Tracking shot

The technique is often used to follow a subject that would otherwise leave the frame, thus also called a following shot, such as an actor or vehicle in motion. A handheld or Steadicam mounted camera following a similar trajectory is called a tracking shot as well. In fact, a tracking shot can use any manual or motorized conveyance, and may include careful planning for passing the camera between vehicles or modes. While the core idea is that the camera moves parallel to its subject, a tracking shot may move in a circular or semi-circular fashion, rotating around its subject while remaining equidistant.

This kind of shot, in which the camera moves along with the subject or in relationship to it, should not be confused with panning, in which the camera remains stationary but pivots right or left on its axis.

Terminology

A tracking shot is a blanket term used to refer to any camera shot with movement, with "trucking shot" and "dolly shot" being tracking shot variations. Generally, a "dolly shot" refers to a specific variation of tracking shot in which the camera moves forwards or backwards with respect to the subject. The term "trucking shot" is less common but usually specifically refers to a shot in which the camera moves left or right in respect to the subject.