Camera Movements

1. Pan Shot

A pan shot is used to keep one character, or something key, in the middle of the screen whilst they're in motion. The camera is usually placed on a tripod, so as to make an axis and an unmoving base, then is turned to follow the action.

2. Tilt Shot

This shot is identical to a pan shot, except it is vertical instead of horizontal movement. Often used to film the entirety of a tall building.

3. Dolly Shot

This shot is something that follows the action, and is often a camera placed on tracks (hence the alternate name tracking shot), or a moving vehicle in order to keep up. It is used to suggest character's movement, perhaps showing a journey of some sort. It is widely used, especially in films with car chases.

4. Hand-held Shot

It wasn't until the mid 20th century until these caught on. Reporters in World War 2 found they could get disturbingly close to the action with hand held camera, and it soon began to catch on. These shots are, as the name suggests, just a camera in hand, following the action. Often used in documentaries, as it can easily create the 'fly on the wall' effect for the audience and makes them much more of a participant in the piece being shown. Occasionally, horror films - such as Paranormal Activity - use them to add an extremely realistic feel.

5. Crane Shot

This shot is more or less a mid air Dolly Shot. It follows the movement or action of whatever it may be on screen from an elevated position.

6. Camera Zoom Shot

This is, frankly, a hugely overused and popular technique in filming. This is when the camera zooms in on a character or object, whilst staying a distance away from it. Wildlife documentaries are the most frequent in zooming, but fictional films often do it also. The zoom can, if not done properly, be seen as very jerky, in contrast to the smooth dolly shot, but when executed correctly, this shot accurately displays a picture to be much closer than it actually is.

7. Aerial Shot

This is a  often a combination of a crane shot and an extreme long shot. Usually used at the start of a film to set the scene, and often taken from inside a helicopter. Due to the versatility of a helicopter, the aerial shot can easily follow action, but will not provide as much detail due to the distance at which it is shot.