Dolly

Definition of a dolly: A camera dolly is a piece of equipment designed to create smooth camera movements. The camera is mounted to the dolly and the camera operator and focus puller or camera assistant usually ride on the dolly to operate the camera.

This creates shots that go toward or away from the subject. Dolly-in means to go towards the subject with the camera, while dolly-out means to go backwards with the camera, keeping the zoom the same. Dolly shots are similar to tracking shots but they go in and out more than side to side.

Example of a dolly shot:





 A dolly shot is used here for a similar reason as the tracking shot, to follow the action in one long steady shot. The audience feels they are part of the action.