Camera Movements
Tilt
A tilt shot is when the camera stays in the same place, but tilts vertically (up or down). This is like someone nodding their head, or looking up and down. An upward tilt creates the effect of the subject being tall, and is often used to emphasise the height of that thing. It can also be used to follow a subject going upwards. A downward tilt, on the other hand, is used to show that something is small, or to show a subject going down.
Pan
A panning shot is similar to a tilt shot, but instead of moving vertically, it moves horizontally (left and right). The camera must stay in the same position. Panning is similar to a person shaking their head or looking sideways. It allows a subject to be tracked, so the viewer does not stop seeing them. It can also be used to show the setting of a scene, or to reveal further information to the viewer.
'Pan' Video
Pedestal
This is when the camera moves up or down. It is different from a tilt because the camera actually moves, unlike the tilt where it is stationary. The pedestal can be used for many reasons, including to adjust the camera to the height of a subject, or to reveal something above or below a subject.
Track
Sometimes known as truck, this is when a camera is smoothly passed along a track, creating a feeling of movement. The camera moves from side to side, but stays at the same distance from the subject and from the floor. This allows a subject to be followed continuously, and for action to be continued without changing shot. Tracking shots can also be used to reveal something to the viewer. The difference between a track and a pan is that with a track, the viewer also gets the feeling of movement, and feels as if they are moving with the character.
Dolly
This is when a camera is moved smoothly using a device like a cart or tracks. Generally, the dolly shot refers to when a camera is moved closer to or further away from the viewer, although some people use it as a blanket term for any camera movement involving smooth movement of any kind when the camera moves position. A dolly shot creates the impression that the viewer is moving towards or away from the subject. It can be used for many reasons, including to focus on a single subject or to bring the viewer closer to the subject.
Handheld
This is when the camera is held by the camera person. Often in films, tools like tripods are used to give smooth, steady shots. Handheld shots do not use these tools, and therefore tend to be much more shaky and unsteady. By using handheld shots, the viewer feels more like the film is real, and as if they're seeing the world through the character's eyes. This technique is often seen in horror movies, as it brings the story closer to the viewer, making it seem more real and more scary. The only issue with using handheld cameras is that every single tiny little movement is seem on film, making the shots incredibly shaky and hard to watch. Often, to get a handheld effect, a steadicam (see below) is used instead.
Steadicam
This is a device used for when a somewhat shaky shot is required, but not to the point where the shake will be distracting. A steadicam is a piece of equipment where a cameraman is needed to hold it, but it is balanced to reduce shakiness. The technique can be used subtly to the point where the viewer hardly sees it, or obviously. Using a steadicam means that the viewer feels more like they are in the scene, as the shakiness reflects the unsteadiness of normal human beings. It can also bring the relationship between viewer and subject closer, as the action of a character is often replicated by the movement of the camera.
Zoom
For a zoom, the camera stays in the same place, but the focal length of the lens changes, making it seem like the subject is closer or further away. It is different from the dolly because the camera stays in the same position. This makes the image seem magnified or reduced. Zooming can be used to show importance, bring a subject closer/further away, or reveal something extra. It has many uses, and is often overused. The zoom can also break the connection between the viewer and the film, because human eyes do not normally zoom in or out.
Zolly
This technique has many names, including zolly, dolly zoom, reverse tracking, or the vertigo effect. The technique is very difficult, and involves dollying in whilst zooming out, or vice versa. While doing so, the subject stays the same size. The background is the only thing to change, which creates an unnatural look. It has a very big effect on the viewer, and it is used to convey something being wrong or different. for example, it could show that a character has had a sudden realisation, or that something in the scene is wrong.
