23/9/13 - Camera Shots (Definitions)

Camera Shots and Definitions

Medium shot - Shows some part of the subject in more detail, still showing enough for the audience to feel as if they were looking at the whole subject. Typically how you would see a person in person, if you were having a casual conversation (no attention to their lower body). Used when the character is speaking without too much emotion or intense concentration and delivers information, (frequently used by television news presenters). The midium shot allows room for hand gestures and a bit of movement, generally neutral and no emotion.  Example of Medium Shot

Long Shot - The character takes up the full frame. The character doesn't take up the whole width and height of the frame. The small amount of room above and below the subject can be thought of as safety room — you don't want to be cutting the top of the head off as it would also look uncomfortable if his feet and head were exactly at the top and bottom of frame. Example of Long Shot 0.09

Extreme Long Shot - The point of this shot is to show the surroundings. Often called an "establishing shot", it usually is the first shot of a new scene, designed to show the audience where the action is taking place.
It is especially useful in scenes where the action is very spread out (war films). Example of Extreme Long Shot

Medium Long Shot - Usually shows most of a person, typically head to knees. This shot shows some of the environment, but also allow multiple people to easily interact. Example of Medium Long Shot

Dutch Tilt - The camera angle is deliberately slanted to one side. Typically used for dramatic effect and helps portray unease, disorientation, frantic or desperate action, intoxication, madness, etc.  Example of Dutch Tilt

Tilt - The camera itself tilts, gives audience the full effect. Typically used when a good looking woman is on screen. Example of Tilt

Tracking - In which the cameraman follows a specific person or event in the action. Example of Tracking

Dolly - A flat frame on wheels that is moving the camera. Example of Dolly Shot

Crane - Taken from a special device called a crane, which resembles a huge mechanical arm. The crane carries the camera and cameraman, and can move in virtually any direction. Example of Crane Shot

Handheld - The cameraman holds the camera to give a shaky, documentary effect. Example of Handheld

Aerial/Birdseye - Filmed from high up to show the surroundings dramatically. Example of Aerial

Zoom - Changes smoothly from a long shot to a close-up or vice versa. Example of Zoom