Pan
The camera rotates horizontally, left or right, from a fixed position.
Search example“slow pan across a crowded market”
Film craft glossary
Camera Movements: A Visual Glossary
Camera movement is how the frame moves in relation to the subject. This glossary covers the common moves, with an example of how you would find each one in your own footage with ShotMind.
Why camera movement matters
Movement shapes how a shot feels, from a calm locked-off frame to an urgent handheld follow. Naming the move makes it easier to plan, direct, and find later.
Pivoting in place (the camera body stays put)
Tilt
The camera rotates vertically, up or down, from a fixed position.
Search example“tilt up from a character's feet to their face”
Moving the whole camera
Dolly (in / out)
The camera physically moves toward or away from the subject, which also changes perspective. This is different from a zoom.
Search example“slow dolly in on a character's face”
Truck / Track (left / right)
The camera moves laterally, traveling parallel to the subject or scene.
Search example“trucking shot following a runner from the side”
Pedestal (up / down)
The camera moves straight up or down while staying level, raising or lowering the whole frame.
Search example“pedestal move rising up to reveal a desktop”
Crane / Jib
The camera sweeps through the air on an arm, often lifting up and over a scene.
Search example“crane shot rising above a wedding crowd”
Lens, rig, and handheld
Zoom
The lens magnifies the subject while the camera stays put, so perspective does not change the way it does with a dolly.
Search example“quick zoom in on a street sign”
Push-in
A subtle, slow move toward the subject, usually a gentle dolly-in, used to build intensity.
Search example“slow push-in during an emotional line”
Handheld
The camera is held by the operator, giving a raw, slightly unsteady feel.
Search example“handheld follow shot through a busy hallway”
Steadicam / gimbal
A stabilized rig that keeps motion smooth while the operator moves.
Search example“smooth gimbal shot gliding through a kitchen”
Whip pan
A very fast pan that blurs the image, often used as a transition between shots.
Search example“whip pan transition between two locations”
Combined moves
Dolly zoom (vertigo effect)
Dollying one direction while zooming the other, which warps the background while the subject stays the same size.
Search example“dolly zoom on a shocked character”
FAQ
What is the difference between a zoom and a dolly?
A zoom changes the lens magnification while the camera stays put; a dolly physically moves the camera toward or away from the subject, which also changes the perspective.
What are the basic camera movements?
The core moves are pan, tilt, dolly, truck or track, pedestal, crane, zoom, and handheld, plus stylistic moves like the whip pan and the dolly zoom.
How do I find shots with a specific camera move in my footage?
ShotMind lets you search by movement, for example 'slow push-in' or 'handheld follow shot', so you can find the motion you remember without opening every file.