensure the best recordings but at the same time, will also provide a much more immersive experience for the viewer.
However, you will need a super tight mount for this installation procedure to ensure the camera's safety.
Under the Saddle
Even though most people don’t want to record what’s happening behind them, it’s really a clever idea to mount a rear camera under the saddle. It will help you document what is happening at the back and act as your third eye in times of need.
Features to Check in Cycling Camera
As the camera is an electronic device, you have to be a bit cautious while you looking for. Let’s discuss the top aspects you must keep in mind so that selecting a bike camera is no more a hassle for you.
Ease of Use
One of the first things you must consider when searching for a bike camera is its easy use. Easy, effortless associability is important because this camera is mostly used when you are on the go and wearing gloves.
If it doesn’t work properly when you are wearing gloves, then let it go.
You can also buy hands-free bike cameras to avoid the hassle of finger controls completely. These voice-control cameras will turn on/off and change different settings without the touch of fingers for ease of use.
Durability
Taking into account the sporting activity you are going to take part with your bicycle, you need a camera that is super strong and long-lasting.
If the recorder is not durable, you have to change it now and then, which is not only disturbing but at the same time money consuming. While looking for a durable camera, don’t forget to ensure that it is waterproof to ensure additional safety.
Display
If you want to view your recording's raw footage right after you have captured them, then what’s a better way than to see it on the camera display?
Aside from viewing the recordings, a display can also be used for setting up shots and adjust settings on the fly. And to enjoy all these conveniences, look for a wide, clear display option when buying your ultimate camera.
Storage Capacity
As the main purpose of installing a bike camera is to document your ridings, you must never forget to check the device's storage capacity. A higher memory capacity will ensure that can record your whole journey without cutting it back.
Resolution Requirements
When buying a bike camera, you should never compromise the resolution as it determines your video's quality. The general rule of thumb is “the higher the resolution, the better the video quality and clarity”.
And therefore, try to go with a high resolution if you want to capture the best of your riding. The resolution of a camera is measured in pixels.
Photo and Video Quality
It doesn’t matter whether you will share the recorded clips with an audience or keep the pictures for yourself. The camera's photo and video quality matter the most, so you must not compromise on the image and recording quality.
Even though it might cost a bit more, trust us, the camera will provide you the money’s worth.
Stabilization
Image stabilization is one crucial aspect to consider when choosing cycling camera as it helps to even out the video to make it smoother and superb.
It also helps to eliminate many jerky movements from the footage (because of the jerks you face during the riding) and make it look like a cinema.
Field of View
While searching for the camera, you might have noticed that some descriptions have mentioned the “field of viewing” in their descriptions.
The field of view is essential as it can impact the quality and immersion of the video you are capturing. It also helps you to include the surroundings as well. Also, remember that the wider the field of view, the better it will capture both sides.
Battery Life
Another essential aspect that you must keep in mind is its battery quality. Ensure that the recorder has a long battery life as it will be used for several hours at a time.
If the battery dies quickly, you might not be able to record every aspect of your ride for which you have installed it in the first place.
Also, consider buying a camera that comes with a removable battery- it provides you the opportunity to use a backup whenever the one inside runs out of power.
Connectivity
How can you transfer your recorded data to your smart devices or laptop if the camera's connectivity is not up to par?
To enjoy the best connectivity and make sure that your device is compatible with your laptop or smartphone, don’t forget to check the ports and features like wifi or Bluetooth before making your final call.
Size and Weight
The size of the camera matters. As you are using this on the bike, a bicycle camera should be compact and portable. A large, wide recorder for the cycle is not a practical option.
Similar to the size, the weight should also be taken into consideration. A lightweight one won’t weigh down the bike and won’t affect the maneuverability. And therefore, getting a compact and lightweight camera for your bike is the best choice for you.
Internal GPS Tracking
Even though having a GPS tracking system is not a must, a GPS-enabled camera would undoubtedly add value to your recordings.
With a GPS camera, you can gather different data of your recordings like the location, speed, altitude and map to your footage for better convenience.
However, remember that it will consume more battery power when the GPS is enabled than usual.
Waterproofing
If you love to ride in the rain or wet conditions, then a waterproof camera is a must-have for you. Even though it is a value-add feature, there is no denying that this factor proved to be extremely useful to extend the gadget's durability.
If the camera isn’t waterproof, you can always use a waterproof case for its protection to protect it from rain and water.
360 Enabled
If you want to capture every detail around you when you are riding, then don’t hesitate to opt. for a 360 enabled camera.
This specially designed camera not only offers you the ability to capture everything around you at once but also provides incredible stabilization for the best recording.
If you have a flexible budget, then the 360 enabled bike camera would be an excellent choice for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Cycling Cam Need to Be Waterproof?
The waterproof feature is a value-added feature on a cycling camera. Even though it is not mandatory, having a waterproof camera would enhance your recording experience and prolong the camera's life.
Which is the Best Place to Mount the Action Cameras When Riding?
Unlike any other bike camera, an action camera for cycling can also be placed on the handlebar, the helmet, or the rear of the seat post.
All these mounting systems have their benefits and disadvantages. The way you would choose to install depends entirely upon your preferences.
What is a 360-degree Cycling Camera?
As the name suggests, a 360-degree Cycling Camera is a special type which is used to capture everything at once.
Unlike any regular camera, a 360-degree camera for cyclists will capture multidirectional views and allow the user to change the capturing angles anytime they want.
Do the Cycling Cameras Only Record Videos but Not the Sound?
Well, it depends entirely on the camera. While some able to record both sound and videos, others don’t. And that’s why you must check the product specifications and the features before making your purchase.
What is the Difference Between Action Camera and a Normal Camera?
All the difference between a regular camera and a cycling action camera lies in the quality.
While an action camera is much more compact and lightweight by default and waterproof, an average camera comes in different sizes and shapes. You also have to find a waterproof version if you want to enjoy this feature in regular cycling cameras.
Wrapping Up
Now that you know how to look and what to look for in a camera for your cycling, we are sure that finding the right one would be super effortless for you.
We can bet that this article will act as a guide for you whenever you want to choose a camera for your bike.
