ATTENTION! Yes, the rumors are true. This site will soon be SHUT DOWN! Why? Why does the sun rise in the east? Why is water wet?

So if you want any souvenirs, you'd better get 'em while they're hot! Because soon they'll be gone, gone, gone! With the wind!




Types of Camera Movements

Tilt

  • Camera stays in one place while it swivels up or down
  • Changes angle
  • Can be used to reveal something hidden at the beginning of a shot
  • Emphasizes length and height

Pan

  • Camera stays fixed in place and moves left or right
  • Can be used to give a panoramic view, establish a scene, show hidden elements of a scene, build tension
  • Emphasizes length and width

Zoom

  • Camera stays in one place while lens zooms in or out
  • Can be used to emphasize part of a shot, to add drama, speed, or tension
  • Do not overuse

Boom

Also called jib or pedestal

  • Entire camera moves up or down
  • Camera is fixed to one position, usually a tripod
  • Used to shoot a tall character or subject, or to reveal hidden element

Dolly

  • Camera moves toward or away from the subject

Truck

  • Camera moves horizontally along a fixed line
  • Used to 'follow' a subject

Handheld

  • Camera is not on a tripod, but rather held in the hands of the camera person.

Roll

  • Rotates the camera to the side
  • Rarely used
  • Used to disorient the viewer

See resources linked in the bookmarks

Camera movement