Question 1

What is the difference between a dolly shot and a tracking shot?

Accepted Answer

A dolly shot moves toward or away from a subject, while a tracking shot follows the subject’s movement, often side to side.

Question 2

How can I create a dolly shot without professional equipment?

Accepted Answer

You can use a wheelchair, skateboard, office chair, or handheld gimbal to achieve smooth dolly-like motion.

Question 3

What is the Hitchcock dolly effect?

Accepted Answer

The Hitchcock dolly effect (Vertigo Shot) involves zooming in while dollying out, creating a warping, disorienting effect.

Question 4

Why is it called a dolly shot?

Accepted Answer

The term comes from the camera dolly, a wheeled platform that allows smooth camera movement.

Question 5

What is a circular dolly shot used for?

Accepted Answer

A circular dolly shot moves around a subject, often to create a sense of chaos, action, or dramatic intensity.

dolly vs zoom