Racing and drifting have been known for many years, and a lot of people really like and enjoy this activity. Needless to say, that is quite an extreme car sport, and most importantly, it is fun to watch.
Even the biggest skeptics would find some interesting parts while watching a drifting video.
We are writing this guide for cars and video lovers. If you want to start or already have a YouTube channel about drifting or racing – check the best cameras for racing and drift videos on YouTube that will provide the best video quality and fits every single racer’s needs.
Here’s the deal:
The internet is full of multiple racing and drifting videos. Some people are looking for information about what cameras do racers and drifters use? This article will give you an answer.
If you have been drifting or racing for a while and you know what you are doing, create a vlog and explain a little bit about this sport to others that might want to start doing the same thing. Be an example for others!
Special Cameras for Sports Car Vlogs
If you decide that you want to create YouTube vlogs about racing, drifting, or other thing related to driving, you need to have a special (action) camera for that.
You don’t want to use a bulky DSLR because it will not be comfortable to place it into your car securely.
There are a lot of action cameras specifically designed for extreme sports. These types of cameras don’t get smashed that easily, and they can even provide a 4K video quality.
We have had conversations with some racing lovers and they gave us their opinion about particular cameras that we are reviewing here.
Best Video Cameras for Car Racing and Drifting Videos
All listed drifting and racing vlogging cameras were reviewed by car lovers.| Name | Video Quality | Stabilization | Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3K@60fps | Perfect | Price | |
| 5K@30fps | Perfect | Price | |
| 4K@30fps | Good | Price | |
| 4K@120fps | Good | Price | |
| 4K@30fps | Good | Price |
1. GoPro HERO 11 Black Mini – Best Racing and Drifting Video Camera in 2024
Over the years, GoPro cameras have taken the crown as the greatest action cameras on the market, and that’s why we can’t skip its latest model, the GoPro Hero 11 Black.
Here’s the deal:
The best camera award for racing or drifting videos this year we are not giving the standard GoPro version, but the mini one – GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini.
It is an amazing camera for racing related videos and it has very similar features as GoPro Hero 11 Black, but the price is way more affordable.
Though similar to the GoPro Hero 9, 10 the Hero 11 Black and Hero 11 Mini have incredible features that will make your racing and drifting videos stand out.
Why racing and drifting Vloggers need the GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini:
With the GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini, you will get shooting modes such as the 5.3 @60fps, 4K@120fps, and 2.7K@240fps. The 4K/120p and 2.7/240p are great for slo-mo captures for your Youtube videos.
Keep in mind, with 4K@120fps you get to achieve the best video resolution and frame rate combination.
Offering excellent image quality, the GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini enables you to capture your racing and drifting in true 5K quality with flawless playback. The amazing and award-winning Hypersmooth 5.0 stabilization technology makes your racing and drifting experience even more attractive to watch.
With the help of the right mount, and the scratch resistance lens cover, the camera gets to record all activities from outside of your car.
This could be an incredible powerslide, reverse entry drift, or even hitting the perfect apex; your YouTube viewers will definitely get the maximum drifting experience.
The GoPro action cameras are super well-known and popular among extreme sports vloggers. Car sports lovers are not the exception!
As a result, the new mini GoPro version is superb for that, but keep in mind that it has a lower battery for less recording time.
Main Specifications:
- Video resolution: 5.3K at 60fps, 4K at 120fps, 2.7K at 240fps or 1080 at 240fps
- Photo resolution: 24.7MP
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Screen: None
- Lens: SuperView, Wide, Linear, Linear + Horizon Leveling, Narrow and digital zoom
- Waterproof: 10m / 33ft (without the housing)
- Battery: up to 60 minutes of recording
- Voice control: Yes
- GPS: Yes
- Stabilization: HyperSmooth 5.0
- Weight: 133g / 0.29 lb
- Superb video quality (5.3K @ 60fps)
- Powerful processor
- One of the best video and image stabilization – Hypersmooth 5.0
- Faster Wi-Fi and USB transfer
- Full HD video streaming
- Affordable price
- The battery life is not the best
- No option to take individual, burst or time-lapse pics
Though physically it is a new design and new solution from GoPro. We could say that it works perfectly if you are going to use this camera for racing or drifting videos.
The award-winning electronic image stability performance by the Hypersmooth 5.0 technology is incredible.
All this and much more make the GoPro Hero 11 Black mini the ideal racing and drifting camera for many car lovers and vloggers. If you are planning to use this camera for general vlogging or traveling in the near future, then choose a standard GoPro Hero Black 11 version.
2. GoPro HERO 9 Black – Valuable Action Camera for Racers and Drifters
The GoPro action cameras are super well-known and popular among extreme sports vloggers. Car sports lovers are not the exception!
To our editor’s mind, the GoPro Hero 9 Black is the ideal camera for those who don’t want to invest more money in the newest model, but at the same time want to have superior video quality.
First of all, the GoPro Hero 9 Black has a lot of great features that can turn your video footage into a vlogging masterpiece.
The action camera, in comparison with older models, has a lot to offer for extreme sports lovers, including racing and drifting enthusiasts.
First of all, you can notice the change in design. The new GoPro Hero 9 is a little bit heavier, 158g / 0.34 lb (compared to GoPro Hero 8 Black 126g / 0.27 lb). From our side, we could side the design overall is even better. Moreover, it has a bigger touchscreen than previous models.
This type of design allows you to switch between the batteries and SD cards and don’t remove the cover every single time you want to do that.
The best part for racing and drifting vloggers:
The GoPro Hero 9 Black comes with high-quality and even improved electronic image stabilization (in comparison with older models) – HyperSmooth 3.0, which is insane and excellent for a car racing or drifting vlog. Even the most significant vibration would be barely visible in the video. Nevertheless, you will be able to record your videos for YouTube and etc. in 5K, 4K, or Full HD quality!
That’s the main features why we are so excited about this camera.
On the other hand, this camera has even more amazing features like Full HD live streaming. From this moment, you will be able to stream your drive directly to the most popular social platforms in Full HD quality. Amazing!
Main Specifications:
- Video resolution: 5K at 30fps, 4K at 60fps, 2.7K at 120fps or 1080p at 240 fps.
- Photo resolution: 20MP
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Screen: Intuitive 2.27-inch LCD touchscreen
- Lens: SuperView, Wide, Linear, Linear + Horizon Leveling and Narrow
- Waterproof: Up to 10m / 33ft (without the case)
- Battery: From 50 to 80 minutes of recording
- Voice control: Yes
- GPS: Yes
- Stabilization: HyperSmooth 3.0
- Weight: 158g / 0.34 lb
- Insane image stabilization
- Improved microphone quality
- Superb video quality (5K at 30fps)
- Full HD video streaming
- Touchscreen could be more responsive
The GoPro Hero 9 Black action camera isn't way worse than the newest model so that why it is one of the best cameras for racing enthusiasts.
You won't be able to see any vibration during your videos, thanks to the super-smooth image stabilization feature! The performance of this device is incredible, so you should be considering this camera if you are looking for the best action camera for your YouTube car sport vlogs and videos.
Here’s the deal:
Before we go through other action cameras for racing videos and vlogs, we want to give you this tip!
If you really like GoPro cameras and you don’t have money for the 11, 10 or 9 version – you should consider GoPro Hero 8 Black.
We haven’t done a full review, but everything you need to know, is that this older version still does the job perfectly, especially for that price.
3. YI 4K – Affordable Analog Camera to GoPro
Everybody knows that GoPro is the best camera for action and extreme type vlogs, like racing or moto vlogs, right?
However, some people are not huge fans of this brand (GoPro). That’s why they are looking for strong analogs in the same camera segment.
Luckily, there is a solution: YI offers a great action camera that has everything required for amazing drift and racing videos. Starting from the amazing 4K at 30fps video quality and 12MP image resolution and finishing with more great features.
The Yi 4K action camera is almost the same as the typical GoPro. The Yi 4K action camera has a very nice and sleek design with three color options: matte black, rose gold, or white. A tough plastic cover keeps the device safe during your extreme vlogging.
The only downside is that the Yi action is not waterproof. On the other hand, for racing and drifting videos, the waterproof function is not necessary, so you are good to go.
In general, it is a tiny and powerful camera for car sports fans and vloggers. You will be able to film superb video quality videos by next to you having Electronic Image Stabilization that will help to make your video footage even better.
Moreover, this camera offers a lot of great mounting accessories for a good price that will be valuable for that type of vlogging.
Main Specifications:
- Video resolution: 4K30, 2.7K120, 1440p120, 1080p240 and more
- Photo resolution: 12MP
- Burst shooting: 12MP @ 30fps
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Battery: Around 40 minutes of recording
- Waterproofing: n/a
- Screen: 2.19-inch touchscreen
- Voice Control: No
- Stabilization: EIS video stabilization with super-smooth footage at 2. 7k/60fps
- Weight: 95g / 3.3oz
- Sharp and detailed 4K video at 30fps for a cheaper price tag
- It weighs just 95g /3.3oz, which makes it a perfect device for all-angled drifting and racing videos
- The touchscreen is bigger than the GoPro action cameras
- It is very easy to turn on/off the camera accidentally, especially if you are not used to it
- The Yi action camera is not waterproof without an additional case
- The image stabilization could be a little bit improved
For the GoPro alternative, the Yi action camera is the best option for both price tag and quality. It offers 4K video shooting with 12MP image resolution. The image stabilization could be better, but for this price, you can't be mad at it. All in all, if you are not a huge fan of GoPro - this camera is a perfect choice for good quality racing type vlogs.
4. DJI Osmo Action 4 – High-Value Action Camera with Limitless Shooting Options
DJI probably is the most known brand because of drones, correct?
Even though we listed it in the 5th place in our list, it is a decent action camera that is suited for action videos, like racing, drifting and etc.
The first impression is that the DJI Osmo action camera has a lot of great features under the hood. Without a doubt, the price is not the lowest, so it is natural that the manufacturer must offer extra features to its users.
It is not only capable of shooting in 4K resolution with a 145° wide angle but also has a 1/2.3″ CMOS Sensor and 12MP.
Besides, the DJI Osmo action camera is capable of shooting in 4K resolution and 120fps. It sounds promising, right? Image stabilization is also quite decent.
For racing videos, it is a decent camera that is worth trying. Moreover, you will receive a camera frame, mount, quick-release base, batteries and so on.
Main Specifications:
- Video resolution: 4K/120fps
- Photo resolution: 12MP
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Waterproofing: up 11 meters (36 feet)
- Screen: 1.4″ front, 2.25″ back
- Voice Control: Yes
- Battery: up to 135 minutes of shooting
- Weight: 124g / 4.37oz
- Amazing video and image quality
- Long battery lifetime
- The camera comes with a lot of accessories that offer multiple filming experiences
- Easy connectivity
- There have been some issues with firmware updates in the past, but everything seems to be resolved
Overall, this camera is not the cheapest action camera from our list. However, despite the higher price tag, this camera offers valuable features, including top-class image and video quality. If you are not on a super low budget and tired of GoPro cameras you could try this camera for your drifting or racing videos and see how it works.
5. Akaso EK7000 PRO – Best Budget-Friendly Camera for Drifting and Racing Videos [Beginner Friendly]
The Akaso EK7000 PRO looks just like the GoPro – it is basically the same.
However, there is a big difference between all action cameras – the price.
You can find that the Akaso EK7000 PRO is only under 70$, which is super cheap considering the fact that it shoots 4K video quality.
The design is pretty much the same as others. If you look in more detail into the shape of a camera and small details, you probably will notice small differences, but keep in mind that this camera is 4x cheaper.
After trying out the Akaso EK7000 action camera, we can say that this is the best budget-friendly camera for drifting and racing videos.
If you are just thinking of starting your car activity-based vlogs, we can recommend first try with the easiest-to-use and cheap camera like Akaso EK7000 PRO.
Don’t worry if you haven’t heard of the Akaso brand before – you are not alone. Anyway, the best thing is that you don’t have to pay a lot of money, and you are still getting decent video quality for your racing or drifting vlogs.
Main Specifications:
- Video resolution: 4K at 25fps, 2.7K at 30fps, 1080p at 60/30fps, 720p at 120/60/30fps
- Photo resolution: 16MP
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Waterproofing: up to 100 feet (30 meters) with a case
- Screen: 2″ LCD screen
- Voice Control: n/a
- Battery: From 70 to 90 minutes of recording
- Stabilization: Built-in Electronic Image Stabilization
- Weight: 60g / 2.08oz
- An affordable price tag for a 4K video quality
- Comes with a lot of great accessories
- Well fulfilled design
- Good battery lifetime
- Wireless control
- Picture quality and resolution could be better
We think that if you are a beginner who doesn't know how the vlogging works and don't want to spend a lot of money on the first racing and drifting action camera - get yourself an AKASO EK7000 PRO one. It is under 70$ and provides 4K video quality. Plus it comes with a lot of great features and accessories.
Yes, in general, the overall build quality is lower, but for beginners and testing your vlogging skills it is the valuable and smooth camera for racing enthusiasts.
Additional Equipment for Drifting or Racing Videos
Despite the fact that you might need to buy a good camera that provides good video quality, we also recommend having additional accessories like mounting tripods or security cases to prevent any damage to your devices.
So yes, you might want to purchase additional accessories if they are not included in your action camera box.
What additional accessories you might need and why?
Here’s the list:
GoPro Suction Cup Mount
| Preview | Product | |
|---|---|---|
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GoPro Suction Cup Mount (GoPro Official Mount), Black | CHECK THE PRICE |
This is an original GoPro suction cup mount that allows you to attach your GoPro or any other similar action camera to the car.
You can use this tool to film your drift video from different angles inside the car or even outside of it.
This little cup mount can take speed up to 150 mph / 240 km, so you can race safely and securely with the attached action camera.
Besides, the quick-release feature allows you to de-attach the camera without any struggle.
SublimeWare Suction Cup – Non-GoPro Users
| Preview | Product | |
|---|---|---|
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SublimeWare Suction Cup for Gopro Mount Car Windshield Window Vehicle Boat Camera Holder for Gopro... | CHECK THE PRICE |
For those who are not using a GoPro and bought an alternative device – the SublimeWare Suction cup is also a great way to attach your action camera to your vehicle.
The SublimeWare suction cup comes with a compact design and mounts closer to the surface. As a result, you are getting less vibration in your video.
Action Cameras Housing
Sometimes, your vlogging camera might not be a waterproof, dustproof ant, etc. without the case.
If you are planning to spice up your drifting vlogs and add some water, dirt to your videos, or simply it started to rain – you need to have a cover to secure your action camera from water damage.
We haven’t separated each camera housing, because most of them do the job 100%. Taking everything into account, buy the right camera and just after that look for proper housing!
What Do We Select?
If you wish to record a great drifting or racing video for memories or other purposes like vlogging, you need to have a good camera.
These listed action cameras are made to film in extreme conditions, and drifting/racing is one of them. All cameras on our list shoot a 4K and Full HD video and have a great image resolution.
Here’s the deal:
We can’t argue that you could find some better cameras in the market for racing than YI 4K or Akaso. To be honest, there are a lot of similar cameras for pretty much the same price, but we tested these. Again, for that price, these are really good for beginners.
But, we suggest you stay with GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini, GoPro Hero 11 Black, or Hero 9 Black (even GoPro Hero 8 does the job well). To our mind, these cameras for racing or drifting activity are the best. Of course, if you are tired of the GoPro brand, then DJI Osmo Action should be an option for you.
If you really want to create amazing videos and start a YouTube channel for racing and drifting fans – these cameras should fit your needs.
Glen Beker
I am Glen and I’m a 100% tech-addicted guy, Blogger, Video Editor and Entrepreneur. I spent a lot of my time learning how to properly edit videos, I've tested a lot of vlogging equipment and now with my team, I share all these tips with you.
