Camera Slider information

[shyguyfilms]

If you, or someone you know, has or wants a camera slider, what is/was it that you looked for that has you sold on any particular model? Or, what is most important to you in a camera slider?

Is it the ability to adjust friction on the slide movement?
Is the price point the biggest factor you look at?
Is it the ability to motorize the camera movement through add-ons?
How about aesthetic? Do you prefer one rail as a 'track' or do you prefer two parallel rails?
Ease of cleaning?

Whatever it may be, I'm curious to know what YOU want/need/look for in a camera slider.

 

[ZazaCast]

In 2008 I wanted a slider for a film I was shooting (for the DVXUser TwilightFest)....as I started researching them, found them to be WAY over-priced and most manufacturers were actually using standard available linear motion hardware. Did some more research, built my own professional slider at a hugh savings...opened a DIY thread with everything you need to do the same....and kind of started a Slider Revolution! One of the users here dubbed it the "ZazaSlider"...and here we are.

All of you questions...and many, many more have been asked & answered in my thread here: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?145701-DIY-IndieSlider...
I try to keep the very first post updated with the best information from the more then 270 pages and thousands of posts.

Now let me answer your questions in what I've found over the years.
- If using the standard igus Drylin bearing slider, there is no need to adjust the friction, it's just right for smooth slides. In this case, a carriage brake is useful for lock-down shots (just because your camera is on a slider, you don't have to always move it during a shot, a slider is great for quickly framing a shot too!) and transportation. Friction adjustment is most useful with roller-type sliders because if there isn't a bit of friction and it rolles TOO easily, it's very difficult to get good, smooth starts & stops.

- Price was a big one for me.

- There are a lot of motorized and crank slider options out there, so it would depend on what your personal use would be. These options generally raise the price quite a bit.

- aesthetics...entirely up to the individual user...either work fine. For me, a single rail and carriage is very easy to move and sets-up quickly. I also carry 2 pieces of rail; one 1000mm length and 1 700mm length...then pick what I need for the shot. The 700mm gives a good 2 feet of slide and can fit in very tight spots.

- Again, I like the Drylin bearing. They are lubrication free, so they don't make a mess or attract dust like a ball-bearing type can (I don't want oil or grease anywhere around my cameras or hands). If your rail gets a little dirty, all you do is wipe it down with a little 'Pledge' furniture polish and you're good (and sometimes better) then new! FYI... the Drylin bearings actually get better with use. I still use the very first one I built in 2008 and it's smooth as silk.

That's my 2-cents.

 

[adelphik]

I just bought a used slider (it's still in transit, so I haven't used it yet). I've never used one, but have always wanted to try one out. The reasons I bought it, in relation to your questions . . .

1. The price. Since it was used, it was well within what I'd be willing to pay. The reason that I've only been looking at sliders for a couple years, and not buying any, is that they are so overpriced. To me, they're very much a specialty tool, used sparingly to be most effective. I'm not paying hundreds and hundreds (or even thousands) for something I may only use once or twice per shoot -- or not at all.

2. On the model I bought, I can adjust friction, although it doesn't much matter to me. I'll probably set it once and hopefully not have to set it again.

3. It's not motorized, nor am I interested in that.

4. 2 rails. Seems more stable to me that way.

5. I have no frame of reference for cleaning it yet.

6. Next to price, my biggest criteria was size and portability. It's a 24" track, so it is easily transported and positioned; it is both tripod-mountable and self-standing on legs.

 

[ben_r_]

Very intriguing and veryy cool. I like the idea of going this route, I just wish I could compare the this setup with the Kessler CineSlider 5ft I have been drooling over for so long...