Generally, shots are classified as wide, medium, or close ups. Each has its own function. Here is a discussion of medium shots, the most common.

Medium-shots are the most commonly used because they’re so versatile.  Generalized action can almost always easily be conveyed in a medium-shot.  Use close-ups for punctuating your message with specifics.  Use wide shots to show your location.  For most everything else, a medium shot is appropriate.  A MS can include several people at once.

At the same time, don't make the mistake of stringing together nothing but medium-shots or your show will be visually monotonous and therefore boring.  Break up your medium shots with CU and wides.

What makes a MS?

As with everything in video, the definition of precisely what constitutes a wide-shot or a medium-wide-shot is not an exact science. Whether a shot is referred to as a wide, medium or close-up will often depend on the perspective of the person doing the labeling. But generally, a medium shot is one where the entire scene can't be seen, but about 2/3 of it can be.

If the shot is of a person, a medium shot would be from the waist up or looser. Chest up or tighter would be considered a close-up.

If I had to give a percentage for the divisions between wide, medium and close-up shots in the edited mix of a “standard” video, I'd say:

• Wide- 10%
• Medium- 60%
• Close- 30%

Remember, that's a rough guestimation of what's typical, please don't consider that a mandate. (There are no mandates in video, that's one reason why I like it! You get to make up your own rules!)

Abbreviate
Medium-shot is abbreviated MS.

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