2005Operating forum
Maintaining level and operating technique during fast lateral tracking shots with prominent horizons
21 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- When tracking at right angles to a moving subject, perspective distortion of the ground plane can create a false impression of camera tilt even when the camera is actually level
- Keeping the wrist straight and swapping the roll and tilt axes is an effective operating technique for fast lateral tracking rather than rotating the wrist
- A bubble level becomes unreliable during camera movement because acceleration affects its reading
- Vertical lines in the frame provide a more dependable reference than the horizon line for confirming level when tracking at or near perpendicular angles to the subject
- On small monitoring screens, perspective effects make it harder to judge level than on larger displays
Depends on
- The perspective reference technique depends on shooting angle relative to the subject and focal length used
- Music video work may tolerate minor level imperfections better than other production types
- The advice applies specifically to fast action shooting with prominent urban horizons