How to Get Cinematic Footage with an Action Camera (Even as a Beginner)

Action cameras like the Insta360 X4, DJI Osmo Action 5, and GoPro Hero 13 are amazing tools for capturing adventure, travel, and everyday moments. But if you’ve ever felt like your footage looks too "amateur" — you're not alone.

Most people shoot shaky, overexposed, or awkwardly framed clips and wonder why their footage doesn't look like the smooth, polished shots they see in pro videos.

The good news? You don’t need to be a professional filmmaker or spend thousands on gear to capture cinematic action camera footage. With the right settings, techniques, and a few affordable accessories, you can dramatically improve the quality of your videos — even as a beginner.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you shoot stunning, cinematic footage with your action camera.

1. Choose the Right Camera Settings (Resolution, Frame Rate & Stabilization)

First, your footage starts with the right settings — and a lot of people overlook this.

🎬 Best cinematic settings to start with:

Resolution: Always shoot in 4K (or higher, like 5.3K or 8K, if your camera supports it). Higher resolution gives sharper, more detailed footage and room to crop in post.
Frame Rate: For that smooth "movie look," stick to 24fps (frames per second) — this is the standard for cinematic video.
Slow Motion: If you want to slow things down, film at 60fps or 120fps, then slow it down in editing. But don’t film everything in slow motion — it gets boring fast.
Stabilization: Turn on your camera's built-in stabilization — like HorizonSteady (DJI) or FlowState (Insta360) — for buttery smooth footage.

👉 Pro Tip: Avoid 240fps unless you have a specific shot in mind — the quality often drops at ultra-high frame rates.

2. Nail Your Exposure with ND Filters (Neutral Density Filters)

Want to know why pro footage looks smooth in bright sunlight? It's all about controlling your shutter speed, and ND filters help with that.

☀️ What are ND filters?

Think of them as sunglasses for your camera. They block out excess light so you can shoot at slower shutter speeds (like 1/48 for 24fps) for natural motion blur, which makes movements look smooth and cinematic.

👉 Pro Tip: For sunny days, an ND16 or ND32 is usually perfect. For cloudy days, ND8 might be enough.

3. Stabilize Your Shots (Even More Than Built-in Stabilization)

While modern action cameras offer amazing stabilization, how you hold and move the camera matters too.

💡 Ways to stabilize for cinematic shots:

Use a tripod or selfie stick for static shots or smooth panning.
Hold the stick close to your body to avoid "floaty" arm movements.
Use slow, controlled movements — don't jerk or rush.
Consider a gimbal for next-level smoothness, especially for walking or running shots.

👉 Pro Tip: Combine your camera’s stabilization with good handling — the difference is night and day!

4. Master Composition: Frame Your Shots Like a Pro

Cinematic footage is all about how you compose your shot. Instead of just pointing and recording, think about what you want to show and how to show it beautifully.

🎥 Basic composition tips:

Rule of Thirds: Place the subject off-center to make shots more interesting.
Leading Lines: Use roads, fences, or rivers to guide the viewer’s eye.
Foreground Elements: Add something close to the lens to create depth — plants, rocks, railings.
Wide Shots: Use wide angles to capture the whole scene — perfect for landscapes.
Low Angles: Make shots more dramatic by shooting from a low point of view.

👉 Pro Tip: Think of every shot like a photograph. Ask yourself, "Would this look good as a still image?"

5. Move With Purpose: Slow, Smooth Movements

Too many beginners move the camera too fast — whipping it around or making jerky pans. Instead, think like a filmmaker and move slowly and intentionally.

🎥 Movement tips for cinematic shots:

Walk slowly while keeping the camera stable.
Pan (turn) the camera slowly and smoothly — give viewers time to take in the scene.
Hold shots longer — don’t cut too fast. Let a shot linger for 5–10 seconds for editing flexibility.

👉 Pro Tip: Plan your movements before you press record — have a start and end point in mind.

6. Play with Light: Shoot During Golden Hour

Lighting makes a HUGE difference in how cinematic your footage looks.

✨ Best times to shoot:

Golden Hour — the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset. Soft, warm light that looks amazing on camera.
Overcast days — great for soft, even lighting without harsh shadows.

👉 Avoid shooting in harsh midday sun if you can — or use ND filters to manage exposure.

7. Bonus: Color Grading for a Cinematic Look

If you want to really elevate your footage, color grading in post can add that final polish.

🎬 Easy color grading tips:

Shoot in Flat or Log color profiles (if available) to preserve dynamic range.
In editing (DaVinci Resolve, Premiere, or even CapCut), adjust:
- Contrast and exposure.
- Color temperature — warm it up for a cinematic feel.
- Add LUTs (Look-Up Tables) for instant film-style looks (plenty of free options online).

👉 Pro Tip: Don’t overdo it — subtle adjustments look more professional.

How to Get Cinematic Footage with an Action Camera (Even as a Beginner)

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Be a Pro to Film Like One

You don't need a $5,000 setup to create beautiful, cinematic footage.With the right action camera settings, smart accessories like ND filters and selfie sticks, and a bit of practice with movement and composition, you can make stunning videos that look way beyond beginner level.

Need Help? Drop a Comment!

If you’re just starting out or have questions about specific gear (like Insta360 X4, DJI Action 5, or GoPro Hero 13), leave a comment below — I’m happy to help you get started!

How to Get Cinematic Footage with an Action Camera (Even as a Beginner)