Dolly

A camera movement along the camera z-axis, towards or away from the subject.

Usage: "Dolly in", "Dolly out".

Refers to a wheeled cart that the camera is mounted to. Replaced in almost all video production by the smooth-operating power Zoom (Optics) lens. However, zooms and dollys look and feel different. Combine both for the Vertigo Effect.

Can also refer to any motion parallel to or around the subject, though this is more properly referred to as a Truck, also managed at one time with a camera mounted on a wheeled cart running along a small railroad-style track. Today, many of these shots are handled with a Steadicam instead, but there are still uses for the traditional tracked dolly.

See also Orbital Shot.