Tillie Doyle
Panning is a widely used cinematic technique that can add dynamism to static shots, give vistas a more expansive feel, and track the movement of a subject. When shooting at 120p, a high frame rate, the panning rate and settings become crucial to achieving the desired effect. The apparent panning speed is influenced by the physical rotation of the camera, the camera's sensor size, and the lens's focal length. To avoid unpleasant visual artifacts, such as strobing or judder, it is important to control the panning speed and follow best practices. Cinematographers must also consider factors like subject distance, panning technique, and the desired shutter speed to achieve the intended motion blur or sharpness in their footage. Shooting at 120p offers flexibility in slow motion and frame rate choices during post-processing.
Characteristics and values of shooting at 120p
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shutter speed | 1/240s to avoid dropping frames. However, there is no "correct" shutter speed; it depends on the effect you want to achieve. |
| Frame rate | 120 fps |
| Use case | Shooting sports or fast-paced subjects to show beauty in slow motion. |
| Panning technique | Should be as even and continuous as possible. |
| Panning speed | No faster than a full image width every seven seconds to avoid "judder". |
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What You'll Learn
- Panning speed: the rate of physical camera rotation, sensor size and focal length of the lens
- Shutter speed: the speed of the shutter, which can cause motion blur
- Frame rate: the number of frames per second, which affects the panning speed
- Subject distance: the distance of the subject from the camera, which affects the panning speed
- Panning technique: the way in which the pan is executed, such as swish pans
Panning speed: the rate of physical camera rotation, sensor size and focal length of the lens
The panning speed of a camera is influenced by three main factors: the rate of physical camera rotation, the camera's sensor size, and the focal length of the lens.
The physical rotation of the camera refers to how quickly the camera is moved from side to side or up and down during filming. This movement can be controlled by the camera operator or by a motorized panning system. A faster physical rotation will result in a faster panning speed, while a slower rotation will result in a slower panning speed.
The camera's sensor size also plays a role in determining the panning speed. The sensor size affects the field of view of the camera, which in turn impacts how much of the scene is captured during the pan. Larger sensors provide a wider field of view, allowing for a more expansive pan, while smaller sensors result in a narrower field of view and a more limited pan.
The focal length of the lens is another critical factor in determining panning speed. The focal length determines the angle of view and the magnification of the scene. A longer focal length (often referred to as a telephoto lens) provides a narrower angle of view and higher magnification, while a shorter focal length (often referred to as a wide-angle lens) offers a wider angle of view and lower magnification. To achieve the same on-screen effect, a camera with a longer focal length lens must be rotated more slowly than a camera with a shorter focal length lens.
It's important to note that the panning speed can also be influenced by other factors, such as the shutter angle, frame rate, and subject distance. A faster panning speed may cause unpleasant visual artifacts, such as strobing or "judder," where objects or backgrounds appear to flash across the screen in discrete jumps. To avoid this issue, a rule of thumb is to pan no faster than a full image width every seven seconds. However, this rule is not absolute, and the most important factor is the aesthetic preference of the viewer.
Additionally, the panning technique should be considered. A smooth and continuous panning motion is generally preferred, and it's often achieved by initiating and completing the pan slightly before and after passing through the desired start and end points, with any extra footage being cut afterward.
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Shutter speed: the speed of the shutter, which can cause motion blur
Shooting at 120 frames per second (fps) is typically used for capturing fast-paced subjects, such as sports, and playing them back in slow motion. This technique can also be used for speed ramping and other effects.
When shooting at 120fps, the shutter speed should be 1/240s to adhere to the 180-degree shutter rule, which states that the exposure time should be half the frame rate. However, there is no "correct" shutter speed, and you can experiment with different shutter speeds to achieve different effects. For example, a faster shutter speed of 1/250 or faster can capture fast-moving subjects with minimal or no motion blur, creating a still image that appears frozen in time. On the other hand, a slower shutter speed of 1/60 or slower will cause a blurring effect, which can be desirable for artistic photos.
Shutter speed is one of the fundamental controls you have over your camera, and it can significantly impact the images you take. The speed of the shutter can cause motion blur, which is when any motion that was occurring when the image was taken appears blurry and fluid instead of perfectly frozen in time.
To achieve motion blur, you can use a slow shutter speed and allow moving subjects to blur through the frame. The amount of blur depends on the speed of the subject and the shutter speed. For example, a shutter speed of 1/200th of a second will capture the motion blur of a person walking, while a shutter speed of 1 second or longer will blur the motion of a slow-moving stream.
Additionally, you can create motion blur by moving the camera when the shutter is open, a technique called panning. Panning involves moving the camera from one side to the other with the shutter open, resulting in a still subject and a blurred background. The panning speed should be as even and continuous as possible to achieve a smooth effect. The apparent panning speed is controlled by the physical rotation of the camera, the camera's sensor size, and the focal length of the lens. It is recommended to pan no faster than a full image width every seven seconds to avoid unpleasant visual artifacts, such as strobing or "judder."
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Frame rate: the number of frames per second, which affects the panning speed
Frame rate refers to the number of frames or images captured per second. It is measured in frames per second (fps) and influences the appearance of motion in a video. A higher frame rate will result in smoother motion, while a lower frame rate can create a choppy or jittery effect.
When shooting at 120 frames per second (120p), you have the flexibility to choose whether to use slow motion and to what extent. Shooting at a higher frame rate like 120p allows for speed ramping and other creative effects in post-production.
The frame rate chosen will impact the panning speed and overall quality of the footage. A higher frame rate can help to smooth out high-frequency camera movements, such as those that occur during panning. This is because a higher frame rate captures more images per second, reducing the distance travelled by the camera between each frame.
The rule of thumb for panning speed is based on traditional theatrical viewing at 24 fps with a 180-degree shutter angle. This means that, ideally, it should take seven seconds for an object to move from one side of the frame to the other. Deviating from this standard can result in undesirable effects such as strobing or judder, where the image appears to jump across the screen in a series of discrete flashes.
To achieve smooth footage during panning, it is recommended to shoot at a shutter speed of 1/(2 x fps). For example, for footage shot at 24 fps, the correct shutter speed is 1/48. This introduces motion blur, which helps to create a smoother, more cinematic look.
It is important to note that the relationship between frame rate and panning speed is not absolute. The desired effect, subject matter, and other factors such as lighting and camera equipment will also influence the final result.
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Subject distance: the distance of the subject from the camera, which affects the panning speed
Panning is a cinematography and photography technique that involves swivelling a still or video camera horizontally from a fixed position. It is a popular technique as it can make static shots more dynamic, give vistas a more expansive feel, and track the movement of a subject.
The panning speed is influenced by the physical rotation of the camera, the camera's sensor size, and the focal length of the lens. The distance of the subject from the camera also affects the panning speed. With a constant horizontal pan, nearby objects will transit the frame much faster than the background. Therefore, the distance between the camera and the subject is crucial for maintaining stability during the shot.
When panning, it is recommended to look through the viewfinder to accurately track the subject and ensure smooth camera movements. The viewfinder provides real-time feedback, allowing for adjustments on the fly. It is also important to consider the shutter speed when panning, as it influences the final motion effect.
To achieve a smooth panning motion, the technique should be as even and continuous as possible. This can be achieved by initiating and completing the pan prior to passing through the desired start and end points, with any extra footage being cut afterward. Additionally, using a longer handle on the tripod head can help extend hand motion over a greater distance, improving stability.
Practicing panning techniques and experimenting with different settings are essential for capturing the perfect shot. By varying the distance between the camera and the subject, photographers can create visual interest and balance in the composition.
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Panning technique: the way in which the pan is executed, such as swish pans
Panning is one of the most used cinematic techniques, which can make static shots more dynamic, give vistas a more expansive feel, and track the movement of a subject, among other benefits.
The panning technique should be as even and continuous as possible, with the pan initiated and completed before passing through the desired start and end points. The apparent panning speed is controlled by the physical rotation of the camera, the camera’s sensor size, and the focal length of the lens. For instance, a camera with a smaller sensor or a longer focal length lens needs to be rotated more slowly as it spans a narrower angle of view.
A swish pan is a type of whip pan, which is an intentional camera rotation on the x-axis that is so fast that it creates a disorienting blur effect. It is often used to quickly snap between subjects or as a unique transition between scenes. Swish pans can be used to signify a shift in time or space, enhancing the surreal elements of storytelling. They can be performed on a tripod, dolly, gimbal, or even handheld.
Whip pans, on the other hand, are rapid horizontal movements that create a blur across the frame. They are used to transition swiftly between two scenes or to create a sense of urgency in action sequences. They can be used to build tension, create a feeling of disorientation, or highlight a sudden change in mood.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can pan while shooting at 120p. Panning is one of the most used cinematic techniques, and can make static shots more dynamic, give vistas a more expansive feel, and track the movement of a subject.
There is no "correct" shutter speed. It depends on the effect you are trying to achieve. The 180-degree rule says the exposure should be half the frame rate, so if you are shooting at 120p, the shutter speed should be 1/240. However, you can experiment with different shutter speeds to get the effect you want.
The panning speed can affect the smoothness of the footage. If you pan too quickly, it can cause unpleasant visual artifacts, with objects or backgrounds appearing to flash across the screen in discrete jumps. This is known as "strobing" or "judder". The rule of thumb is to pan no faster than a full image width every seven seconds.
Yes, here are a few best practices for panning while shooting at 120p:
- Ensure your panning technique is as even and continuous as possible.
- Consider the subject distance and prioritize based on the location of the subject and whether the background is out of focus.
- Control the panning speed to avoid unpleasant visual artifacts and "judder".
- Experiment with different shutter speeds to achieve the desired effect, such as a more fluid, dreamlike feel or detailed landscape shots.
