Research and Planning - Camera Movement

Camera Movement Research

Even though holding the camera still in the first place can be a difficult task, there are many ways in professional filming to move the camera to give an affect or portray a scene or setting in different ways, dependent on the camera movement.

Pan movement
Panning is one of the most commonly used camera movements in filming. This is done while the camera is still attached to the tripod, and the camera is pivoted from left to right or vice versa. This is a curvature motion and doesn't go directly from side to side, but the camera always remains stationary whilst the shot is being taken. This type of shot is often used for an establishing shot.

Tilt movement
This camera movement is the counterpoint to the panning movement. The camera again is attached to the tripod, but instead of moving the camera from side to side, it is moved up and down at an angle around the pivot. This could be used when looking up at something or someone to portray their/its significance and power.

Zoom movement
The Zoom is commonly used for the image to appear closer or farther away while the camera remains in its standard position. In most circumstances it is better to use Zoom than readjust the position of the camera, but it may be harder to achieve perfect image focus and appropriate light when Zooming in on an object that is far away.

Dolly
This is when you move the camera backwards or forwards while filming but without using the zoom. It is reffered to as to Dolly in or Dolly out.

Truck
If you want to move the camera left or right it is called a Truck Right or Truck Left. The same principle applies as with the Dolly Left or Right, and it is best to use a platform with hydraulic wheels attached to keep everything smooth.

Arc
If you are going to Tilt up or down while you are Panning left or right this would be called an Arc Left or Arc Right. This is a motion that you would be using a lot when trying to keep a moving subject in frame.

Pedestal
If you want the camera to go directly up or down it is usually called a Pedestal Up or Pedestal Down. This term comes from older television studio cameras that have hydraulic pedestals for going up or down. Most tripods do not have an easy way to do this.