Tiffany Haney
Panning shots are a great way to add energy and motion to your photography and videography. The technique involves moving the camera as you press the shutter button, capturing a beautiful streaked blur. While panning can be done handheld, using a tripod or monopod can help ensure smooth motion. The Bescor Motorized Pan Head is a popular option for smooth panning shots, although it has limited tilt ability. Other variables that can affect the smoothness of your panning shots include lens length, shutter speed, resolution, and panning angle. For example, shooting at 24fps can often lead to jittery footage. By understanding these elements and using techniques like framing and continuous shooting, you can capture stunning panning shots that convey a sense of movement in your photos and videos.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Camera | Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Canon EOS M3, Canon EOS R7, Canon PowerShot SX740 HS |
| Lens | Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM, Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM, Super 35mm |
| Shutter speed | Fast shutter speed, slow shutter speed |
| Resolution | 24p, 30p, 60p |
| Panning angle | 45 degrees |
| Tripod | Fluid head tripod, video tripod, Bescor Motorized Pan Head, Bescor MP-101 |
| Software | Mercalli 4, PP/AE warp stabilizer |
| Other | Use flash, use continuous shooting, use auto-focus, use shutter priority mode |
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What You'll Learn
Use a tripod with a fluid head
To achieve smooth panning shots, using a tripod with a fluid head is essential. This setup provides the necessary stability and smooth motion required for seamless panning. Here are some detailed instructions on how to use a tripod with a fluid head to capture flawless panning shots:
Choose the Right Tripod and Head
Select a sturdy tripod designed for video or panning photography. Ensure the tripod has a fluid head, which allows for smooth, controlled movements. The fluid head should be appropriately sized and weighted for your camera setup.
Set Up the Tripod
Carefully set up the tripod on level ground, ensuring it is stable and secure. Adjust the height and leg locks to achieve the desired shooting position. Make sure the tripod is balanced correctly to handle the weight of your camera setup.
Mount Your Camera
Attach your camera securely to the fluid head, following the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure the camera is balanced and centred on the tripod head. Adjust the drag or tension controls on the fluid head to fine-tune the smoothness and resistance of the panning motion.
Practice Smooth Panning Techniques
Practice panning at different speeds to get a feel for the fluid head's movement. Smoothly rotate the camera at a steady pace, maintaining a consistent speed throughout the shot. Remember that slower movements can help prevent jittery footage.
Frame and Focus
Frame your shot by positioning the tripod and camera to capture the desired scene. Use the viewfinder or LCD screen to ensure your subject and background are composed effectively. Enable autofocus to lock focus on your subject quickly and accurately.
Execute the Panning Shot
Start recording and smoothly pan the camera at the desired speed. Keep your upper body stable, twisting at the waist to follow the action. Maintain a smooth, continuous motion throughout the shot, ensuring you don't introduce any sudden movements or jerks.
By following these steps and practising with your tripod and fluid head setup, you'll be able to capture smooth and professional-looking panning shots. Remember that practice makes perfect, so keep refining your technique to master the art of smooth panning cinematography.
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Stabilise your camera with software
Stabilisation software can help smooth out the little jumps in your panning shots. Mercalli 4 is one such software that can work wonders for handheld pans. You can also try shooting in 4k with a UWA/WA lens, and then panning by zooming in post-production.
Another method is to use a fluid head tripod, and then use post-production software to stabilise the footage. Warp stabilisation effects/plugins can reduce rolling shutter issues, but they may crop your image slightly.
If you are using a Sony Alpha camera, you can use Final Cut Pro to stabilise your footage. Simply right-click your clip, select "Retime", and change the drop-down from 100% to 25% when shooting at 120fps. You can then use the "Stabilise" option in the clip inspector.
If you are shooting at 24fps, you may encounter jittery footage. To combat this, you can use a slower shutter speed, or shoot at 60fps, which will make your footage look way smoother.
It is worth noting that no amount of software can replace good equipment and practice. Invest in a good tripod and head, and take the time to learn the feel of your equipment.
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Use a slow shutter speed
Using a slow shutter speed while shooting panning shots can help capture a sense of speed and movement in your images. The shutter speed you choose will depend on the speed of your subject and the length of your lens.
When shooting a panning shot, the sense of speed comes from the motion blur in the background. This is achieved when an object moves so fast in relation to the camera’s shutter speed (exposure time) that it appears as a blur. To capture this effect, you need to control your shutter speed so that the motion blur becomes a tool for expressing movement.
There is no "ideal" shutter speed for panning shots. The best shutter speed is the one that gives you your desired results. For example, if you want to capture a sharp image of a fast-moving subject, you will need to use a slower shutter speed to allow for a streaky, blurry background. However, if your shutter speed is too slow, it will be challenging to accurately track your subject, resulting in a blurry image.
To achieve a silkier effect, you can try shooting at 1 second, but this is best done with a tripod, especially when using a longer focal length. If you are shooting with a hand-held camera, you may want to start with a shutter speed of 1/10 second or 1/30 second. This will allow you to capture a streaky background while keeping your subject relatively sharp.
It's important to note that when using a very slow shutter speed, your camera may overexpose your photo, resulting in images that are too bright. To avoid this, you may need to adjust your camera settings, such as the aperture or ISO, to achieve the desired effect.
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Match the speed of your subject
Panning shots are a great way to make static shots more dynamic and give a sense of motion. When panning, it is important to match the speed of your subject to capture motion blur and convey movement. This technique is especially useful in sports photography, where it can suggest to the viewer that a car is racing or a runner is sprinting.
To match the speed of your subject, you need to understand the basics of panning and the variables that affect your shot. These include lens length, shutter speed, resolution, and panning angle. For example, if you are using a 35mm lens at 24p on a Super 35mm camera and want to capture a panning angle of 45 degrees, you will need to take at least 8 seconds to pan across your shot. Moving faster will result in a jittery image.
It is also important to consider the physical rotation of the camera, the camera's sensor size, and the focal length of the lens. Smaller sensors or longer focal length lenses require slower rotation to achieve the same on-screen effect. The rule of thumb is to pan no faster than a full image width every seven seconds to avoid judder.
To achieve a smooth panning motion, your camera should move along with your subject. This can be achieved by using a longer handle on the tripod head or switching to a fluid or geared tripod head. High-end productions often use automated panning devices for the best results. Additionally, using autofocus can help keep your subject in focus, especially when they are moving erratically or unpredictably.
Practicing with different techniques and settings is crucial to mastering the art of panning photography and capturing dynamic images that showcase speed and motion elegantly.
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Use a Bescor Motorized Pan Head
The Bescor Motorized Pan Head is a great option for smooth panning shots, especially considering its affordable price. The Bescor MP-101 Motorized Pan & Tilt Head enables both panning and tilting the camera remotely, with two independent motors operating horizontal and vertical motion at adjustable speeds. The head supports payloads of up to 6 pounds, with a maximum horizontal angle of 90 degrees and a maximum vertical angle of 15 degrees.
The Bescor is easy to set up, attaching directly to the top of a tripod with a screw head. It is compatible with a wired remote, an AC power cord, and an extension cord for the remote, allowing for smooth and precise control over the camera's movement. The remote control allows for simultaneous panning and tilting, although some users have noted that a joystick would be preferable to the directional pad for easier manoeuvring.
The Bescor MP-101 is praised for its ability to execute smooth pans and tilts, although some users have noted limitations in its tilt range, particularly when tilting downwards. It is worth noting that the Bescor is best used when zoomed out for the smoothest panning. The speed is controllable, allowing for slow to fast adjustments, although some have noted that the speed is not as advertised.
The Bescor Motorized Pan Head is a solid choice for photographers and filmmakers on a budget, offering improved control, stability, and ease of use for making quick adjustments and capturing sweeping shots.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a tripod with a fluid head, such as the Bescor Motorized Pan Head or the Bescor MP-101, to get smooth sweeping pan shots. You can also use a monopod or a camera strap to help you follow moving subjects smoothly.
Enable shutter priority mode on your camera, as panning photography is about perfecting shutter speed. You can also use your camera's continuous shoot mode or burst mode.
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart for stability and only move your upper body during the pan by twisting at the waist to follow the action. Use smooth, continuous motions to track your subject before, during, and after shooting. Match the speed of your subject as you pan the shot.
Panning shots are great for capturing moving subjects and adding a sense of motion to your footage. However, shooting at 24fps can often lead to jittery footage, so consider using a higher frame rate or a calculator to determine the best panning speed for your shot.
