Camera Techniques: Movement

Question 1

Zoom

Answer 1

In zooming in the camera does not move; the lens is focussed down from a long-shot to a close-up whilst the picture is still being shown.

Question 2

Effects of Zooming

Answer 2

he subject is magnified, and attention is concentrated on details previously invisible as the shot tightens (contrast tracking). It may be used to surprise the viewer. Zooming out reveals more of the scene (perhaps where a character is, or to whom he or she is speaking) as the shot widens. Zooming in rapidly brings not only the subject but also the background hurtling towards the viewer, which can be disconcerting. Zooming in and then out creates an ugly ‘yo-yo’ effect

Question 3

Following pan

Answer 3

The camera swivels (in the same base position) to follow a moving subject. A space is left in front of the subject: the pan ‘leads’ rather than ‘trails’. A pan usually begins and ends with a few seconds of still picture to give greater impact.

Question 4

Speed of the Pan

Answer 4

The speed of a pan across a subject creates a particular mood as well as establishing the viewer’s relationship with the subject.

Question 5

‘Hosepiping’

Answer 5

Continually panning across from one person to another; it looks clumsy.

Question 6

Surveying pan

Answer 6

The camera slowly searches the scene: may build to a climax or anticlimax.

Question 7

Tilt

Answer 7

A vertical movement of the camera - up or down- while the camera mounting stays fixed.

Question 8

Crab

Answer 8

The camera moves (crabs) right or left

Question 9

Tracking (dollying)

Answer 9

Tracking involves the camera itself being moved smoothly towards or away from the subject, unlike zooming.

Question 10

Tracking in

Answer 10

Tracking in (like zooming) draws the viewer into a closer, more intense relationship with the subject

Question 11

Tracking out

Answer 11

Moving away tends to create emotional distance. Tracking back tends to divert attention to the edges of the screen.

Question 12

Speed of Tracking

Answer 12

The speed of tracking may affect the viewer’s mood. Rapid tracking (especially tracking in) is exciting; tracking back relaxes interest.

Question 13

Tracking a moving subject effects?

Answer 13

Camera movement parallel to a moving subject permits speed without drawing attention to the camera itself.

Question 14

Hand-held camera effects and use?

Answer 14

A hand-held camera can produce a jerky, bouncy, unsteady image which may create a sense of immediacy or chaos. Its use is a form of subjective treatment.

Question 15

Process shot

Answer 15

A shot made of action in front of a rear projection screen having on it still or moving images as a background.