12 essential camera movements to use in AI video (with examples)

Animating static images with AI gives a lot opportunities. A subtle push-in can turn a product photo into a teaser and a panning shot can turn a landscape into an establishing scene.

We’ve collected 12 essential camera movements that you can use in your prompts to control the action.

Animating with LetsEnhance

LetsEnhance’s recent image-to-video tool turns static images into high-quality, cinematic clips. In less than 90 seconds, you can get 5-second 1080p MP4s to use across social media, e-commerce, and personal storytelling. It offers one-click presets, camera movements and pace speed but you can also take full control using the text prompt box. This is where you can truly direct the scene.

To do this, you need to speak the language of a director. Your prompt should focus purely on the motion: where the camera moves, how fast it goes, and what new details are revealed. Here is the simple and effective prompt structure:

[Camera direction] + [Scene pace] + [Action/motion] + [Atmospheric details]

Let’s dive straight in and explore various camera movements to create simple and complex cinematic sequences.

Most common camera movements

Static (locked-off)

In static  motion, the camera doesn't move at all. Movement comes entirely from the subject or the environment (e.g. wind, rain, lights). It’s best for interviews, animations with people where subtle facial expressions are important, or chaotic scenes where camera movement would be distracting.

Prompt example: "Static shot, natural pace, steam rising steadily from cup, rain streaks on glass."

Pan (left/right)

In pan left or right, the camera swivels horizontally from a fixed point, like a head turning left or right. It’s the standard move for following action or revealing a landscape without moving the camera's base. It’s more suitable for showing a wide landscape, following a moving vehicle, or revealing a second subject.

• Prompt example: "Pan right, smooth speed, following the motorcycle's path, dust swirling."

Tilt (up/down)

In tilt movement, the camera angles moves up or down from a fixed point, emphasizing height or size. Consider this camera movement for showing tall buildings, revealing an outfit from shoes to face, or emphasizing a character’s power (low angle looking up).

• Prompt example: "Tilt up, slow majestic pace, revealing the peak against the sky, fast-moving clouds."

Push-in (dolly In)

The camera physically moves toward the subject. This creates intimacy or focuses attention on a specific detail. Unlike a zoom, a push-in changes the perspective and the background seems to "wrap" around the subject. You can experiment with this movement to highlight a product feature, increase intensity, or introduce a character.

• Prompt example: "Slow push in, intimate pace, intensity increasing on the bottle, light glinting off glass."

Pull-back (dolly Out)

As you can already guess, with pull-back motion the camera moves backward, away from the subject. This reveals the environment around the subject, adds context or signals the end of a scene. Unlike a zoom out, objects close to the camera move faster than the background and it gives the scene true cinematic depth. Dolly out motion is best to use for reveals, ending a clip, or showing a subject's isolation.

• Prompt example: "Pull back, steady reveal, showing the surrounding city street, people walking around."

Truck (left/right)

The entire camera physically moves left or right, parallel to the subject. Unlike a pan, the perspective of the background shifts constantly. You can use this movement for walking and talking scenes, or scanning along a shelf of products.

• Prompt example: "Truck left, consistent pace, keeping pace with runner, revealing the products on the shelf."

Pedestal (up/down)

In pedestal movement, the entire camera physically moves up or down like an elevator, rather than just tilting. Note that the lens angle stays straight ahead. It’s mostly used for cases to reveal something behind a wall, or matching a character as they stand up.

• Prompt example: "Pedestal up, slow reveal, rising to show the hidden garden, sunlight flaring."

Tracking shot

Tracking shots follow a moving subject, matching their speed and direction. This keeps the subject sharp while the background blurs past. Use this for action scenes, sports, or following a character through a crowd.

• Prompt example: "Tracking shot, fast dynamic pace, following the run, grass blurring in foreground."

Orbit / arc

Just like the name suggests, the camera circles around the subject while keeping them in the center of the frame. It adds a dynamic, 360-degree feel that separates the subject from the background. You can use this movement to get gero shots of characters, automotive showcases, or make a static product look epic.

• Prompt example: "Orbit clockwise, smooth cinematic pace, circling the car, neon reflections shifting on metal."

Crane / boom

With this one, the camera sweeps up and away (or down and in) from a high vantage point and simulates the camera on a crane arm. It usually combines vertical movement with a bit of horizontal drift. It’s more suitable for epic establishing shots of cities, crowds, or concerts.

• Prompt example: "Crane up, sweeping grandiose pace, revealing the vast crowd size, confetti drifting."

Rack focus

With rack focus, the camera changes focus from a subject in the foreground to a subject in the background, or vice versa. It’s used for situations when you want to shift the viewer's attention from one person to another without cutting.

• Prompt example: "Rack focus, gentle transition, shifting sharpness to the house in back, flowers swaying."

Crash zoom

Crash zoom gives a very fast, dramatic zoom into a subject. It adds sudden energy or comedic effect. In general, it’s used for action beats, realizing a shock, or stylized music videos.

• Prompt example: "Crash zoom, lightning fast, snapping to the cat's face, sudden motion blur."

Getting started with LetsEnhance

You don't need a film crew to get these kinds of shots. You just need the right tool and right words. All the animation examples you’ve seen above were generated with LetsEnhance’s AI Video. It's a fast, high-quality, and powerful tool to transform any static image into a cinematic video in seconds.

Sign up today and start creating animations with 10 credits per animation only.

• Format: MP4
• Duration: 5 seconds
• Quality: 1080p output
• Aspect ratios: 16:9 (landscape), 9:16 (vertical/portrait), 1:1 (square) 

FAQ

What is the golden rule for writing AI video prompts? 

Always focus on motion over appearance. Use active, kinetic verbs (e.g. glides, drifts, swirls, rushes) and clear camera directions. A good example of a video prompt: "Camera pans right, leaves blowing in the wind."

How do I make the movement look more cinematic? 

Use specific cinematography terminology rather than vague instructions. Avoid saying, "Make it look cool" or "add movement." Instead use words like "Slow push-in," "Tracking shot," or "Aerial view." The model responds precisely to these technical terms, giving you better control over the final look.

Does the AI understand physics and emotions? 

Yes. AI models excel at realistic physics (gravity, fluids, light behavior) and expressive emotion (micro-expressions, genuine reactions). You can prompt for subtle details like "hair blowing gently," "water rippling," or "subtle smile" to take advantage of these capabilities.Does the AI understand physics and emotions? 

Can I control the mood of the video? 

Absolutely. While the image dictates the main lighting, you can include style and mood modifiers in your prompt to guide the animation's vibe. Keywords like dreamy, gritty, serene, chaotic, or fast-paced help the AI understand how the camera and subject should move to match that feeling.

What are the supported formats, video specs, and technical details for LetsEnhance’s AI Video? 

LetsEnhance’s AI Video accepts images in JPG, PNG, or WebP formats. Each video is created in 1080p HD at 24 frames per second and saved as an MP4 file. Animations are five seconds long and are generated in about 90 seconds. Creating one video costs 10 credits on any paid plan.