Video Basics: How to set up a good shot (part 3)

Moving the camera often takes a great deal of time and planning ahead.  Not only must the style of movement be chosen, but the method of actually moving the camera must be selected too. Here are the 6 most basic methods of camera movement.

1. PAN

A movement which scans a scene horizontally with the camera placed on a level tripod. Usually done to follow or track the subject in frame.

2. TILT

It is exactly the same as a pan but scans a scene vertically.

3. DOLLY SHOT

Also defined as a tracking shot, a dolly requires the camera to be put on wheels or a moving vehicle. Many films use dolly shots to show off big elegant locations or intense high speed car chases!

4. HANDHELD

Shooting handheld creates a sense of “gritty realism.” It helps breakdown the 4^th wall and lets the viewer feel like their actually there. The action flick “Cloverfield” or “The Blair Witch Project” are great examples of using handheld camera movements to create a sense of immediacy. (see also reality TV)

5. CRANE SHOT

A type of shot where the camera itself moves up, down, in and out through a scene. The camera is literally put onto the front of a crane looking device that is operated by the cinematographer. Many big budget studios use crane shots for live television events.

6. ZOOM LENSES

A quick and efficient way to move in and out of a scene without having to use a dolly or crane. The only downside is that objects appear distorted and closer together than they actually are.