How does a 'pan' movement work in camera operation?

A 'pan' movement in camera operation refers to the horizontal rotation of the camera from a fixed location. This side-to-side movement allows the viewer to follow action or reveal more of the scene without changing the position of the camera itself. It is commonly used in storytelling to provide a broader view of the environment, to emphasize the subject, or to transition between different focal points in a scene.

The other movements mentioned, such as zooming in or out, vertical movement, or physically moving the camera closer or further from the subject, are distinct from a pan. Each has its own specific function in cinematography and storytelling but does not entail the lateral rotation characteristic of a pan.