5 Introduction to Camera Movement


Whilst the benefit of video is that it captures the movement of a subject within the frame, there are various instances where you will want to move the camera or adjust focal length to add movement to an otherwise static subject.

Conversely, you may wish to follow the action or movement of a subject. In each of these techniques, the shots will have a beginning and an end (and sometimes many stages in between). These will need to be planned and rehearsed if they are to work to best effect.

There are seven basic methods of camera movement:

5.1 Panning


The camera rotates about the tripod head in the horizontal plane.

5.2 Tilting


The camera rotates at the tripod head in the vertical plane.

5.3 Tracking or Dolly Shots


The camera moves into or away from the subject.

5.4 Crabbing


The camera moves but the direction of the shot remains perpendicular to the subject.

5.5 Craning/Pedding up and down


When the camera is mounted on a crane or pedestal, the height of the camera changes without movement away from or towards the subject.

5.6 Zooming


Altering the focal length and angle of view of the lens without moving the camera; creating the illusion that the viewer is moving towards or away from the subject.

5.7 Hand Held & Camera Stabiliser Shot


Essentially provides the videographer with an infinitely variable camera position.

Back to: IOV Approved Training Level 1 > Cameracraft

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