Chase shot
Also known as: follow shot, chase cam drone, pursuit shot
A shot where the camera follows directly behind a moving subject, matching its speed, to show the action and the path ahead from the subject point of view.
Updated
What it means
In a chase shot, the camera, usually a drone, pursues the subject from behind: a car on a winding road, a mountain biker on a trail, a skier down a slope or a boat on the water. Viewers see the subject and the terrain ahead, which creates a strong sense of speed and anticipation.
Chase shots can be flown manually, with automated tracking like ActiveTrack, or by an FPV drone that can match fast subjects and fly close behind them. On the ground, a rider following another rider with a camera creates a chase cam version of the same idea.
The closer and lower the camera, the faster the shot feels.
How it works in practice
Match the subject speed before they reach the interesting section, and keep a consistent distance. Slightly higher altitude gives a safer, wider view, while low and close feels intense but leaves little margin.
For cars, empty roads and safe locations are essential. For bikers and skiers, agree on the line and speed, and keep the drone at a safe distance behind and above. FPV pilots often fly just above head height for the most dramatic chase footage, then pull up into a rise at the end.
Combining a chase shot with a slow rise or a turn at the end gives a natural transition to the next scene.
What to watch out for
If the subject stops suddenly or falls, a close chase drone can hit them. Keep enough distance to react, and never chase over people who are not part of the shoot.
Trees, power lines and signs along the route are major hazards, especially when the pilot watches the subject. Scout the path first, ideally walking or riding it once with the drone pilot.
Automated tracking may lose fast subjects or fail in complex terrain. Keep your hands ready to take over, and choose Sport mode carefully, since it may disable obstacle sensing.
How RawClip handles it
Aerial chase clips paired with POV footage from the rider make a powerful, energetic combination. Upload both, and RawClip mixes the best moments from each angle into one highlight synced to music.