iMovie HD 6 and iDVD 6 for Mac OS X

Dollying is similar to zooming, in that the camera moves in toward (or away from) a subject. However, a dolly shot doesn't use the zoom control at all. In feature film shoots, a dolly is a platform that holds the camera and rides on rails similar to railroad tracks. When filming, one or more people (known as grips) push the dolly, resulting in a smooth shot.

When you zoom, the camcorder's lens is simulating the appearance of moving closer to your subject. When dollying, you're moving the camera physically closer. The difference is especially pronounced in the background (Figure 3.4).

Figure 3.4. These two shots are similarly framed, but look at the orange building in the background to see how the two approaches differ.

Zoomed in

Pushed in on dolly, no zoom

Tips

  • As with zooming, you want to ease in and out of a dolly shot. Grips aren't just people who push equipment around. A good grip can accelerate and decelerate smoothly and, often more importantly, consistently during multiple takes.

  • A dolly shot is a professional-looking camera move, but it's likely you don't have a dolly setup or want to spend the money to rent one. Instead, choose from a number of alternative dollies. Wheelchairs are great (and comfortable for filming!), and skateboards also work in a pinch. It doesn't matter so much how you get the shot, only that the shot turns out the way you want it.

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