What is the name of the forward or backward movement of a camera?

The forward or backward movement of a camera is known as a dolly shot. This technique involves physically moving the camera along a track or wheeled platform towards or away from the subject. The movement creates a dynamic feel to the shot, allowing for more depth and context as the viewer can see more of the environment or focus more closely on the subject as the camera approaches or retreats.

This is distinct from a zoom, which adjusts the camera's focal length to bring the subject closer or further away without actually moving the camera itself. A crane shot involves elevating the camera off the ground to achieve a bird's-eye view, and a pan refers to moving the camera left or right on a horizontal axis. Each of these techniques serves different storytelling purposes in cinematography, but the specific term for moving the camera forward or backward is indeed dolly.