Camera Terminology

Camera angle/shot and movement

Camera speed – slow and fast motion

Frame rate- This is the frequency with which a filmstrip is passed through the camera. With the coming a of a synchronised sound, the film industry standardised this at 24 frames per second (fps). In action/Adventure movies, frame-rates are frequently varied to produce particular effects such as slow or fast motion. This is done by either over or under-cranking the camera.

Over cranking (slow motion)- speeding up the rate in which the film passes through the camera. When replayed at normal speed (24 fps) this produces slow-motion. High-speed or large-frame cameras are used to maximise the quality of the visual image.

Under-cranking (accelerated motion)- Slowing down the rate at which the film passes through the camera. When replayed at normal speed (24 fps) this produces speeded-up motion. Used to speed up action sequences such as car chases and fights.

Camera movement and technology

In the action adventure genre the camera has become a dynamic participant in the action and new developments in the technology now allow it to move in the ways were previously impossible. Here are two expensive examples of cameras that have been developed for this purpose.

Steadicam – Proprietary name for a counter-balanced camera, purpose-built to enable without the need for a dolly or tracks.

Flying-cam  - Proprietary name for a camera mounted on a helicopter and operated  by remote-control. Used increasingly in action/adventure films, to follow moving vehicles closely.