Dolly In is a camera movement in which the camera physically moves forward toward the subject, typically along a straight path, gradually reducing the distance between the lens and the subject while keeping framing relatively consistent. It creates a sense of approach, intensification, or growing involvement with the subject being filmed.

The movement is distinct from a zoom in, which optically magnifies the image without changing the camera's position. A dolly in maintains the natural perspective and spatial relationships within the frame as it moves forward, creating a more immersive sensation of entering the space rather than simply magnifying it. The technique is used to build emotional intensity, reveal detail as the camera gets closer, or transition the audience from a wider establishing view into a more intimate framing. The speed of the dolly in affects its emotional impact, with slow, gradual movements creating a sense of contemplation and faster movements suggesting urgency or revelation.

In AI video generation, specifying a dolly in gives models clear directional guidance about camera behaviour, helping produce footage with intentional forward motion rather than ambiguous camera drift. It is one of the more reliably interpreted camera movement instructions across current generation models.