Is it possible to get Cinematic Bokeh with Action Camera?

Typically, action cameras with fisheye lenses produce very flat video with the whole image area being sharp and lacking a point-of-focus, which leaves many action camera users desiring to get a DSLR camera in order to get bokeh in their video to mimic the cinematic effects in the movies. DSLR cameras feature a much larger image sensor than ones in action cameras, such as 4/3", APS-C and full frame.  The general rule is the larger the sensor the stronger the bokeh effects, so full frame sensors produce the most dramatic bokeh effect. 



The other two camera contributing factors in producing bokeh effects is the focal length of the lens and the size of the aperture.  Generally the longer the focal length of the lens the stronger the bokeh effect and the larger the aperture the more dramatic the bokeh. 


Then, there is one more contributing factor to the bokeh effect is the distance between the camera and the subject.  Generally, the closer the subject to the camera, the stronger the bokeh effect, the farther the subject, the less bokeh you will get.



Knowing action cameras' sensors are at a huge disadvantage, we can at least maximize on making the longest focal length lens that our camera system can still effectively stabilize the video footage, also making the largest aperture that we can.  For IDOLCAM, we created a 110mm f1.4 lens to maximize the bokeh effect even though it has a Sony action camera sensor.


The other thing we can do to increase the bokeh effect is to shoot our subjects at the closest distance possible to further increase the bokeh effect.  With the IDOLCAM 110mm f1.4 combo, we are able to capture pleasing bokeh at half body. 


Now you know, even with action cameras, we can achieve good bokeh with the IDOLCAM 110mm f1.4 lens, you can modify your Gopro or other action cameras by swapping out the default fisheye lens. Or simply get our IDOLCAM and a 110mm f1.4 lens combo, so you can get the best of both worlds, compactness, bokeh and great stabilization all in one device.



***notice, the 110mm lens can be a very shaky lens for action cameras, so you may need a gimbal in order to get stable video if you are planning to modify your action cameras.



Check out our video test below,

Get IDOLCAM 110mm f1.4 lens