Tough Choices: Dolly or Crane

Tough Choices: Dolly or Crane

  • Dolly

    Votes: 21 60.0%

  • Jib/Crane

    Votes: 14 40.0%
  • Total voters
    35
  • Poll closed .
Could there a vote for both? I find I am using my dolly and jib together more than using either individually.

Bob
 
The dolly is super good for the subtle moves but I prefer the jib because it is so dramatic when used properly. I have a Jimmy Jib that goes to 30 feet and has the remote head. It makes for some crazy shots.
 
Wow, I've got that Indie Dolly and I must be using it all wrong because it works. According to posts in this thread, it shouldn't. Funny thing. And I'm using full size cameras with it as well (Sony D600WS BetacamSP). Please tell me what I am doing wrong.
 
I am sure it can work for you, or they would never sell them. But if you've ever used a real dolly, you would never settle for the indie dolly again. Maybe that's where I went wrong!
 
Of course there are times when you can or want to use a "real dolly" (budget permitting)... which I've had the opportunity to use plenty of times. Agreed, they are great, but you can't own them and they are not very portable (you need a full crew to move them). Doorway dollies are OK too, but not very portable, a bit bulky and heavy for some set ups, especially if you want them on rails. That's the beauty of products like Indie Dolly. It gives you another choice. I've made it work without much difficulty and it sure is a step up from some of the other stuff out there trying to pass for low cost dolly solutions. I wish I could use the high end stuff on every job but when I can't the Indie Dolly has been great. It's especially good in tight spaces as you can run the track tighter.
 
TedRR summed it all up when he stated that using a jib/dolly can add a lot of production value to a project.

I own a Portajib - it's well made and is, well, portable. (I would love to have a "hot head" unit, but that will add weight and cost.) Here is one other point to consider. I recently produced a seven minute programme for a client that was for the most part, location shooting of construction and finished homes. I used an assistant for some of the work, but not always - it was pretty simple stuff to shoot. At the entrance, there is a large stone gate with the name of the development and flowers and such. Well, rather than shooting a straight shot on sticks, I set up the Portajib and did several up and down shots. At one point, a guy on a bike rides by and I used his movement to motivate my move - up from the sign, over the sign and the reveal of the home development - a really nice shot!

I did the same for about six other shots in the show, and as we all know, the movement of the camera looks great. Well, I was able to use the jib because I can set it up and operate myself. I can't do that with a dolly - I would need my assistant.

I do rent dollies for time-to-time, and I love the movement it provides. But with track and a larger dolly, I think your looking at a small crew - no solo shooting.

Michael
 
getken said:
Wow, I've got that Indie Dolly and I must be using it all wrong because it works. According to posts in this thread, it shouldn't. Funny thing. And I'm using full size cameras with it as well (Sony D600WS BetacamSP). Please tell me what I am doing wrong.
Click to expand...

I've been considering the Indie Dolly too, and am glad to hear it's working well for you. Skywalker's point about the lack of a pushbar seems well taken though. Assuming that you work with a dolly grip, how does he/she control the motion? It would seem, as Sywalker pointed out, that pushing/pulling on the back of the cameraperson would present image stability problems, not to mention awkwardness and discomfort. Is there a pushbar accessory that I overlooked on their site, or did you improvise one of your own? Or do you use it successfully without one?

Thanks for your comments.
 
Skywalker688 said:
I rented this dolly for a shoot, and couldn't get a good, fluid move with it. Your dolly grip would basically have to push against your back in order to make the move. So you end up having to remember to keep your back stiff, try to make the camera move, check focus, and keep your balance.
Click to expand...

Did the unit you rented include the pushbar? If so, was there some reason why it wasn't effective?

Thanks
 
Ted Spencer said:
Did the unit you rented include the pushbar? If so, was there some reason why it wasn't effective?

Thanks
Click to expand...

Not to anger anyone again, but I found the push bar on the indie dolly inadequate, which is why we ended up trying several combinations of tying a rope to it and pulling it, as well as pushing on the back of the DP. Part of our problem was that we had two seats attached (which you would need if you ever want someone running follow focus) and the weight seemed to be too much for the pushbar.

I have a doorway dolly now, and I don't find it too bulky. It disassebles down pretty flat. It's true, 8ft sections of track are difficult to haul because they are 12ft. long when folded together. But I have fit the dolly and two 8ft straight track sections in my car (Chevy Impala '06) with the seat down, and the tracks only hang out the back about 10 inches. (they slide straight up, nearly touching the windshield!) All of this plus my camera and a small lighting kit.
 
Skywalker688 said:
Part of our problem was that we had two seats attached (which you would need if you ever want someone running follow focus) and the weight seemed to be too much for the pushbar.

It's true, 8ft sections of track are difficult to haul because they are 12ft. long when folded together.
Click to expand...

I guess it really comes down to what you are trying to achieve. I don't think the Indie Dolly was ever intended to carry two people, so to judge its abilities on pushing it beyond its limits I think is a little harsh. From my experience it is a good little portable dolly that can be relied upon in tight spaces and can be put together quickly and easily. It is not a Chapman dolly and shouldn't even be considered close to one. A totally different animal. It doesn't run on full size rails and is not meant to, but the rails it comes with are solidly built and probably the best of the affordables. For quick set up stuff it is great. If you want to get an even better product out of it, spend some time shimming it.

I've used it alone. I've used it riding and it does a great professional job. But it is what it is. A doorway dolly is heavier and can handle more weight. It's also more of a hassle to set up if you want to use rails. But it will definitely be better in some situations. Of course we all would prefer to use a full size solid dolly like a Chapman with a hydraulic boom. But of course you'll also need the full size crew to go along with it. Each tool has a place and a use. You have to try them all yourself and make your own decisions as to what will work for you. But I keep an open mind with these things. Unless something is really crap, and there is a lot of crap sold out there, there is probably a good use for it. The Indie Dolly is very solidly built for an affordable portable dolly and will be suitable for many applications. Just don't put a full rig with two people on it and expect it to work like a Chapman.
 
Going back to jibs for a momen, I bought the advanta jib, have never used the porta jib so I can't make the comparison. However, I use the advantajib with my hvx about 3 times a month. It works great, it is very smooth. The tilt actually is a hydraulic cylinder that's filled with hydraulic fluid, it works exactly like a fluid tripod head. Wires are used to pan the camera, but it is also extremely smooth. It's actually pretty easy to set up, comes in a nice carrying case and if you have any problems, support is very good. The max reach is 10 feet from the fulcrum, which so far is all I've needed.
 
I've used the PortaJib extensively. It's heavy. Really heavy. We took one on an expedition in 2002 and it almost never came out of the vehicle because of set-up time and rather awkward interface.

The EZFX isn't a quick jib either. Granted, we never use it without the remote head, to there's all the control wire and power and monitoring.

I've never seen an Advanta jib in the field on any shoot, so I can't speak to it. Seems to be an entry-level lump with no capacity for remote head?

e
 
Erik - I think the big selling point for the AdvantaJib is supposed to be the fact that it has a pan/tilt head included. From what I have read it is supposed to be a pretty nice and smooth setup. Actually, so far I don't think I have read anything negitive about it at all.
 
Maybe. I've never seen one. I think a few on this board are using it, though I read a bit more on the Kessler set-up.

e
 
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