dolly v.s. jib

[Charli]

Yes, yes, I know they are two completely different animals. Let's say you had
the budget to invest in only one for your basic kit. You'll be doing short films
primarily. Which of the two would you invest in first? The jib or the dolly?

 

[Spartacus]

Dolly. You´ll have far more left right movement in your scenes, than up and downs.
Basically speaking.

 

[Cryogenic Filmworks]

I agree. The jib is nice, but you'll get more basic use out of the dolly.

 

[Inoran]

dollies are not hard to build. if you have the time you could a dolly for very cheap and have it work just as good as a pro. then you can buy the jib and have the best of both worlds. however there is no way for you to build or have someone else build a dolly for you, then get a dolly.

 

[snodart]

I have build a jib and two dollies. Hands down, I use the jib 10 times more. Dolly shots are great, but I use them much less. In most cases I even use the jib over a tripod. Movements with the jib, even if slight, have a more "natural" look than a pan or tilt with a tripod. A fluid head seems to give it self away while a jib movement is less distracting.

Also, in comparison to building a dolly, building a jib can become complicated and expensive. You could also look into some RoweCine dolly wheels.

If you have a chance. Take a peek at our HeroFest entry. The camera is moving in the majority of the shots, especially in the outdoor sequence with the van and the little girl. We used the jib for every shot of this sequence. I think the only dolly shots of the entire short were when the camera moves along the pole in the coffee shop and during the bat hit scene. It isn't apparent at first, but we also used the jib for the scene at the white work table.

Anyway, thats my take on it. :smile:

I'de get a jib and then build a dolly.