Best Action Camera That Can Shoot in 24fps for Cinematic Footage

The best action camera that can shoot in 24fps delivers cinematic, film-like motion perfect for professional-grade storytelling. With smooth, natural motion blur and wide dynamic range, models like the GoPro Hero12 Black and DJI Osmo Action 4 excel in low light and high-speed scenarios. These cameras combine 24fps recording with rugged durability, making them ideal for filmmakers who demand both quality and versatility in extreme conditions.

Key Takeaways

• Choose 24fps for cinematic motion blur: Ideal for film-like footage in action scenes.
• Prioritize high bitrate recording: Ensures better detail and smoother post-production editing.
• Look for advanced stabilization: Keeps 24fps footage steady during fast movements.
• Verify dynamic range performance: Preserves shadow and highlight details in varied lighting.
• Opt for RAW photo support: Enhances flexibility in color grading and editing.
• Ensure durable, weather-sealed design: Protects camera during intense outdoor shoots.
• Check low-light capabilities: Maintains clarity when shooting at dusk or dawn.

Why 24fps Matters for Cinematic Action Footage

Have you ever watched an action film and felt like you were right in the middle of the chaos? The sweeping shots of mountain bikers carving down trails, skiers gliding through fresh powder, or divers exploring coral reefs—all have a dreamy, almost magical quality. That’s the power of 24fps, or 24 frames per second. It’s the standard frame rate used in most Hollywood films, and it gives footage that cinematic, slightly soft motion blur we associate with movies. While 60fps or 120fps are great for slow-motion, 24fps is the sweet spot for storytelling, drama, and emotional impact.

For content creators, filmmakers, and adventure enthusiasts, finding an action camera that shoots in 24fps isn’t just a technical checkbox—it’s a creative necessity. But not all action cameras handle 24fps the same way. Some struggle with rolling shutter, others lack dynamic range, and a few even drop resolution when switching to this frame rate. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best action cameras that can shoot in 24fps, what makes them stand out, and how to use them to capture truly cinematic moments. Whether you’re filming your first vlog or a high-octane ski run, this is your go-to resource.

What Makes 24fps Special for Cinematic Storytelling

You might be wondering: “Why not just shoot in 30fps or 60fps and convert it later?” Great question. While you *can* convert frame rates in post, nothing beats shooting natively in 24fps. It’s not just about the number—it’s about how the camera processes motion, light, and color at that specific rate.

The “Film Look” and Motion Blur

24fps creates a natural motion blur that mimics how our eyes perceive movement. At 60fps, everything looks hyper-real and sharp, which is great for sports but can feel too clinical for cinematic storytelling. Shooting at 24fps gives your footage a slightly softer, more organic flow—like the difference between a documentary and a blockbuster. Think of it this way: when you’re riding a dirt bike through a forest, 24fps captures the rustling leaves and wind in a way that feels immersive, not just fast.

For example, I once shot a sunrise hike at 24fps and 60fps on the same camera. The 60fps version was crisp, but the 24fps clip had a dreamy, golden-hour glow that made the whole scene feel like a memory. That’s the magic of 24fps.

Dynamic Range and Bitrate at 24fps

Many high-end action cameras actually perform better at 24fps because they can dedicate more processing power to dynamic range and bitrate. For instance, when a camera shoots 4K at 24fps, it can use a higher bitrate (like 100 Mbps) compared to 4K at 60fps (often 60–80 Mbps). This means better detail in shadows and highlights, which is crucial when you’re shooting in harsh sunlight or deep shadows. A higher bitrate also means fewer compression artifacts—those annoying pixel blocks that ruin otherwise beautiful footage.

Tip: If you’re shooting in HDR mode, always check if 24fps is supported. Some cameras disable HDR at higher frame rates, but keep it active at 24fps, giving you even more cinematic latitude.

Creative Control and Editing Workflow

Shooting natively in 24fps simplifies your editing workflow. You don’t have to conform footage to match your timeline, and your audio stays perfectly synced (a big deal if you’re recording voiceovers or ambient sound). Plus, most editing software—like DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, or Final Cut Pro—defaults to 24fps for film projects. Starting with the right frame rate saves hours of rendering and re-timing.

Pro tip: If you’re planning to mix 24fps with drone footage (like a DJI Mavic), make sure your drone also shoots in 24fps. Mixing frame rates can cause subtle sync issues that are hard to fix later.

Top 5 Action Cameras That Shoot in 24fps (With Real-World Performance)

Not all action cameras are created equal when it comes to 24fps. Some promise it but deliver subpar image quality or limited resolution. After testing and reviewing dozens of models, here are the top 5 action cameras that truly excel at 24fps—without sacrificing cinematic quality.

1. GoPro Hero12 Black

The GoPro Hero12 Black is the gold standard for 24fps shooting. It supports 5.3K at 24fps with a 10-bit color depth and 100 Mbps bitrate—perfect for color grading. What sets it apart is its HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization, which works flawlessly at 24fps, even in 5.3K. No jello effect, no warping, just buttery-smooth motion.

Real-world test: I mounted it on a mountain bike for a downhill run. The footage looked like it was shot on a gimbal, even though I was bouncing over rocks. The dynamic range handled the bright sky and dark forest shadows beautifully. Downsides? The battery life drops to about 50 minutes at 5.3K/24fps, so bring extras.

• Best for: High-resolution cinematic action with pro-level stabilization
• Resolution at 24fps: 5.3K, 4K, 2.7K
• Color depth: 10-bit (HDR10)
• Stabilization: HyperSmooth 6.0

2. DJI Osmo Action 4

The DJI Osmo Action 4 is a sleeper hit. It shoots 4K at 24fps with a massive 1/1.3-inch sensor—much larger than most action cameras. This means better low-light performance and more cinematic depth of field. DJI’s RockSteady 3.0 stabilization is also top-notch, and it supports D-Cinelike color profile for advanced grading.

I used it during a nighttime beach bonfire. The footage was surprisingly clean, with minimal noise and rich shadows. The only downside? The 4K/24fps mode caps at 80 Mbps, slightly lower than GoPro. But for most creators, that’s more than enough.

• Best for: Low-light cinematic scenes and natural color grading
• Resolution at 24fps: 4K, 2.7K
• Sensor size: 1/1.3-inch (larger than average)
• Stabilization: RockSteady 3.0

3. Insta360 Ace Pro

The Insta360 Ace Pro is a wildcard—it’s not just a 360 camera. In standard mode, it shoots 8K at 24fps (yes, 8K!) with a 1/1.3-inch sensor and 10-bit color. The FlowState stabilization is so good, it rivals gimbals. It also has a unique “Leica co-engineered” lens for richer colors.

I tested it on a kayaking trip. The 8K resolution captured every ripple and bird in stunning detail. But be warned: 8K files are massive (about 2 GB per minute). You’ll need fast cards and a beefy computer. Also, the touchscreen is a bit laggy in cold weather.

• Best for: Ultra-high-resolution cinematic projects
• Resolution at 24fps: 8K, 4K, 2.7K
• Sensor size: 1/1.3-inch
• Stabilization: FlowState (AI-powered)

4. Sony ZV-1 II (Compact Alternative)

If you want cinematic quality without the action camera form factor, the Sony ZV-1 II is a fantastic option. It’s technically a vlogging camera, but it shoots 4K at 24fps with 10-bit 4:2:2 color—something most action cameras lack. The Real-time Tracking AF keeps subjects sharp, even in motion.

I used it for a hiking vlog. The background blur (bokeh) was gorgeous, and the audio was crystal clear. Downsides? It’s not waterproof, so you’ll need a housing for extreme conditions. Also, no built-in stabilization, so a small gimbal is recommended.

• Best for: Vloggers and hybrid shooters who want cinema-grade color
• Resolution at 24fps: 4K
• Color depth: 10-bit 4:2:2 (pro-grade)
• Stabilization: None (use external gimbal)

5. AKASO Brave 8 (Budget Pick)

The AKASO Brave 8 proves you don’t need to spend $400+ for decent 24fps footage. It shoots 4K at 24fps with 60 Mbps bitrate and basic EIS stabilization. While it lacks 10-bit color, the image is surprisingly clean in daylight.

I tested it on a budget ski trip. The footage was sharp, and the stabilization handled moderate bumps well. But in low light, it gets grainy. Still, for under $200, it’s a solid entry-level option.

• Best for: Beginners or budget-conscious creators
• Resolution at 24fps: 4K, 2.7K
• Color depth: 8-bit
• Stabilization: Basic EIS

How to Optimize Your Camera Settings for 24fps Cinematic Footage

Shooting at 24fps is just the start. To get truly cinematic results, you need to tweak your settings. Here’s what I’ve learned from years of trial and error.

Resolution vs. Bitrate: The Trade-Off

Higher resolution (like 5.3K or 8K) sounds great, but it’s not always better. At 24fps, I recommend prioritizing bitrate over resolution. A 4K/100 Mbps clip will look more cinematic than a 5.3K/60 Mbps clip because the higher bitrate preserves more detail and reduces compression artifacts.

Rule of thumb: If your camera offers 4K at 100 Mbps or higher at 24fps, use that over 5.3K at lower bitrates. The extra resolution isn’t worth the quality loss unless you’re cropping heavily in post.

Color Profiles: Flat vs. Vivid

For cinematic grading, use a flat color profile (like GoPro’s “Flat,” DJI’s “D-Cinelike,” or Sony’s “S-Log3”). These profiles preserve more dynamic range and make color grading easier. Avoid “Vivid” or “Natural” modes—they crush shadows and blow out highlights.

Example: I shot a sunset scene in “Vivid” mode once. The colors looked great straight out of camera, but I couldn’t recover the sky highlights in post. Switching to “Flat” mode gave me the flexibility to grade the footage later.

Stabilization: On or Off?

Most action cameras have built-in stabilization, but it can sometimes create a “floating” effect that feels unnatural. For cinematic footage, I recommend:

• On: For fast, bumpy action (like mountain biking or skiing)
• Off: For slow, deliberate shots (like walking through a forest or time-lapses)

Also, if you’re using an external gimbal (like a DJI RS 3 Mini), turn off the camera’s stabilization to avoid double-processing.

Audio: Don’t Forget the Sound

Cinematic footage isn’t just about visuals. Bad audio can ruin a great shot. If your camera has a mic input, use a lavalier or shotgun mic. If not, record ambient sound separately and sync it in post. I use a Zoom H1n recorder for this—it’s cheap and effective.

Accessories and Mounts for Cinematic 24fps Shots

The right gear can elevate your 24fps footage from “good” to “wow.” Here are my go-to accessories.

Stabilization: Gimbals vs. Built-In

While built-in stabilization is great, a gimbal (like the DJI RS 3 Mini or Zhiyun Weebill-S) gives you more creative control. It’s perfect for smooth tracking shots, dolly movements, or even handheld walking shots. I use mine for “walk-and-talk” vlogs—it makes the footage look like it’s on a dolly track.

Tip: If you’re using a gimbal, turn off the camera’s stabilization to avoid warping.

Filters: ND and Polarizing

Shooting in bright sunlight? Use an ND filter to maintain a cinematic shutter speed (1/48 or 1/50 sec). Without it, your footage will look too sharp and video-like. I recommend a 3-stop or 6-stop ND filter for most outdoor scenes.

A polarizing filter is also great for reducing glare on water or foliage. It makes colors pop without over-saturating.

External Monitors and LUTs

For pro-level grading, use an external monitor (like the Atomos Shinobi) with a LUT (Look-Up Table). A LUT gives you a preview of your graded footage in real time. I use a “Kodak 2383” LUT for a classic film look.

Battery and Storage Solutions

24fps footage, especially in 4K or higher, eats up storage and battery. Always carry:

• Extra batteries (or a USB-C power bank)
• High-speed microSD cards (UHS-II or V90 rated)
• A card reader for quick offloading

Real-World Examples: How 24fps Transforms Your Footage

Let’s look at how 24fps changes the feel of different scenes. I’ve tested these with my GoPro Hero12 and DJI Osmo Action 4.

Mountain Biking: The Flow of Motion

At 24fps, the bike’s movement feels fluid and rhythmic. The 1/48 sec shutter speed creates natural motion blur on the wheels and trees. In contrast, 60fps makes the action feel too fast and disjointed.

Underwater: The Dreamy Effect

Water already slows down motion. At 24fps, it looks even more serene. I shot coral reef footage at 24fps and 60fps. The 24fps version felt like a nature documentary; the 60fps version felt like a sports highlight.

Time-Lapses: The Cinematic Transition

For time-lapses, 24fps gives you a smooth, film-like transition between frames. I shot a sunset time-lapse at 24fps and 30fps. The 24fps version had a more dramatic, cinematic pace.

Camera Model	Max Resolution at 24fps	Bitrate (24fps)	Stabilization	Best Use Case
GoPro Hero12 Black	5.3K	100 Mbps	HyperSmooth 6.0	High-speed action
DJI Osmo Action 4	4K	80 Mbps	RockSteady 3.0	Low-light scenes
Insta360 Ace Pro	8K	100 Mbps (8K)	FlowState	Ultra-high-resolution
Sony ZV-1 II	4K	100 Mbps (10-bit)	None	Vlogging/hybrid
AKASO Brave 8	4K	60 Mbps	Basic EIS	Budget projects

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right 24fps Action Camera for You

Finding the best action camera that can shoot in 24fps isn’t about specs alone—it’s about matching the camera to your creative vision. If you’re a pro filmmaker, the GoPro Hero12 Black or Insta360 Ace Pro will give you the resolution and color depth you need. For low-light scenes, the DJI Osmo Action 4’s large sensor is a game-changer. And if you’re on a budget, the AKASO Brave 8 proves you don’t have to break the bank for cinematic footage.

Remember: 24fps isn’t just a number—it’s a creative choice. It’s about capturing the soul of the moment, not just the action. So grab your camera, set it to 24fps, and start telling your story. Whether you’re chasing waves, climbing mountains, or just walking through a park, the magic is in the motion—and now, you’ve got the tools to capture it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose an action camera that can shoot in 24fps for cinematic footage?

Shooting in 24fps mimics the traditional film look, giving your videos a cinematic feel ideal for storytelling and professional content. An action camera that can shoot in 24fps ensures smooth, natural motion blur that’s preferred by filmmakers and videographers.

What is the best action camera that can shoot in 24fps for low-light conditions?

The DJI Osmo Action 4 and GoPro Hero12 Black excel in low-light with 24fps capabilities, thanks to larger sensors and advanced image stabilization. Both deliver clean, detailed footage even in challenging lighting, making them ideal for nighttime or indoor adventures.

Can I use an action camera that shoots 24fps for vlogging or social media?

Absolutely! While 24fps is cinematic, many creators use it for vlogs to achieve a polished, film-like aesthetic. Pair it with good lighting and stabilization, and your content will stand out on platforms like YouTube and Instagram.

Does shooting in 24fps affect the battery life of an action camera?

Generally, 24fps consumes slightly less power than higher frame rates (like 60fps), as the camera processes fewer frames per second. However, battery life also depends on resolution, screen usage, and other settings, so always carry spares for long shoots.

Are there budget-friendly action cameras that can shoot in 24fps?

Yes, models like the Akaso Brave 8 and Insta360 ONE RS offer 24fps recording at lower price points. While they may lack advanced features of premium brands, they’re great for beginners or casual creators seeking cinematic footage without overspending.

How does 24fps compare to 30fps or 60fps on an action camera?

24fps delivers a cinematic, film-like look with subtle motion blur, while 30fps is more TV-friendly and 60fps offers ultra-smooth playback for fast action. Choose 24fps for storytelling, 30fps for general use, and 60fps for sports or slow-motion shots.