The Filmmaker's Eye

dolly shot

Dolly shots are accomplished by placing the camera on a wheeled platform that can be moved smoothly. Although similar to a zoom shot (both shots create a dynamic frame with a constantly changing composition along the z axis), there are fundamental differences between them. In a zoom shot, the camera remains stationary while the focal length of the lens is shifted so the changes in framing are perceived by the audience as if an aspect of the composition is brought closer or moved away from them. Since the dolly shot physically moves the camera while the focal length remains constant, there is a constant change in perspective in the composition, resulting in the audience feeling as if they are the ones moving toward or away from an aspect ...