Camera Movement

Camera Movement

In film, different camera movements are used to vary the shots. The camera can move up, down, left, right and forward and backward (otherwise known as the XYZ axis). 

Pan:

Moving the camera sideways; Left to right or right to left.
This technique is used primarily to establish more of the setting or illustrate the speed of whatever is moving.

 Movie: Goodfellas

Track:

When the camera is placed on a track and can be moved around keeping the same distance away from the action. Similar to the Dolly shot.

Movie: Kill Bill

Tilt: 
The camera moves up or down while staying in a fixed spot.

Movie: The Shawshank Redemption

Pull Focus:

Changing the focus in the shot from one object to another. 

Movie: Jurassic Park

Crane:

Shots that move up, down, left and right but whilst in the air. Normally done using a jib or crane.

Movie: Notorious

Aerial:

Much like the Crane Shot, the Aerial shot moves in all directions in the air but from a greater height. This can be shot from a helicopter or plane.

Movie: The Shawshank Redemption

Zoom in:
Keeping the camera itself still but changing the focal length of the lens to magnify the action in the shot.

Movie: The Shining

Zoom out:

The same technique as zooming in, but instead gives the illusion of moving away from the action in the shot.

Whip pan:

Panning the camera so fast that the image blurs and objects are disfigured. Used for transitions between two subjects.

Movie: Fists of Fury

Handheld:

Movements where the camera is held in an operator's hands rather than on a tripod or a dolly.

Movie: Cloverfield

Dolly:

The camera is mounted onto a dolly and can move around smoothly. The camera can move closer and further away from the action.

Movie: Confessions of a Dangerous Mind

Steadicam:

A fluid movement using a handheld camera. This camera is held steady using a contraption that is attached to the operator. 

Movie: Hugo