What does a medium shot capture?

A medium shot captures the subject from the top of the head to just above the waistline, providing a balance between the subject and the surrounding environment. This type of shot is typically used to show the subject's emotions and body language while still offering a glimpse of their setting. By framing the subject in this way, medium shots allow viewers to engage with the character's expressions as well as the context in which they are situated, making it a versatile choice for storytelling in film and media.

The other options describe different types of shots that serve distinct purposes: an extreme close-up focuses narrowly on a specific detail, like a hand, which emphasizes intimacy or importance; a panoramic view offers a broader context, showing more of the scene, often used for establishing shots; and a close-up showcases only the subject’s face, concentrating on their emotional state without the context of their surroundings. Each serves its own narrative function, but the medium shot distinctly captures a more comprehensive view of the character in relation to their environment.