Camera Pan

A camera pan is horizontal movement in which the camera moves right to left from a central axis. Taken from the word "panorama," the physical position of the camera itself does not move. Instead, the panning refers to the swiveling left to right mounted on a fixed location.

When to use a Camera Panning

• Establishes location of scene

• Tracks movement

• Elevates tension in a scene

Camera Tilt

A tilt shot is shot that uses a cinematographic technique called tilting in which the camera stays fixed but rotates up and down on a vertical plane. Tilting is similar to the motion of an individual raising or lowering their heads. This is different than the panning of a camera which also sits on a fixed but moves left to right.

Why Use a Tilt Shot?

• In an establishing shot — brings us to into a location

• Downward tilts observe action over a large area

• Upward tilts can create psychological impression of inferiority or weakness in a character

Pan vs. Tilt

Panning an tilting often get confused for each other. Why? Well, while panning describes the left and right (horizontal) movement, tilting is the up and down (vertical) movement over a fixed axis. We can only pan right or pan left. We cannot pan up or pan down. But again, we can always combine these two movements in the same shot, resulting in a "pilt" or a "tan." Just kidding, those aren't actual film terms.

Zoom Shots

A zoom shot is when the focal length of a camera lens is adjusted to give the illusion of moving closer or further away from the subject. Zoom shots are done with a zoom lens, which have variable focal lengths. The most typical camera zoom types are the "zoom in" and "zoom out," but it can also be combined with a dolly shot to create a "dolly zoom."

Why Use a Zoom Shot?

• To draw attention to a specific detail in the shot

• When you want to give a character power

• To emphasize a comedic or dramatic moment