Camera MovementsCamera MovementsDefinitions & Meaning

PanPan

DEFINITION:The horizontal movement of a camera from left to right or vice versa, where the camera base is static

DRAMATIC MEANING:New information is revealed. It could be about the parameters of a location, an important clue, or a hidden character

Pan Example: TrafficPan Example: Traffic

TiltTilt

DEFINITION:A camera movement in which the base remains stationary, but the head of the camera moves up and down

DRAMATIC MEANING:Used as a reveal to- sizing up a building or another character

Tilt Example: Raging BullTilt Example: Raging Bull

Tracking ShotTracking Shot

DEFINITION:A camera movement where the camera follows the action on rails or tracks

DRAMATIC MEANING:Often used to follow action

Tracking Shot ExampleTracking Shot Example

DollyDolly

DEFINITION:A platform on wheels, on which a camera can be placed in order to allow more freedom of movement during filming. Not restricted to simple rectilinear movements

DRAMATIC MEANING:Used to follow action

Dolly ExampleDolly Example

CraneCrane

DEFINITION:The camera is placed on an arm and allows it to be lifted into the air, often for high-angle shots

DRAMATIC MEANING:Can be used to reveal secrets and pertinent events

Crane Example: The PlayerCrane Example: The Player

SteadicamSteadicam

DEFINITION:Has the freedom of a handheld shot but its stabilisation device smoothes out the bumpiness of the handheld shot

DRAMATIC MEANING:Can be used for point-of-view shots, but also used to suggest dreams and fantasies

Steadicam Example: Russian ArkSteadicam Example: Russian Ark

HandheldHandheld

DEFINITION:The camera is literally handheld by the camera operator. Often bumpy/jerky

DRAMATIC MEANING:Often used to suggest instability

Handheld Example: The Blair Handheld Example: The Blair Witch ProjectWitch Project

ZoomZoom

DEFINITION:A single shot which moves towards a particular subject

DRAMATIC MEANING:When done very quickly it can displace the audience, but it can also be used to concentrate the viewers’ gaze on something specific

Zoom ExampleZoom Example

Reverse ZoomReverse Zoom

DEFINITION:A single shot which moves away from a particular subject

DRAMATIC MEANING:When done very quickly it can displace the audience, but it can also be used to show the wider picture or context of an image

Reverse Zoom Example: VertigoReverse Zoom Example: Vertigo