Locked-off (static)

AI-generated reference clip

StaticFixed camTripod shot

The camera doesn't move at all: no pan, no tilt, no travel. All the energy comes from what happens inside the frame.

Camera Movement · Easy

Calm, observational, confident. The action moves, not the camera, so the viewer trusts what they see.

1Find the frame first by walking around with the camera in hand.

2Set up the tripod, level it, lock pan and tilt.

3Roll 10+ seconds and let the action happen inside the frame.

Corporate / interview

The main interview angle: the backbone of the edit.

Wedding

Wide of the ceremony from the back: your safety shot.

Real estate

Still wides of each room with movement inside (curtains, people).

Needs gear you don't own yet.

Best option

Tripod, legs fully locked and level.

A7 V + 24-70 settings

Turn SteadyShot OFF on a tripod: IBIS can drift on a locked camera.

Use the bubble level, or the A7 V's digital level, so horizons are straight.

Tokyo Story (1953): Ozu's low, still camera lets everyday life unfold.

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014): symmetrical, static tableaux.

Touching the camera during the take (vibration).

Only shooting static: the edit feels flat. Mix in movement.

Film 5 locked-off shots of a street or café where something moves through the frame. Hold each for 10 s.