Introduction
This panning speed calculator is designed to provide an ideal Panning Duration in Seconds and Panning Speed in Seconds for both SDR and HDR workflows with the goal of minimizing panning judder, which can be distracting. The tool itself assumes a 180 Degree Shutter for whatever frame rate you select.
The SDR equation is what many consider the industry standard recommend panning rate of approximately seven seconds for an object to move across the frame.
Additionally, after a long time of producing HDR content and testing, I'm also adding a Suggested Panning Rate for HDR oriented filmmaking. A simple equation, but an effective safe metric for modern HDR finishing.
Both should be consider guidelines and not hard rules. Lots of reasons for this, but mainly due to contrast and exposure levels of the the frame not being a known quantity. Generally higher contrast dynamic exposures are the tricky ones while lower contrast you can get away with a bit of a faster pan. Judder is mainly a stacato optical effect and that's what the tool is helping avoid. But there are certainly times where judder can add to a shot. Additionally, much like the rules found in the Matrix, some can be bent or broken. Particularly if you are following a moving subject, implementing a whip pan, or are moving towards and point of interest.
Lastly, this concept is also handy when working with jibs, cranes, dollies, or sliders as the same Panning Speed Guidelines apply for camera movement. Same could be said for establishing consistent cadence of motion as you move your camera through space and time.
© phil holland 1999-