When it comes to capturing action footage with a GoPro, there are two main options for mounting the camera: on your helmet or head, or on your chest.
Both have their own unique advantages and disadvantages.
And both are appropriate for different types of sports and activities.
Keep reading as we break down each of these GoPro mounting methods and compare the two.
Helmet Mounted GoPro
Mounting a GoPro to your helmet or head allows for a first-person point of view, giving the viewer a sense of what it’s like to be in your shoes (or skis, or bike, etc.).
This can be particularly immersive and engaging for sports like skiing, snowboarding, and motocross.
However, this type of mounting can also lead to a “bobbing” effect in the footage, as the camera moves with the natural movements of your head.
To minimize this, it’s important to keep your head as still as possible while filming.
Chest Mounted GoPro
Chest-mounted GoPros, on the other hand, provide a more stable image and a wider field of view.
This type of mounting is great for sports like cycling, hiking, and rock climbing, where you need to keep your hands free.
However, the footage can feel more detached and less immersive, since it doesn’t capture the point of view of the person wearing the camera.
So Which GoPro Mounting Is Better?
Both head and chest mounting have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to capturing action footage with a GoPro.
Head-mounted GoPros are great for capturing immersive, first-person point-of-view footage, while chest-mounted GoPros provide a more stable image and a wider field of view.
It’s important to consider the type of sport or activity you’ll be doing, as well as safety considerations when deciding which type of mounting to use.
Keep reading for a breakdown of our preferred mounting methods by sport.
Best Mounting Methods By Sport
| Sport | GoPro Mounting | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Surfing | Head Mounted / Chest Mounted | Head Mounted: Captures the first-person point of view and the rider’s perspective of waves and maneuvers. Chest Mounted: Provides a stable image and a wider field of view, also keeps the hands free |
| Running | Chest Mounted | Chest Mounted: Provides a stable image and a wider field of view, also keeps the hands free and reduces the shake caused by running. |
| Mountain Biking | Head Mounted / Chest Mounted | Head Mounted: Captures the first-person point of view and the rider’s perspective of the trail, also allows to see handlebar movements. Chest Mounted: Provides a stable image and a wider field of view, also keeps the hands free. |
| Snowboarding | Head Mounted / Chest Mounted | Head Mounted: Captures the first-person point of view and the rider’s perspective of the mountain and the snow conditions. Chest Mounted: Provides a stable image and a wider field of view, also keeps the hands free. |
| Skiing | Head Mounted / Chest Mounted | Head Mounted: Captures the first-person point of view and the rider’s perspective of the mountain and the snow conditions. Chest Mounted: Provides a stable image and a wider field of view, also keeps the hands free. |
| Rock Climbing | Head Mounted | Head Mounted: Captures the first-person point of view and the climber’s perspective of the routes and the view. |
| BMX | Head Mounted / Chest Mounted | Head Mounted: Captures the first-person point of view and the rider’s perspective of the tricks and stunts. Chest Mounted: Provides a stable image and a wider field of view, also keeps the hands free. |
| Motocross | Head Mounted / Chest Mounted | Head Mounted: Captures the first-person point of view and the rider’s perspective of the track and the jumps. Chest Mounted: Provides a stable image and a wider field of view, also keeps the hands free. |
| Skateboarding | Head Mounted / Chest Mounted | Head Mounted: Captures the first-person point of view and the rider’s perspective of the tricks and stunts. Chest Mounted: Provides a stable image and a wider field of view, also keeps the hands free. |
| Base Jumping | Head Mounted | Captures the first-person point of view and the jumper’s perspective of the fall and the landing. |
| Hang Gliding | Head Mounted | Captures the first-person point of view and the glider’s perspective of the flight and the view. |
| Paragliding | Head Mounted | Captures the first-person point of view and the paraglider’s perspective of the flight and the view. |
| Kayaking | Head Mounted / Chest Mounted | Head Mounted: Captures the first-person point of view and the kayaker’s perspective of the river and the maneuvers. Chest Mounted: Provides a stable image and a wider field of view, also keeps the hands free. |
| Canoeing | Head Mounted / Chest Mounted | Head Mounted: Captures the first-person point of view and the canoeist’s perspective of the river and the maneuvers. Chest Mounted: Provides a stable image and a wider field of view, also keeps hands free. |
Tips
- When mounting a GoPro to your helmet or head, it’s important to make sure the camera is securely attached and properly aligned. Using a mount specifically designed for your helmet can help with this. For chest mounts, a harness-type mount that goes over your shoulders and around your chest is the most secure option.
- It’s also important to keep in mind that different sports have different safety considerations. For example, in high-contact sports like motocross or football, a head-mounted camera could be dangerous if it comes loose during a fall. In these cases, a chest mount may be a safer option.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, both helmet and chest mounting have their own unique advantages and disadvantages when it comes to capturing action footage with a GoPro.
It’s important to consider the type of sport or activity you’ll be doing and the specific requirements of your filming project when deciding which type of mounting to use.
It’s a good idea to experiment with both types of mounting to see which one works best for you, as well as to have a variety of footage.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and the angle you want to capture.
Happy shooting!
