What is the Difference in a Warp Shot or Dolly Zoom?

As a filmmaker, the more you learn about the different shot angles and various shot compositions that are available at your disposal, the more technically advanced your filmmaking will become. If you’re entirely new to filmmaking, or you’re just learning how to compose your shots, you’re probably working with basics. However, there’s a chance too that you’re wondering what the difference is between a warp shot or a dolly zoom. To help you understand each of these, it makes sense first to address the difference between a zoom and a dolly shot.

What is a Dolly Zoom?

A dolly zoom represents an in-camera effect. Which is achieved by zooming a zoom lens. So that the angle of the view is adjusted as the camera dollies toward or away from the subject.

With a dolly zoom, the subject remains the same size throughout the frame. Because the camera zooms in while the dolly moves away. Or the camera zooms out while the dolly moves toward the subject. The result is a mind-boggling play on normal visual perception.

What is a Warp Shot?

Sometimes, the dolly zoom will be referred to as a warp shot. This is because there is a warped view and change in visual perception when the dolly zoom takes place.

It is said that the dolly zoom simulates a spatial warp. Which creates altered distances based on the choice of direction for the zoom depending on the direction the dolly is moving.

When the dolly zoom effect is achieved in post-production, it is sometimes called a “Zolly” warp. In this case, the warp shot represents a faux zolly warp.

Which is done using Adobe After Effects of a similar program. To achieve the desired visual effect similar to the dolly zoom that can be created in-camera.

Warp Shot or Dolly Zoom?

So, should you use a warp shot or zolly effect in post-production or should you create the dolly zoom effect in camera during a shoot? Whether to warp shot or dolly zoom is really at the discretion of the filmmaker.

However you might choose the warp effect in post if you’re attempting to film in a dangerous environment where a dolly is  not safe or if you’re trying to create the visual effect on a scene where the inclusion of a dolly would make the scene difficult or impossible to shoot.

The zolly can be created in post-production for the warped view that is very similar to that of the typical dolly zoom that you would create in-camera.

Summary

Likewise, in instances where a dolly can be used, you might have more fun creating the dolly zoom effect in production. Thus, if you’re trying to figure out between the warp shot or dolly zoom, consider the production environment first and your equipment and budget.

If it’s safe, budget appropriate, and possible to achieve the dolly zoom, then it makes sense to attempt it. Otherwise, consider the zolly, warp shot effect, in post.