21 October 2026
How to get a cinematic look on any camera
Practical tips for cinematic video: frame rate, shutter angle, ND filters, shallow depth of field, diffusion and camera movement.
Shoot at 24fps with the 180-degree rule
Film the way cinema does: 24 frames per second with a shutter speed of about 1/50. This gives natural motion blur that reads as "film".
Use ND filters outdoors
To keep that shutter speed in bright sunlight with a wide aperture, you need neutral density. A variable ND such as the NiSi True Color VND 1-5 stops lets you adjust quickly.
Shallow depth of field
Fast lenses like the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN or Sony 85mm F1.8 blur the background and isolate your subject.
Soften the image
Digital sensors can look too sharp. A diffusion filter such as the Moment CineBloom adds a gentle glow to highlights.
Move the camera with purpose
Slow, motivated movement feels cinematic. A gimbal such as the DJI RS 4 or a tripod with a fluid head gives smooth pans and pushes.
Shoot in log and grade
Cameras like the Sony FX3A and Sony A7S III record S-Log3, which keeps more highlight and shadow detail for colour grading.
Light with contrast
Cinematic images usually have more shadow than corporate video. Use one strong soft key and let the other side fall off.
Featured gear
Sony FX3A
Sony A7S III
Nisi True Color VND 1-5 Stops 82mm
Moment CineBloom 10% 82mm
Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN FE
Sony 85mm F1.8 FE
DJI Ronin RS4
iFootage TC6 Carbon Fiber Tripod with Fluid Head
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