What are the best settings for zoom and pan speed, duration, and direction?

1 Zoom speed

Zoom speed refers to how fast or slow you change the focal length of your lens, either manually or electronically. The speed of your zoom can affect the mood, intensity, and focus of your scene. Generally, you want to avoid sudden or jerky zooms, unless you are going for a specific effect, such as a crash zoom. A smooth and gradual zoom can create a sense of movement, depth, and curiosity, while a fast and abrupt zoom can create a sense of shock, surprise, or urgency. To achieve a smooth zoom, you need to control your hand movement, use a tripod or a stabilizer, and adjust the zoom ring or lever gently and consistently.

2 Pan speed

Pan speed refers to how fast or slow you move your camera horizontally, either left or right. The speed of your pan can affect the flow, rhythm, and continuity of your scene. Generally, you want to avoid too fast or too slow pans, unless you are going for a specific effect, such as a whip pan. A moderate and steady pan can create a sense of direction, transition, and exploration, while a slow and smooth pan can create a sense of calm, elegance, and balance. To achieve a steady pan, you need to use a tripod or a gimbal, and rotate the camera head or handle smoothly and evenly.

4 Pan duration

Pan duration refers to how long you keep panning left or right on your subject or scene. The duration of your pan can affect the scope, context, and story of your scene. Generally, you want to avoid too long or too short pans, unless you are going for a specific effect, such as a 360-degree pan. A appropriate and meaningful pan can create a sense of scale, location, and narrative, while a random and pointless pan can create a sense of detachment, redundancy, and filler. To achieve an appropriate pan, you need to plan your shot, know your scene, and match the pan with the mood or message.

5 Zoom direction

Zoom direction refers to whether you zoom in or out on your subject or scene. The direction of your zoom can affect the emotion, tension, and tone of your scene. Generally, you want to use zoom in or out depending on the effect you want to create, such as zoom in to show details, intimacy, or importance, or zoom out to show context, distance, or contrast. A deliberate and consistent zoom direction can create a sense of clarity, coherence, and impact, while a random and inconsistent zoom direction can create a sense of chaos, confusion, and indifference. To achieve a deliberate zoom direction, you need to have a clear vision, goal, and theme for your shot.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?