Camera Movements

Pan: A pan is a horizontal movement (left or right). A pan is used to show movement or to introduce new settings. Its gives the audience a clearer understanding of the situation. It can also be used to show a conversation, but instead of a slow pan it would be quick so its as if you are there watching this conversation yourself.  

Track: A tracking shot usually follows a character or object as it moves along the screen. It therefore creates a closer empathy with the character or object moving, since the spectator is not just watching him/her moving, but moving with him/her. 

Tilt: A tilt is a movement which scans a scene vertically, otherwise similar to a pan. The camera points up or down from a stationary object. Its used to show the way humans work for example like when you nod. 

Pull Focus: To show more than one scene without moving a camera you use a pull focus.    

Crane: A crane shot is used to show what's happening from a higher angle, an example of when this is regularly used is in a car chase or to show a huge crowd of people. Crane shots are often long or extreme long shots. They lend the camera a sense of mobility and often give the viewer a feeling of understanding over the characters.

Aerial: This is often used at the beginning of a film, in order to establish setting and movement. The shot is taken from high up, usually in a helicopter. 

Zoom In/Zoom Out: The zoom shot uses a lens with several elements that allows the film-maker to change the focal length of the lens, while the shot is in progress. We seem to move toward or away from the subject.  Zooms are commonly used at the beginning of a scene, or even a film, to introduce an object or character by focusing on it.

Whip Pan: An extremely fast movement of the camera from side to side, which briefly causes the image to blur into a set of indistinct horizontal streaks. Often an imperceptible cut will join two whip pans to create a trick transition between scenes. Whip pans always stand out, given their abrupt, brisk nature. 

Handheld: Hand held cameras give a film an unstable, jerky feel, they also allow for a greater degree of movement and flexibility than bulkier standard cameras. It makes the audience feel as if they're there, the camera is from the audiences perspective. 

Dolly: A dolly shot is a good way of portraying movement, the journey of a character for instance, or for moving from a long shot to a close-up, gradually focusing the audience on a particular object or character.

Steadicam: It allows for a smooth shot, even when moving quickly over an uneven surface.