What device is most commonly used to create smooth camera movements during a shot?

The dolly is the device most commonly used to create smooth camera movements during a shot due to its design and functionality. A dolly, which typically consists of a wheeled platform that can hold a camera, allows for controlled movement along tracks or free-running on surfaces. This enables filmmakers to achieve lateral movements, forward and backward tracking shots, and other dynamic angles while maintaining stability and smoothness in the camera's motion.

Using a dolly is particularly advantageous in cinematic storytelling, as it helps convey the narrative effectively by following the action in a fluid manner. This creates an immersive experience for the audience, enhancing the visual storytelling aspect of the film.

Other devices like a tripod primarily provide stability for static shots and do not facilitate movement, while a jib allows for vertical camera movements but can be limited in horizontal motion compared to a dolly. A Steadicam, although excellent for handheld shots and offering smooth stabilization, is not specifically designed for excursion movements in the same way a dolly is. Overall, the dolly is favored for its versatility and capacity to achieve smooth cinematic motion that can greatly enhance the storytelling aspect of film production.