When choosing a camera for mountain biking, you should opt for one that can withstand the rough terrain, dust, and shocks that come with the sport.
Whether you’re looking for a rugged action camera or a high-quality mirrorless camera, I’ve got you covered.
In this article, you will learn about the top 10 cameras for mountain biking.
Top 10 Cameras for Mountain Biking MTB
The below section lists the best camera options for mountain biking:
GoPro Hero 11 Black
- Capture. Charge. Get a Highlight Video Automatically
- Revolutionary New Image Sensor
- Unbelievable Image Quality
GoPro has been a leading brand in action cameras for years, and the competition to be the best action camera for mountain biking has only made them up their game. The latest offering, the GoPro Hero 11 camera, boasts several user-experience-enhancing features that are sure to impress mountain bikers. The camera comes equipped with a larger 8:7 ratio sensor, which improves photo quality and offers new features such as a new Hyperview digital lens and Horizon Lock.
Additionally, the larger sensor also improves image stabilization software with HyperSmooth 5.0. Despite the upgrades, the Hero11 retains the same form factor as its predecessors but includes GoPro’s Enduro battery as standard, which increases battery life and improves performance in cold weather. With these improvements, the Hero11 is a top contender for the best action camera for mountain biking.
Find your best MTB settings: Best GoPro HERO 11 Settings for Mountain Biking
GoPro Hero 10 Black
- Revolutionary Processor: Faster. Smoother. Better. The powerful new GP2 engine...
- High-Res Photos plus Videos, High Frame Rate: Step up to the sharpest-shooting GoPro...
- Unbelievable Image Quality: Shoot with fine detail, realistic textures and stunning...
While the GoPro Hero11 has taken the top spot, the GoPro Hero 10 Black is still a highly capable camera for mountain biking. With excellent video quality and Hypersmooth 4.0, it’s still one of the best action cameras available. If you don’t need the 360-horizon lock feature or plan to share your videos on multiple social media platforms, the Hero10 might be a better choice for you.
Check out the best MTB settings: Best GoPro HERO 10 Settings for MTB Videos
Although it doesn’t come with the new Enduro battery as standard, it’s only a small upgrade cost if you need it for the added battery life and cold-weather performance. While the Hero11 is currently listed at the same price as the Hero10 on GoPro’s website, as an older model, you may be able to find some deals on the Hero10 that make it a more attractive option.
We consider the newest GoPro Hero11 Black as the second best camera for mountain biking so far!
You can find how do Hero 11 and Hero 10 compare in the following article: GoPro Hero 11 and GoPro Hero 10: Worth the Upgrade?
Insta360 One R
- 4K Wide Angle: Capture crisp, vibrant, stabilized shots at 4K 60fps or up to 8x slow...
- FlowState Stabilization: FlowState achieves gimbal-like image stabilization without...
- IPX8 Waterproof: Whether you're poolside or on a rainy-day ride, this waterproof...
One of the most versatile action cameras on the market is the Insta360 One R, thanks to its modular design that offers a range of lens options to suit different shooting requirements. The One R is highly adaptable with three lens options, including a 4k wide-angle lens, a 5.7k 360 module, and a 5.3k Leica-engineered 1-inch sensor unit.
The modular design also offers options for different cases, mounts, and bigger batteries for extended shooting sessions. Along with its versatility, the One R offers excellent video quality and includes well-thought-out features such as wireless mic support for RØDE Wireless GO or Apple AirPods for clearer audio. It even allows users to use an Apple Watch as a remote.
Find the best SD cards for this camera and its specs: insta360 One R SD Card Size
Insta360 X3
- 360 Capture & Reframing: X3 captures 5.7K 360 Active HDR video, so you'll never miss...
- Dual 1/2" 48MP Sensors: X3's new sensors pack in more pixels for greater clarity and...
- 4K Single-Lens Mode: Select a lens to shoot wide-angle footage just like a...
For those seeking to capture every angle of their mountain biking experience, a 360-degree action camera is a must-have. Insta360 X3 is a brand that specializes in 360 cameras, and its latest X3 model is a powerful option. With high-quality 5.7k 360 footage, users can capture everything around them and edit and reframe the footage using Insta360’s smartphone or desktop app.
The X3 also boasts excellent stabilization and can shoot in 4K/30fps or 2.7K/60fps Maxview, giving a huge 170-degree POV. However, it’s worth noting that working with 360 footage requires additional editing steps and takes up more memory, and the X3’s large battery adds extra weight when mounted to a helmet.
Insta360 Go 2
- Tiny and Mighty: Thumb-sized action camera that weighs just 1 oz. Uses a powerful...
- Mount Anywhere: Wearable camera design. Mount GO 2 anywhere with its magnetic...
- FlowState Stabilization: Image stabilization and horizon leveling algorithms keep...
The Insta360 Go 2 is one of the smallest action cameras available, weighing in at just 26.5g. It can be mounted to a helmet and, when used in Pro Video mode, captures footage with a 134-degree field of view. Insta360’s FlowState image stabilization helps to smooth out any shakiness in the footage. Although the camera’s maximum video resolution is only 1440p with a bit rate of 80Mbps (compared to over 100Mbps on most cameras), it’s still good enough for quick clips on social media.
The Go 2 itself is IPX8 waterproof, but the case needed to extend its short internal battery life is not. However, the case does provide additional features, such as remote control of the camera via WiFi and acting as a mini tripod.
DJI Osmo Action 3
- 4K HDR Video, 1 Billion Colors - HDR video delivers vivid yet natural details, even...
- Smooth, Level, Incredible - Whether you're skiing, skydiving, or biking around on...
- Built to Endure - With a 160-min max battery life, and even 150 minutes of continuous...
While the Osmo Action 3 may not be able to compete with the Hero11 in terms of video specs and high-end features, it remains a great action camera at a competitive price point.
One of the key features of the Osmo Action 3 is its wide field of view, which is one of the widest available among standard (non-360) action cameras. This is ideal for capturing engaging footage from your chest mount. The camera also comes with both front and rear screens for easy framing. The footage quality is decent and the EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) does a good job of smoothing out vibrations, especially in good lighting conditions. DJI uses a magnetic mounting system, making it easy to attach and remove the camera, and it can be mounted in either landscape or portrait orientations.
AKASO Brave 7 LE
- BORN ALL-WEATHER ACTION CAMERA - Brave 7 LE action camera is weatherproof and...
- CONVENIENT DUAL-DISPLAY - With innovate dual color screens design, you can change...
- SHOOT 4K VIDEO & 20MP PHOTO - This action camera can take hyper-quality 4K 30Fps...
Next up, the Akaso Brave 7 LE is a budget action camera that still has some impressive features, including front and rear touchscreens, 4K recording, and built-in stabilization. However, it may not compete with the top offerings from GoPro, Insta360, or DJI when it comes to performance.
Despite this, the Brave 7 LE wins on price. It is significantly cheaper than its competitors, including Akaso’s own Brave 8. If you don’t need the absolute best quality, and don’t mind using a bulky waterproof case then, the Brave 7 LE is a great budget option. You can enjoy capturing stunning views while riding on your bike no matter how less your budget is.
Insta360 One RS
- 4K Boost Lens & 5.7K 360 Lens: Get two cameras in one with Insta360 ONE RS. Swap...
- FlowState Stabilization: Buttery smooth image stabilization, no matter what lens you...
- 48MP Photo & 6K Widescreen Mode: With the 4K Boost Lens, capture photos with 4x more...
Insta360 One RS is quite popular due to its modular design, which allows users to switch out lenses for a versatile setup that suits their shooting needs. The camera offers three lenses, including a 4K wide-angle lens, a 5.7K 360 module, and a 5.3k Leica-engineered 1-inch sensor unit, as well as options for bigger batteries, dive cases, and drone mounts.
While the video quality of the Insta360 One RS isn’t quite up to par with GoPro, which is arguably the leader of the action camera market, the camera offers flexibility, versatility, and upgradability. With the ability to choose the best solution for their creative vision, users aren’t locked into a single direction, particularly with the 360 lenses.
While the Insta360 One RS may be overkill for many cyclists and is more of a filmmaker’s tool than a commuter cyclist’s safety product, its numerous video and photo modes, including Auto Framing, Point to Track, and Shot Lab transitions, will be rewarding for video makers willing to experiment and explore.
GoPro MAX
- Three Cameras in One: Maximize your creative freedom. With MAX you can shoot...
- Max HyperSmooth: MAX gives you unbreakable stabilization by using 180-degree capture...
- Live Streaming in 1080p: Shoot in HERO mode and share while you’re there. Live...
The GoPro MAX is a versatile camera that can capture both traditional Hero-style footage and immersive 360-degree footage. It features Max HyperSmooth stabilization and horizon leveling in HERO mode for smooth cinematic shots, as well as PowerPano for distortion-free panoramic photos making it a good choice for anyone who’s looking for a camera for mountain biking. Additionally, it has six mics for 360 audio and digital lenses to choose from.
For mountain bikers, the GoPro MAX is a great option as it allows them to capture both traditional footage and immersive 360-degree footage of their rides. The Max HyperSmooth stabilization and horizon leveling in HERO mode can help capture smooth and cinematic shots even during bumpy rides. The PowerPano feature is useful for capturing panoramic shots of the mountain scenery while the six mics provide great audio quality.
Garmin Varia RCT715
- See and record what’s behind you with a built-in camera that saves footage...
- Capture sharp, clear video in 1080p at 30 fps, or set resolution at 720p to extend...
- Easily view footage and control the camera via the Varia mobile app
Lastly, the Garmin Varia Radar RCT715 is a great addition to the Garmin ecosystem, especially if you are already using Garmin devices. The rear bike light is not only functional on its own, but it also seamlessly pairs with your other Garmin devices. You can control it remotely from your head unit, depending on which model you are using, and use the same apps you are already familiar with to download your footage.
It also offers automatic incident detection, which isolates the important footage from the rest and preserves it while the recording continues to loop and overwrite older footage. However, there are some downsides to consider. It lacks 4K video, which helps to maximize the battery life, and in low-light conditions, the lack of image stabilization makes it impossible to decipher car number plates. This could prove to be unhelpful should you be involved in an incident after sundown.
Which Camera To Choose?
My top choices are, the HERO 10 Black which offers exceptional video and photo quality, superior image stabilization, and advanced features such as horizon leveling and digital lenses.
On the other hand, the DJI Osmo Action impresses with its dual screens, RockSteady image stabilization, 4K HDR video, and competitive pricing.
Both cameras are designed to withstand the rigors of mountain biking, with rugged and waterproof construction, making them the perfect companions for capturing your rides in all their glory.
If you’ve found your perfect camera for MTB don’t miss: 7 GoPro Mountain Bike Mounts
Thanks for reading!
I hope this guide helped you know all about the top cameras for Mountain Biking 🙂
Sharing is Caring ❤️
If you found this article useful, please share it on social media with your family and friends!
English 
Italiano 
Deutsch 
Español 
Português 
Nederlands 
Français