Camera movement
Camera movement examples and activity
Click on each of the camera movements below to reveal a definition and an example, then complete the camera movement activity below.
- Tilt
-
Moving the camera’s lens up or down while tripod remains in the same position.
- Pan
-
Moving the camera lens from left to right, or right to left.
- Zoom
-
Changing the focal length of the lens to make the subject appear closer or further away in the frame.
- Pedestal
-
Moving the camera up or down without tilting. This can be achieved by raising or lowering the tripod head.
- Dolly
-
Moving the camera towards or away from the scene you are filming. The whole camera set up is moved usually on a platform with wheels or tracks.
- Truck
-
Moving the camera left or right while keeping the same distance from the scene being recorded. The whole camera set up is moved, usually on a platform with wheels or tracks.
Activity – camera movement
Complete the activity below to experiment with the range camera movements you can achieve.
- Test the ease of movement with your equipment by securely setting up your recording device on a tripod and recording a range of camera movements, including tilt, zoom, pan and pedestal.
- Review the footage and consider the qualities of the movement, for example, its smoothness or bumpiness. Does this align with your intentions? How can the movement process be refined?
- Can you create a platform on wheels that will allow you to safely and smoothly move your equipment to capture dolly and truck movements? Tip: Your school general assistant may have a trolley you could borrow.
- Where and when in your film would these camera movements be most effective?
