70 dollars burning up

[mechanicalbrain]

We had a camera on our robot burn up. this camera was connected to the main power source (through a spike not directly of course) and we had just connected it. It ran fine for several hours but the robot was suspended and couldn't move. Later when we ran it on the ground the wire burned through the rubber and the camera emitted a foul smelling cloud of smoke. I'm almost positive there was a spike in current caused by our motors when the robot turned (we really need a better drive train and the motors literally fight each other). My only worry is how to protect the camera. I'm thinking a resistor or a DC regulator. Also I'm considering using a capacitor to provide power to the camera when the motors cause a power dip, and I'm wondering if this fits under the "no other power source rule". Any help or advice would be great meanwhile ill shop for another camera.