All of the Equipment I use to create Motorcycle Travel Content
Do you dream of capturing your motorcycle adventures and sharing them with those around you? Whether you're just looking to improve snapshots taken during your trips, starting a YouTube channel or looking to elevate your existing content, this guide dives into the camera gear I use to create all of my motorcycle content.
Remember, this isn't a one-size-fits-all list. But by exploring my setup, you'll gain insights into the tools that help me bring the thrill and beauty of motorcycle travel to life on my social channels.
There are also more budget-friendly options available for most of the things that are on this list. I strongly recommend starting out with just a GoPro camera if you are looking for the most versatile piece of gear to start out with. You can use MPB for second-hand photography gear. I have used their service for years, both to sell and buy equipment, and have always been very happy with their range of products and services.
Cameras and Accessories for Motorcycle Vlogging
Canon 5D Mark IV: The open road deserves a camera that can keep up. My trusty Canon 5D Mark IV delivers professional-grade image quality in a surprisingly portable package, making it the perfect companion for capturing memories on the go.
Canon 24-70mm F/2.8 L USM II: One lens to rule them all (on the road, at least)! The Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L USM II is my adventure photography workhorse. This versatile zoom lens lets me capture everything from sweeping landscapes to intimate details, all without having to switch lenses constantly.
Action Cameras and Accessories
GoPro 7: My trusty GoPro 7 has been with me through thick and thin (mostly dusty trails and unexpected dips in the water). Don't get me wrong, this little warrior has captured some incredible footage over the years, but let's just say the battery life isn't what it used to be, and the image stabilisation could use a serious upgrade. wink wink Maybe an upgrade is in the cards for the next adventure... stay tuned!
Suction Cup Mount: This innovative suction cup mount isn't just secure, it's adaptable. Engineered for a wide range of motion, it lets you capture the perfect angle, whether you're filming breathtaking scenery or a first-person view of the road ahead.
Handlebar Mount: It goes without saying that mounting a camera directly onto your handlebar is one of the go-to perspectives. Perfect for filming yourself sat on your motorcycle, enjoying the open road.
Chesty Mount: The padded, flexible Chesty makes it easy to capture immersive hands-free shots from your chest. Whether you are walking around a location, or you’re on your motorcycle, this mount offers a unique perspective and hassle-free experience. I have worn this over just a t-shirt as well as three layers of protective gear, and it is truly a one-size-fits-all.
Adhesive Mount Pack: This set is a no-brainer, it makes your GoPro compatible with a wide variety of curved and flat surfaces, just make sure they are clean before attaching the mount and you are all good to go.
Insta360 X3 Motorcycle Kit: I have added the Insta360 X3 Motorcycle Kit to my content creation gear, and it has been a game-changer for capturing immersive riding experiences. This kit provides the perfect mounts to secure my Insta360 camera, allowing me to shoot incredible 360° footage that puts viewers right in the heart of the ride.
DJI Mavic Pro: Drones unlock a whole new world of creative possibilities. You can capture breathtaking aerial shots of landscapes, showcase epic action sequences from a unique perspective, or create stunning establishing shots for your videos.
DJI Osmo Mobile 6: While my Canon camera is a workhorse when it comes to photo, I can safely say it isn’t the best when it comes to video. To bridge this gap, I purchased this mobile stabiliser, so I can record high-quality and stabilised video on my phone.
The Insta360 is the perfect solution for a vertical video format that you can use on socials. During the editing, you can switch back to a horizontal capture and grab stills as well as video from the recording.
Tripods and Selfie Sticks
Joby GorillaPod 3K Kit: The flexible legs allow me to secure the tripod in unique locations, while the optional ball head lets me adjust the shooting angle with ease. This versatile setup is perfect for capturing everything from breathtaking landscapes to action-packed adventures.
GoPro Handler: Having this simple and quick attachment for my GoPro makes handheld filming so much easier. No more worrying about the camera being too close to me, this handler serves as an extension that brings the camera just at the right distance for me to capture everything.
Carbon Fiber Tripod: A good tripod is a must-have, although they tend to be on the heavy side. That’s why I opted for a carbon fiber tripod, lightweight for easy packing and sturdy for crisp night shots.
Additional Equipment & Accessories
Memory Cards: When it comes to memory cards, fast read/write speeds are essential for capturing high-resolution photos and videos. I usually go for cards in the 64GB-128GB range, depending on the length of my trip. This allows me to shoot worry-free, knowing my card can keep up with the demands of content creation. My go-to memory cards are the SanDisk Extreme MicroSD and Extreme Pro SD.
Zoom H1n Recorder: No adventure is complete without capturing the soundscape! My Zoom H1n recorder ensures crisp audio, from wind rustling through trees to the roar of the engine.
Editing Software
My editing workflow is primarily desktop-based. For my editing, I rely on Adobe Lightroom for photos and Adobe Premiere Pro for videos. Since travel doesn't allow for the same level of processing power, I edit all my YouTube videos upon returning home.
I use Google Photos and Google Drive for all photo and final video file storage. Another storage solution I can highly recommend is Dropbox.
Mobile Applications
Insta360: This app is a must-have in order to edit the 360° footage, but I will admit that I much prefer to edit this type of footage on my desktop computer because the workflow feels way more natural to me.
Adobe Lightroom Mobile: As a photographer, I take great pride in the colour management of the photos I share. This app allows me to use the same controls as the desktop version, ensuring I can finetune my photos as I would at home.
DJI GO 4: Depending on your drone model, you will need to get the right app in order to control and steer your drone. For my DJI Mavic Pro, this is the app I am using.
Canon Camera Connect: This app allows me to select and export photos from my Canon camera to my phone to make edits while I’m on the road. Additionally, I can use the app as a remote trigger for the camera.
DJI Mimo: The DJI Mimo app in combination with the DJI Osmo Mobile facilitates efficient shooting and editing, allowing you to catch every moment directly on your phone.
So there you have it! My essential gear for capturing and creating content on the road. With the right tools and a little planning, you can turn your adventures into stunning visuals and share them with the world. Now get out there and explore!
