Motovlogging Set Up | The Evolution, What Worked And What Didn't

Several have reached out asking my about my Motovlogger set up, what I use and why I do not use other options. So here is the evolution of my set up, what worked for me and what did not.

Busting A Motovlogger Myth

To start out as a motovlogger you do not need a lot of equipment or need to invest a lot of money. All you really need is the courage to start a channel, a few ideas, and some basic equipment that you most likely already have.

When I started my YouTube channel a little more than a year ago, I started with only my iPhone, a borrowed GoPro Hero5, and the audio recorder on my computer. That is all. I did not even have a tripod at that time. At first I did mostly face to camera and garage videos because that allowed me to utilize and maximize the tools I had at that point.

Upgrading My Cameras

Once I made a few road videos and determined that motovlogging was something I wanted to do, I invested in a GoPro Hero8 Black when one of my local stores has them on sale. I ultimately chose the GoPro over some of the other cameras on the market because of their video stabilization abilities. It best suited me for the kind of filming I wanted to do. Making the purchase of my own GoPro was about 3 months into my journey on YouTube. Remember, I started out with a barrowed camera. So grateful for good friends.

After a couple of months, where I saved up some more money, my local store put the Hero8 back on sale, I was able to pick up my second camera that I now run with. To date, the GoPro Hero8 Black does everything I need it to do. In time, I am sure an upgrade will be a want I will not be able to put off.

Camera Mounts

Deciding on where you want to mount your camera is not as straight forward as one would think. One should put some thought not only into what point of view one would like to catch on video, but also the physical stress on the body it will create depending on where you place it.

If you decide to place the camera on your helmet, be sure to give some thought to not only the point of view, but also to the wind drag it might create or pressure point is could produce on the helmet. Examples; many place the mount on the top of their helmet to get a clear, unobstructed view and this is a great option. The draw back is that it does catch more wind when riding and will pull backwards on the helmet. Others, like me, choose to mount ours on our chin guards so the camera sees what we see. Another great view, though it does put weigh on the front of the camera and can pull the helmet down and forward. So before mounting the camera, give some thought to both the visual and the physical pluses and minuses.

Other like to place the camera on their handle bars or engine guards. On the bars, the point of view is much more of a road level perspective, which is very cool. The added bonus of this mount is that it can be turned either to face the road or to face you. So depending on the type of perspective works for you, a bar mount gives the motovlogger the benefit of choice.

Let's Talk Audio

If you are just starting out or prefer to add the audio after the ride, you may look into the option of doing voice over. Many motovloggers out there choose this option so that it does not distract from their riding experience. Others, like me, use it for the time when our audio does not record for whatever reason.

Over my time as a motovlogger I started with voice over, the moved to a purple panda mic and a GoPro Media Mod to the Sena 10C Pro. All three options produce great audio. I chose to record with a mic in my helmet because I like recording in the moment. I am more myself and do not over thing what I am saying too much.

When I purchased my first mic, I started with the Purple Panda mic and GoPro Media Mod. The audio was excellent, the challenge was in working with a wired system in a full face modular helmet. I was unsuccessful at wiring the helmet to be function even when I was not recording.

At the suggestion of a fellow motovlogger and friend, I invested in the Sena 10C Pro. Not only does it function as my blue tooth com system, it records great audio, and it is my back up video. The added bonus, when I am connected via Bluetooth with another rider, what I hear in my speakers is what is recorded on my audio.  This allows for me to collect duel vlogs with other riders.

Starting Your Own Journey

A confession from this motovlogger, if motovlogging for yourself or for your own YouTube channel is what you want to do, you do not need much to get started. All you need are some ideas, many things you may already have, and a little courage to just get started. That is all. The motovlogging community is divers and full of amazing people. Some ride dirt, some race, some travel, and some just share their day to day lives. Just like our motovlogging setups, no two are exactly a like. Though one thing they all have in common is that, almost without exception, they are giving, supportive, and welcoming.  

Now get out and ride, have fun, be safe, and catch you in the next post……