Self-Filming Set-Up · The Practice Loop

Self-Filming Set-Up

I've had some requests for a self filming set up guide, so here you go!

Truthfully. You don't need a lot. You can get a $20 tripod like the ones I've linked below & your phone to get started. Or even just stacking some rocks (which I've done and is free!) But if you're looking for something a little more fancy, here are some options.

1.) Flexible tripod. I like these for uneven ground, or wrapping around tree limbs, and then either putting my phone on it, or attaching an extension to raise up the camera livel.

https://amzn.to/4eqTbUx

2.) Rigid Extendable Tripod. It's like a two in one. A little rough when it gets windy, but stacking some rocks around the legs usually solves the problem for me.

https://amzn.to/3PWZ2aV

3.) Tripod Extension. I use the one from Insta360. It's super heavy duty, and doesn't bend in the wind. Pretty gosh darn cheap.

https://amzn.to/43evBUO

4.) Tracking Tripod.

These are pretty cool in certain instances but can be frustrating, if you ride out of frame or you get too far away from the camera. Honestly, I'd rather have a 360 camera than one of these (I have both) but I really just prefer a single facing cameras over all of them (Mostly my Insta360 Ace Pro 2 for camera still shots, but we'll break that down further below.)

https://amzn.to/4fv6QuP

Now let's talk cameras. YOU CAN USE YOUR PHONE. You don't have to get some fancy camera. BUT if you want to. I won't stop you and I appreciate the commissions. 😌

Camera's rated from favorite to least favorite

5.) I prefer the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 for a camera on a tripod. I think the image is the cleanest for still shots. However. It is quite a bit heavier and "bigger" than the DJI Action family, so if you only get one camera it's a tough choice.

Just the camera: https://amzn.to/4fq3FVj

Motorcycle bundle (comes with a chin mount): https://amzn.to/43eqLXF

ND Filters (IF you want to have better footage, that's less exposed, and easier to color grade (aka if you're posting content) then these are a super cheap way to significantly increase your video quality (I use them for all of my race coverage videos!): https://amzn.to/3QpqlL9

Chin Mounts (this is the one I use and has been the most stable out of all the other ones I've tried on my dirtbike helmet): https://amzn.to/4a2Xlj9

6.) DJI Action 5 or 6. I really like these for on the bike footage, because they're a little smaller and lighter than the Insta360s but they can be a bit touchier and the settings get reset often (including stabilization) so just be sure to check settings before every ride!

Action 5: https://amzn.to/4uUwVIs

Action 6: https://amzn.to/4dTXuri

ND Filters: https://amzn.to/4o8c1TD

7.) YOUR PHONE

8.) 360 cameras. I've only tried the Insta360 camera so I can't speak on the others, but I reckon the DJI 360 camera is much better. The user experience is not very intuitive when it comes to edditing footage. It can take a long time as you need to select where the camera looks manually throughout the entire clip, so when you export your 360 video it becomes a flat "YouTube" video or reel. The cutting also significantly reduces the image quality and often leads to blurry and unfocused videos. Overall they're great tools for showing unique angles like handlebars, or mounted somewhere on the front fender with an extension for when you ride alone. But otherwise....I'd rather just set a camera up on a tripod TBH.

The Insta360 is quite fragile as well (I've snapped two cameras where they screw into a tripod, and it's not repairable) But I also run hard enduros with them screwed to my handlebars soooooo to each their own.

Insta 360 X4: https://amzn.to/4xdSDsB

X5: https://amzn.to/3SooiHH

DJI: https://amzn.to/43SU2Y0

Let me know if you have other self filming questions in the comments and I'll try and make an official PDF on it.

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Self-Filming Set-Up