Camera Types, Framing & Movement

Framing the Subject

Three shots of one subject — wide, medium, close. The frame must do the work. No camera movement.

Week 2

• 3-shot sequence
• Framing notes for each

• Locked-off tripod only
• Single lens

• LO1 — Distinguish camera bodies, sensor formats and lens focal lengths and choose appropriately.
• LO2 — Compose shots using rule of thirds, headroom, lead room and eyeline.
• LO2 — Execute a controlled pan, tilt and simple dolly move.

• Shot sizes: ECU → WS and what each does to the viewer
• Focal length vs perspective (not the same thing as "zooming in")
• 180° rule and screen direction
• Static vs motivated movement
• Reading a light meter and setting exposure manually

1. 01

   Format check

   Set camera to the project spec: 4K UHD, 25fps, 1/50 shutter, ProRes 422 HQ, Rec.709. Record 5 seconds and verify on the monitor.

2. 02

   Shot size ladder

   Same subject, same lens, five shot sizes (WS, MS, MCU, CU, ECU) by moving the camera, not zooming. Log every setup.

3. 03

   Lens comparison

   Repeat the MS on 25mm, 50mm and 85mm. Note what changes: subject size, background compression, feeling of intimacy.

4. 04

   Movement

   Rehearse a pan following a walking subject, then a slow push-in on a static subject. Both must be motivated.

5. 05

   Assemble and screen

   Cut a 30-second reel in the order above. Screen and self-critique using the framing checklist.

• Zooming instead of moving the camera — the perspective doesn't change, only the crop.
• Ignoring headroom on close-ups — faces float or crash into the top of frame.
• Breaking the 180° line without an intentional cut to justify it.

The shot ladder you build here becomes the foundation of your shot list for Assessment 1. Save the reel — it's portfolio evidence.