Filming skateboarding with an action camera has never looked better — especially if you want the VX1000-style look with modern tech. This guide breaks down the best camera settings, lens choices, mounts, accessories and workflow tips for skate filmers using the Mini VX™ with GoPro, DJI Action and Insta360 cameras.
Whether you’re shooting VX-style follow lines, fisheye clips, long-lens B-roll or phone-ready vertical footage, this page will help you dial in the cleanest results.
1. Why Film Skateboarding with the Mini VX™?
The Mini VX™ is a VX1000-inspired, 3D-printed action camera cage designed for:
- GoPro Hero / Max
- DJI Osmo Action / Nano / 360
- Insta360 GO / One / Ace Pro
- and similar compact cameras using a standard GoPro-style mount
It gives your camera the familiar feel of a top-handle camcorder while letting you use modern stabilization, slow-motion, and low-light performance.
Key benefits for skate filming:
- Comfortable top-handle grip for follow lines
- Easy fisheye positioning
- Stable two-hand filming for long lens shots
- Built-in cable passthrough for charging + SSD
- Accessory mounting for lights, mics and phone monitoring
- A classic VX silhouette in a compact package
2. Best Settings for GoPro Hero / Max
Suggested GoPro settings for VX-style skate filming:
Resolution: 4K
FPS: 60fps for follow + 120fps for slowmo
Lens Mode: Linear + Horizon Lock OR SuperView for wide fisheye style
Stabilization: Hypersmooth ON
Shutter: Auto or 1/120 (if locking exposure)
ISO Max: 800 (avoid grain)
Sharpness: Low or Medium
Color: Flat (for grading)
Fisheye Lenses:
- GoPro Max Lens Mod (classic wide look)
- Third-party ultra-wide fisheye lenses
3. Best Settings for DJI Osmo Action / Nano / 360
DJI’s color and low-light performance is great for nighttime or indoor parks.
Recommended settings:
Resolution: 4K
FPS: 60fps
Stabilization: RockSteady ON
Field of View: Ultra-Wide
D-Cinelike: ON (for softer color grading)
ISO Max: 1600
The Action 4/5 works extremely well in the Mini VX™ because of its low-light clarity and natural motion rendering.
4. Best Settings for Insta360 GO / One / Ace Pro
The GO / One / Ace Pro are great for follow shots because it’s lightweight and has a wide FOV.
Recommended settings:
- Action mode
- 2.7K or 4K (depending on model)
- 30fps or 60fps
- Wide FOV
- Stabilization ON
- Color: Vivid for punchy skate clips
The smaller size pairs well with the Mini VX™ for quick and lightweight filming setups.
5. Using the Mini VX™ for VX1000-Style Filming
To get the VX feel, position your camera slightly forward in the cage and hold the top handle with a relaxed wrist.
Tips for proper VX-style framing:
- Keep your filmer hand low when following lines
- Let the camera ride close to the ground during pushes
- Stay slightly behind and to the side of the skater
- Cut in close on ledges, rails, and manuals
- For fisheye: get CLOSE — like classic VX filming
The Mini VX™ helps stabilize hand movement and gives a natural horizon.
6. Accessory Mounting & Setup Tips
The Mini VX™ includes:
✔ Top handle
✔ Side mounts (lights, mics, phone monitors)
✔ Accessory bay with cable passthrough
✔ Space for SSD caddies
✔ “Large Hood” option for bigger camera setups (Media Mod, external mic cases)
Best accessories for skate filming:
- Small shotgun mic
- Phone mount for live monitoring
- LED light for night clips
- Max Lens Mod or ultrawide fisheye
Recommended + tested add-ons:
You can find third-party tested accessories listed on the Mini VX™ product page — including verified mics, lights, cables, mounts and add-on parts that work cleanly with the Mini VX™ system.
Everything mounts tight, stays balanced, and keeps the classic VX silhouette intact while supporting modern filming workflows.
7. Vertical Filming (Reels/TikTok)
If you're filming for Instagram, the Mini VX™ Vertical Phone Mount lets you monitor or film portrait content easily.
Suggested vertical workflow:
- Shoot horizontal with the action cam
- Use your phone for behind-the-scenes vertical shots
- Capture follow lines in both formats
- Upload realtime filming + the final clip for better engagement
8. Recommended Filming Workflow for Skate Sessions
Before the session:
- Charge camera + battery bank
- Format SD card
- Wipe fisheye lens
- Pre-test stabilization and shutter
During the session:
- Stay low and close
- Avoid hard pans
- Follow the skater naturally
- Capture runs from multiple angles
- Get cutaway B-roll
After the session:
- Transfer footage
- Light grade (Flat → high contrast)
- Sharpen slightly
- Export at 4K or 1080p for Instagram
9. Common Questions
Q: Does the Mini VX™ work with GoPro Media Mod?
Yes — use the Large Hood for extra clearance.
Q: Can I charge my camera while filming?
Yes — the slide-out compartment includes a passthrough for USB-C cables.
Q: Does stabilization still work in the cage?
Yes — stabilization is internal to the camera.
Q: Does it fit an SSD?
Yes — The slide out compartment fits slim SSDs depending on your camera model.
Q: Does the Mini VX™ work with gimbal-based cameras or vlogging rigs?
A: The Mini VX™ is designed specifically for action cameras like GoPro, DJI Action, and Insta360 — cameras built for the impact, speed and unpredictability of skate filming. Vlogging or gimbal-based cameras aren’t ideal for skate environments.
⁉️ Still have questions? Visit our full guide or drop us a DM on Instagram.
10. Want to See How the Mini VX™ Is Made? (Behind the Build)
If you’re curious how each Mini VX™ goes from a hand-drawn sketch to a fully finished, 3D-printed action camera cage, I put together a full behind-the-scenes breakdown of the entire build process.
It covers:
- How the design starts on paper
- 3D modeling + prototyping
- Real-world skate filming tests
- PETG printing and tuning
- Hardware install, QC and final assembly
- Why small-batch 3D printing matters for skate filmers
👉 Read the full “How the Mini VX™ Is Made” guide
11. Where to Buy the Mini VX™
The Mini VX™ is designed, printed and assembled in-house by Mark Andrew in California.