DictionarypanCamera sweep
noun / verb

pan

A sweeping movement of a camera across a scene.

The camera pans slowly across the crowd outside the stadium.

Etymology

Pan is a shortening of panorama. A camera pan produces a broad view by turning across the scene, connecting the movement with the expansive image of a panorama.

More examples

  • A slow pan reveals the full length of the beach.
  • She panned from the speaker to the audience.
  • Keep the camera steady while panning across the room.

Forms

pan · pans · panned · panning

Similar words

sweep
Sweep describes broader movements, not necessarily involving a camera.
tilt
Tilt specifically describes moving a camera's view up or down.