Use of zoom

[HenrikSolberg]

I have a discussion with some norwegians at a norwegian forum who claim that the use of zoom has a positiv effect! Does anybody here have an opinion? I'm nok talking about a "moving zoom" during a clip, but the use of zoom to make depth of field!

My opinion is the same as this quote from http://www.aegee.tv:

The relative distance between several objects in the composition will change when using zoom. This will give an unnatural look.

[northcat_8]

I think the use of zoom depends on how good the person using it is and how well he pays attention to detail.

[flaninacupboard]

It can give an "unreal" or "fake" look, but it also has a "flat" look to me. also, unless done on good equipment it tends to look rough. try watching footage from a large outdoor rock gig. the cameras are a long way away, and if they use a long zoom then the beat of the the music will rock the whole picture - something you wouldn't see if you weren't at the end of the zoom.

[tgpo]

If you zoom in and leave it alone during the shot it's fine to me, but if you zoom in and out during a shot I usually skip forward.

[JohnnyCNote]

It would help if they could provide some examples. Sergio Leone made good use of zoom in Fistful of Dollars, when zoom lenses were new. Today's cinematic lenses are so varied and complex that it's hard to make sweeping generalizations. A change in focal length, coupled with a camera movement, can create an interesting effect, for example.....

[Conquest10]

I think he's talking about the small sensor on dvcams giving a larger depth of field than 35mm. When zoomed in, it gives a shallower dof. Good when shooting dialogue as the main person is in focus and the background is out of.

[JohnnyCNote]

I thought about that after I wrote the message. Oh well....