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Creating Cinematic Shots with a Gimbal

Apr 22, 2025

10 Easy Gimbal Moves for Cinematic Shots

Introduction

  • Presenter: Steve from Learn Online Video
  • Location: Dartmoor National Park, Southwest England
  • Objective: Demonstrate 10 gimbal moves to instantly make footage look cinematic
  • Equipment:
    • Camera: Sony A7S Mark II
    • Lens: 17-40mm
    • Gimbal: Zhiyun Crane 2S
    • Links to gear and settings are available in the video description

Gimbal Moves

1. The Follow

  • Follow the subject from behind
  • Keep equal distance at all times
  • Center the subject in the frame
  • Use smooth and consistent movement
  • Experiment with angles, focal length, and distance

2. The Reverse Follow

  • Track the subject from the front while walking backwards
  • Helps establish the subject
  • Adds production value
  • Adjust focal lengths as needed

3. The Step-In Reveal

  • Track the camera backwards as the subject steps into the frame
  • Minimal choreography involved
  • Useful for showcasing location and introducing the subject

4. The Mini Jib Reveal

  • Track backwards starting from the subject’s feet, then lift camera up
  • Effective for character introduction
  • Framing reveals more about the character's personality

5. The Side Track

  • Walk forwards while camera faces sideways
  • Avoid walking sideways like a crab
  • Forward walking provides smoother shots

6. The Chest Transition

  • Requires two shots:
    1. Push camera into subject's chest ending on black frame
    2. Start next shot on black frame, move camera backwards
  • Seamless transition through simple editing cut

7. The Soft Focus Reveal

  • Shoot in reverse: lock focus on subject’s face, then pull back to a wide shot
  • Reverse the shot in editing for a soft focus reveal
  • Ensures focus accuracy

8. The Wipe Transition

  • Two-part shot:
    1. Track subject with foreground wiping past the camera
    2. Start next shot on a similar foreground element
  • Match speed for seamless transition with basic cut

9. The Orbit

  • Walk in circles around the subject
  • Keep equal distance and subject centered
  • Use solid, even ground
  • Experiment with angles and focal lengths

10. The Fake Drone Shot

  • Start close, then pull back and lift gimbal high
  • Mimics a drone shot
  • Ideal for locations with epic views

Conclusion

  • These moves provide a high-end, Hollywood look to footage
  • Encouragement to try these moves on future shoots
  • Thank you to contributors and sponsors
  • Invitation to explore more tutorials on video production

Full transcript