Building a Slider, what kind?
- Thread starter DDirector
- Start date
Kevin Lee
Veteran
One of each would be ideal! They both have limitations. Zaza's is very portable, all terrain, and easy set up and tear down, but limited on length. Skater dollys come in all sizes depending if you are supporting a rider, or just tripod/camera. different lengths of track, circular tracks.. the list goes on and on. Start with the Zaza slider, then when you can get or build a dolly. Even with the dolly's each one has strengths and weaknesses... Do some searches, and read up on it. enjoy
Chris Light
Veteran
+1 for Zaza. as Kdawg says, "portability" is key, if your shooting style requires it, and the new Zaza feet are a must, for even more shooting options!....dolly track can be unlimited, which is nice, but it is very time consuming to get it all level when shooting outdoors on uneven ground.
so, what Kdawg said, one of each!
so, what Kdawg said, one of each!
twocik23
Veteran
The first dolly you have can be easily made with a linear bearing mount (runner) and rods. For the high end guides used on CNC machines can be a bit expensive....
Or even a staright rec track
The second dolly would required a little more work to make, but can be very useful for odd setups.
I'd say build both.
Or even a staright rec track
The second dolly would required a little more work to make, but can be very useful for odd setups.
I'd say build both.
Chris Light
Veteran
^nice!
noise is a factor for many shooters, so that's to be considered as well. but that's impossible to search for on the internet, you just have to take a user's word for it, i suppose.
noise is a factor for many shooters, so that's to be considered as well. but that's impossible to search for on the internet, you just have to take a user's word for it, i suppose.
twocik23
Veteran
Yes it's possible to make, but would need to know how to wire/program a stepper/servo setup. Most use a computer, but it's not very portable... They can be purchased and will cost well over $600, I think B & H Photo sells one.
If you're willing to sit there with it, maybe try one of those hand crank style winches ( a lot of work, but just an idea).
If you're willing to sit there with it, maybe try one of those hand crank style winches ( a lot of work, but just an idea).
Don't forget the DP Slider: http://www.dpslider.com
Or built it yourself with Redi-Rails: http://crt.pbclinear.com
Or built it yourself with Redi-Rails: http://crt.pbclinear.com
Tommy K
Well-known member
I recently saw the Dana Dolly in action. This is a must have for any serious film maker. This is next on my list. I had been renting doorway dollies locally in the past. I also have and use the Igus slider which is convienant. But the rail type sliders like the Dana are the most usefull overall. They travel short or long distances, just change the rails, and can get some really good shots and angles that the igus can't. And yes they can be set up on uneven terrain if you use the right stand setup. The possibilities are endless with rail dollies.
I don't know. In the end, the do the same thing.
Its not a dolly that has a tripod attached to it, but just big enough for the camera.
They both slide and produce the same effects. One is fixed onto the rails, the other on pipes.
From what I can see, it seems to be a matter of choice if you go with fixed rails or a slightly larger version with pipes.
Its not a dolly that has a tripod attached to it, but just big enough for the camera.
They both slide and produce the same effects. One is fixed onto the rails, the other on pipes.
From what I can see, it seems to be a matter of choice if you go with fixed rails or a slightly larger version with pipes.
ZazaCast
Major Contributor
Not so... it would be very difficult to set-up a traditional dolly (seperate tracks) to slide over a table top, through a window or staircase railing or to do vertical slide. With a slider mounted on a fluid head, you can get complex crane/jib moves...lots of possibilities. It's also easier to pan & tilt while sliding...can be tough on a small dolly the operator isn't riding on. You can also flip a slider to get the camera inches off the floor. Some shorter sliders also act as a shoulder mount for run & gun shooting. Sliders will fit into places a dolly never could.
Yes, they both add movement to a shot...but still, different animals.:laugh: