Motorized Dollies

GenJerDan

GenJerDan

Veteran
Went shopping today and saw something in the store. Curiosity got me, so...

How much do "real" motorized camera dollies go for? I can't find any prices listed on web pages (not even rental prices!).

But the real question is: do they they run significantly more than these -> http://www.americanwheelchairs.com/scooters.shtml

Or would the effort needed to mount a tripod/jib/pillar negate any cost difference?

I'm in no position to purchase either variety, but was just wondering. (especially since you can rent the scooters at local pharmacies...)

Dan
 
JerDan I'd love to see you on one of those in action w/ a dvx aboard. I'd laugh out loud at you cos that **** would look just ridiculous. HAHAHAHA. but, Not a bad idea. its' just what it is that makes it funny. Could work.
 
$795 for the lower end models, not bad, and apparently the speed can be adjusted from 0-5 mph, I'd be curious to know how granular the speed can be set, but I gotta say it does open up some possibilities for working alone (I tried pushing my newly built DIY dollie by myself and it's ridiculous to think you can push, pan, and focus at the same time, you gotta choose two and only two, and even then it's not as good as if someone else was pushing!)

*plus with one of these you wouldn't need to walk to the car to get anything!
 
I wonder how much a cheap go-cart costs these days... could be an interesting alternative and they can go relatively fast when need be.
 
You'd need to modify the speed controller so it could accellerate gradually, rather than immediate speed. That wouldn't be that hard. Also, I'd probably lose the tires or build a special track for the tires because these things probably aren't the smoothest rides.

It would be a good alternative though. Anyone have access to these? I'm sure they're in the paper a lot... when dead people kick the bucket, their spousses sell them.
 
dj200423 said:
Also, I'd probably lose the tires or build a special track for the tires because these things probably aren't the smoothest rides.
Click to expand...

The one I saw was most likely designed for use inside the store...nice smooth floors.

But the tires were decent-sized, and air-filled, so even on slightly rough surfaces it should be ok.

Maybe I can talk the store manager into letting me try some things after- or before-hours. Even bracing a tripod between my knees and zooming around the store should give a hint as to practicality.

Whoa! A 25 mile range? That'd be a helluva tracking shot. :laugh:

Dan
 
man, just slap a turbo on that thing and you can get up to 88 m.p.h. that is if you include the flux cap, then, you'd see some serious $hit.
 
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