Rostrum camera

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A rostrum camera is a specially adapted camera used in television and film to animate a still picture or object. It consists of a moving lower platform on which the article to be filmed is placed, while the camera is placed above on a column. The camera is connected to a mechanism that allows an operator to precisely control the movement of the platform as well as of the camera.

In a modern setup a computer controls the platform's horizontal, vertical and rotational movements as well as its zoom. Many visual effects can be created from this simple setup although it is most often used to add interest to static objects. The camera can for example traverse across a painting, and using wipes and zooms, change a lifeless picture into a sequence suitable for television or movie productions.

In the UK, Ken Morse is well known for his rostrum camera work in TV and film and his name is often seen in the closing credits of UK productions.

An animation camera or animation stand, used for single frame shooting on film is similar. With a multiplane camera, a 3-dimensional effect can be obtained.