Tracking and crabbing

Tracking is the physical movement of a camera towards and away from the principal subject. Crabbing is the sideways movement of a camera.

You cannot crab forwards or backwards. You cannot track left or right. Sorry, that’s just the way it is. If you use the wrong terminology most camera crews will assume you are inexperienced.

Tracking and crabbing on a tight shot

Don’t.

If you’ve ever tried looking through a strong set of binoculars you’ll know that any hand shaking is exaggerated, and it’s difficult to hold a steady picture. The same goes for television cameras. If you zoom in, then make the camera move, the slightest bump or imperfection on the floor will be screamingly obvious.

Arcing

This is a term that is going out ...

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