Using a Tilt Motion Effectively With Your Digital Camcorder

The camera itself cannot always stay in one place, especially since there are a variety of angles to get for each scene. Even a minor change in the way the camera shifts can make a dramatic difference, which is especially risky if you are making that movement while the camera is actually filming. One of the more standard recording motions is called a tilt.

The tilt refers to when the camera simply pivots up and down, pointing more in these directions than before. This is not the same as a physical moving up or down, which is called a pedestal up or down. This is difficult to do right, like all camera motions, because moving while filming on a consumer digital video camera has so many uncontrollable elements to it. Before you even attempt the tilt you need to know exactly what is going to happen in the scene, how you want the camera to move, and then rehearse it thoroughly.

Just like panning and zooming, you never want to tilt both up and down. Go with one direction and stick with it. If you do this it will disorient the audience, so you do not want to try that unless that is the effect you are aiming for.

If you are doing the tilt on a normal tripod make sure to lower it to waist level and tilt with your entire body. If you just tilt with your arms you are bound to bring a certain level of shakiness to your video. This is much easier with a hydraulic headed tripod, so if you are going to do this and other types of camera movements you will want to invest in the tripod. Never try to tilt the camera with your hands because it will just end up looking like an unplanned mess.

Try to do the tilt as slowly as possible because the change can often be very dramatic once it is on screen. Changes in tilt also change the way you see characters, locations, and events in more ways than just visually. The entire context often changes, so you need to be very slow and methodical. Likewise, it is hard for the tilt to look even remotely smooth if it is done too quickly. The only way you would want to do this fast is if it is done only once or twice in the whole project and it is meant to mimic a surprise to the character or something fearful. Even here it is a risky move that only works in certain circumstances.

You should always try new things with your digital video camera, but make sure every stylistic technique you go after is motivated by a real purpose. Try using the tilt with your camera, but never overuse it.