All of the Camera Gear I Use to Create Motorcycle Travel Content

Ready to start a YouTube Channel? Or maybe you just want to up your content creation game? Below you’ll find an extensive list of everything I use to create my photo and video content while traveling on my motorcycle.

While all of this gear might not be necessary, or “right” for you to start creating content of your own, you’ll at least be able to take a look into how much gear and what it takes for me to create the content that you enjoy seeing on my social channels.

>>> READ NEXT: The Ultimate Motorcycle Trip Packing List

DSLR/Mirrorless Camera and Accessories for Motorcycle Vlogging and Content Creation

• Sony a7IV Full Frame Mirrorless Camera – In early 2023 I upgraded to the a7iv from the Sony a7iii Full Frame Mirrorless Camera. Both are great camera bodies for hybrid shooters like myself (photography and videography). Ultimately, I really wanted to have the flip-out screen on the a7iv. It’s helpful when recording videos. I still have my a7iii as a backup camera!
• Sony FE 24-70 f/2.8 GM Lens – The workhorse lens. The lens that stays on my a7iii 95% of the time.
• Sony E 10-18mm F4 OSS Wide-Angle Zoom Lens – The lens that says on my a7iii the other 5% of the time.
• Vertical Battery Grip
• Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone – And never, ever leave home without the furry windshield/windjammer.
• DJI Mic 2-Person Compact Digital Wireless Microphone System – In 2023 I upgraded to the DJI Mic system from the Rode Wireless Go Compact Wireless Microphone System. The DJI Mic kit is great since I can use it on the go for upgraded audio between one or two people, it comes in a compact charging case, AND I can plug it directly into my iPhone and record quality audio!
• Rode SmartLav+ – I record all of my Voice Overs with the Smart Lav+ plugged into my laptop or desktop.
• Peak Design Camera Straps – Handy quick-release camera strap system.
• Extra Batteries & Charger
• External Pocket-Sized LED Lighting – Great for additional lighting in dark filming or photography situations
• UV Lens Protection Filters – Protects your glass and keeps your high-dollar lenses from getting scratched!

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly, introductory camera: At the end of 2021 I picked up a Sony ZV-1 to use as my secondary camera. If your focus is on recording vlogs, I’d suggest starting with something like the ZV-1 over a professional DSLR or Mirrorless camera system with pricey lenses. The ZV-1 also has a flip-out screen, making it easier to record videos and to be able to see yourself while filming.

GoPro Action Cameras and Accessories For Motorcycle Vlogging and Content Creation

Action cameras are great to use to create moto vlog or general riding content while operating a motorcycle. There are a few brands on the market that create action cameras such as GoPro, Insta360, and DJI. However, I have remained loyal to GoPro over the years. (If you are a fan of my YouTube channel, you will already know that I do not use a traditional “moto vlog” camera set up to talk and film while riding.)

• GoPro Max 360 Camera – This is my most used piece of camera equipment. Nearly all of my riding footage is captured on the Max. If you’ve ever asked how I get my camera to “spin” while riding, the answer is…it’s the Max!
• GoPro 9 – I often use this camera to film any talking points in my videos where I need to be able to see myself in the footage for talking/selfie assistance. The front-facing screen really helps frame yourself while filming!
• GoPro 8 – If you are looking for your first Vlogging or Action Camera, the GoPro 8 is a great, affordable place to start. I tend to bring this along with me in case I want to throw it on a friends helmet or handlebars. Since I am spoiled with the dual screens of the GoPro9, the 8 is more of a backup action camera for me these days.
• Handlebar Mount
• Helmet Chin Mount (in 2021 I upgraded to the Dango Designs Gripper Mount. Both are great options depending on your budget!)
• Suction Cup – I use this when I am on a bike with a windshield or hard bags (Like in my Arkansas Ozarks Video on the Harley-Davidson Street Glide).
• Extra Batteries & Charging Equipment vary depending on the camera. ALWAYS bring 1-2 extra batteries.

>>>>> Read next: The Best GoPro Mounts for your next Motorcycle Trip <<<<<

Tripods and Selfie Sticks

• Tripod: Having a full-size tripod that’s lightweight and compact is ideal. I went with the Ulanzi Carbon Fiber Tripod as it was half the price of this one from Peak Design. Plus, I felt that it had more valuable features for a more affordable price. This is hands down the most used tripod I own. I was previously using this budget-friendly Full Size Travel Tripod, but upgraded in late 2022 once my tripod was on its (literal) last leg.
• Mini Tripod and Selfie Stick – Often times I will use this with the External Lights if I need to create a mini “set” to light up a scene.
• Flexible Tripod
• Retractable Selfie Stick – Mainly used with my GoPro Max, which elimates the selfie pole automatically while filming.

Additional Equipment & Accessories

• DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone – (Yes, the Fly More Combo is always worth it.)
• RVCA x Zak Noyle Camera Bag Backpack – I have the original version of this bag which is no longer in production, but with years and miles of use, I’d still highly recommend the updated version of it linked here.
• Accessories Organizer
• External Battery Pack
• Memory Card Holder
• Memory Cards: I am extremely loyal to the SanDisk Extreme MicroSD and Extreme Pro SD Memory Cards, and typically purchase 64-128gb cards.
• External Hard Drive for storing video and photo files
• Dropbox for online storage

Editing Software

From a Desktop: I edit 95% of my content from my iMac, using Adobe Lightroom for photo editing and Premiere Pro for video editing. I do not edit any of my YouTube videos while I travel.

Apps I use on my Phone:

• Adobe Lightroom: For on-the-go photo edits
• VSCO: For easy, premade photo and video filters (moreso color grading, not this new age of facial contortion we call “filters” on social media)
• GoPro Quik: I pull GoPro footage directly from the camera, import short snippets into the Quik App, and then post them to Social Media while I’m traveling. All long form GoPro content is edited on a desktop.