There are many reasons you might consider mounting a camera to your bike, whether it’s peace of mind during the morning commute, or documenting an epic road descent to show off to your mates later. Whatever your motivation, investing in one of the best cameras for cyclists will more than likely guarantee you some good results.
However when you start the long process of researching different camera options, you’ll notice that there are two distinct types on offer: action cameras and safety cameras. So do you go for a dedicated safety camera, like the Garmin Varia or Cycliq Fly series, which are designed to work quietly in the background? Or do you opt for a standard action camera, like a GoPro, DJI Osmo Action, or Insta360, designed to deliver cinematic footage that’s not tailored specifically to cycling?
If you’re not sure what the difference is, or which is the right one for you, then you’ve come to the right place. Read on for the pros and cons of each, and the products we’d recommend as a starting point.
What is a safety camera?
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Let’s start with the simplest option. A cycling safety camera is purpose-built to record video while you’re on the move. Many commuter and city cyclists opt for these because it’s the best way of capturing evidence of other road users’ behaviour, in the unfortunate event of a collision.
They often tend to be integrated into a rear or front light, so that they serve a dual purpose. They’re designed to quietly record in the background, capturing evidence if anything happens, while also helping you to stay more visible on the road.
In many cases with a safety camera, there will be a maximum duration you can capture before the recording loops back and starts overwriting the oldest footage. It’s the most efficient way of doing things, especially when you’re spending a lot of time on the bike: the camera is always recording, and you don’t need to worry about running out of space. You don’t need to fiddle with settings mid-ride, or worry that you weren’t able to turn it on in time to capture something as it happens. As long as you switch it on at the start of your ride, and have enough battery to last your journey, you’re covered.
Plus it’s very likely that in the event of an incident where…
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