Camera Glossary

Camera Term Example Connotation/usageHigh Angle Shows

inferiority/powerlessness of a character.

Low angle shot Shows superiority of a character.

Bird’s eye view View straight down

Canted (Dutch) angle Tilted camera to show unease

Pan Movement from left to right

Whip pan

commonly used in chase scenes

Fast pan to show speed

Dolly Moving on a track for steady movement

Tilt Up/down movement

Crane Camera movement high off the ground using a crane

Steadicam Smooth flexible movement

Handheld Shakier movement.

Zoom Zooming in or out on an object or person to show importance.

Deep focus All objects in focus.Shallow focus Background out of focus.Pull focus Shallow focus<->deep

focusRule of Thirds Frame divided into 9

squaresEye line match Edit. Characters eye lines

are at same level.Long shot Full bodyClose up FaceAerial shot HelicopterMedium close up Head + shouldersMedium shot Waist upMedium long shot Knees to headEstablishing shot Shows locationPOV From characters POVExtreme close up Reaction/emotionOver shoulder shot See relationship between

charactersTwo shot Two characters in a

frame/shot.