Why are zoom shots rarely used?

Question

In all of the movies I have seen in my life, I have rarely seen zoom-in shots used. Most of the time, when the camera moves closer, it "pans" in. (The difference is that in a zoom-in shot, the camera is in one location and the zoom is done with the lens, whereas in the shot used in movies, the camera itself moves forward). So, my question is, `why do movies tend to not use zoom shots`, especially when zoom shots are commonly listed as common film techniques?

Answer 1

Your terminology is all wrong. First, when the camera actually moves in toward an object or person it's called a DOLLY shot. A PAN shot moves from left to right, or vice-versa. Likewise, a TILT is up or down.

Zoom shots were not used much in early films because zoom lenses had not been invented or perfected. Then, in the 1970s and 1980s, many filmmakers developed "zoomitis" -- the EXCESSIVE use of the zoom lens (see Ken Russell's TOMMY).

Now, more recent films tend to use the Steadicam for moving shots, rather than waste time laying tracks and setting up for dolly shots. (Check out the Copacabana scene in Scorsese's GOODFELLAS.)