Motorcycle Vlogging Setup

Motorcycle vlogging, or moto vlogging, has become increasingly popular over the years. With the rise of social media and video platforms, more and more riders are sharing their experiences on the road with the world. If you're interested in starting your own motorcycle vlog, you'll need the right setup to capture high-quality footage and audio. In this blog, 'll discuss some essential equipment that TJ & I have used for creating a great motorcycle vlog.

Motorcycle Vlogging Setup: DSLR

Camera

First and foremost, you'll need a camera to capture your rides. There are several options available, from action cameras to DSLRs. Action cameras, such as the GoPro or Insta360, are a popular choice among vloggers due to their compact size and durability. They can be mounted on your helmet, handlebars, or tank to capture different angles of your ride. DSLRs, on the other hand, offer higher quality footage and more control over settings like aperture and shutter speed. However, they can be bulky and may require a separate mount or stabilizer for use on a motorcycle. 

The major downside to DSLR’s when one is riding is that they take up so much space compared to an action camera. Don’t get me wrong… I used a DSLR for years & was able to capture some amazing photos however it is very limited if you are not familiar with settings & photography. Our “go-to” recording device to be honest is our phones! The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is our current phone & the camera specs are beyond what I expected to begin with… the quality is so natural & seamless! 

Pros of the iPhone camera that TJ & I use!

• Pleasant and vivid color in photo and video, accurate skin tones

• Wide dynamic range in photo and video, excellent contrast

• High level of detail in photo and video

• Excellent autofocus for photo and video

• Pleasant simulated bokeh effect with very good details on faces

• High-quality continuous photo and video zoom at close and medium range

• Excellent video stabilization

• Small & compact

• Conveniently handy as most of us have our phone within reach

Microphone

The audio quality of your vlog is just as important as the video quality. Wind noise can be a major issue when recording audio on a motorcycle, so it's important to invest in a good microphone. A lavalier microphone, which clips onto your helmet or clothing, is a popular choice among vloggers. They're small and unobtrusive, but still capable of capturing clear audio. Some vloggers also use a shotgun microphone, which is mounted on the camera and pointed towards the rider's mouth. 

I have used a wide variety of microphones during the last 6 years of vlogging as well - while I am still learning there are new & improved mics becoming available constantly. 

Communication Systems with Audio & Video:

As far as communication systems that have cameras integrated our choice has been Sena. There are so many pros to these units but to be honest again… they do not perform well under 4+ hours of rain. TJ & I ride all weather & for hours upon hours. With saying all of this; have had some issues with our Sena units after this particular ride & the units are not living up to the standards I originally thought. Another communication systems for motorcycle riding is the Cardo brand. TJ & I have NOT rode enough miles with these units to give an honest review neither here in a blog or video. 

There some microphones that you can connect externally to your action cameras, DSLRs, iPhone etc. I have had a handful of different mics & have found Rode Wireless GO to be the best yet. Now, here is another catch… if the connection is not solid then the camera will not pick up the audio from the mics but from it’s own internal mics. The connections that I have are a little touchy.

Mounts

To capture different angles of your ride, you'll need mounts for your camera and microphone. For action cameras, there are several options available, including helmet mounts, handlebar mounts, and suction cup mounts. For DSLRs, you may need a more stable mount, such as a tripod or gimbal. It's important to choose mounts that are secure and won't come loose during your ride. I don’t recommend using a tripod or gimbal with your DSLR on your motorcycles… that is just a disaster & crappy footage just waiting to happen. Both GoPro & Insta360 (along with other less expensive brands) make housings/mounts for their action cameras. I recommend getting the correct housing for your camera & using it with different positions on your bike until you like the angle of the footage. Maybe even mix it up a little & try different angles during 1 vlog.

Editing software

Once you've captured your footage and audio, you'll need to edit it into a cohesive vlog. There are several editing software options available, including Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, and iMovie. These programs allow you to trim and arrange your footage, add music and sound effects, and make color and exposure adjustments. Editing can be time-consuming, but it's a crucial step in creating a polished and engaging vlog.

I personally have tried each of these major editing softwares & have chosen to invest in Adobe Premiere Pro. If you have questions about Adobe; feel free to email me: stephanie@theorneryone.com I will be more than happy to go into depth & details as to why I have chosen Adobe but ultimately it is your choice. 

Motorcycle Vlogging: Editing Software

In conclusion, creating a motorcycle vlog requires a bit of investment in equipment and time. But with the right setup, you can capture stunning footage and share your riding experiences with the world. Remember to always prioritize safety when vlogging on a motorcycle, and never compromise your focus on the road for the sake of capturing footage.

The Ornery One: Motorcycle Vlogging

Another point to remember: you WILL change your mind! Cameras, microphones, editing software and social media platforms are always improving & so is your skills! Trust the process!