Is it called a "Slider" or what?

[SumoBear]

Hi to the experts,

Recently I have notice a trend of videographers using DSLR to shoot video and many of them mount their DSLR onto a sliding track that is mounted to their tripod to achieve a smooth panning from left to right. What is that "slider" called? Is it cheap? It does look fun and thinking to get one to play with if it is not too expensive....can try out with my family video.

By the way is there anyway to stablise a video camcorder? I know there are those expensive gadgets to solve the issue but I think it will be too much for a family production like mine.

 

[azman]

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Hi SumoBear,

Some call it IndiSlider, Camera Slider, DSLR Slider etc...well basically, it allows you to make your vidcam "slide" and thus producing a smooth side-to-side footage. Hence the name.
The price of this gizmo is as varied as the name itself. The ones produced by companies are naturally more expensive with a minimum price of $300 (could be higher I think).

But you can make one for yourself costing about $30.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ILlNjfqc3E

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "stabilise a video camcorder" but if what you mean is to reduce the shake while filming and walking or running at the same time, then what you need is a Glidecam or Steadicam.

And you are right. They are not cheap. However, a simpler and cheaper method is to use a lightweight tripod as a replacement. How ?

1. Mount you vidcam on the tripod.
2. Extend the neck of the tripod (if possible).
3. Close the legs of the tripod so that it will not be obstructive when moving around.
4. By holding the tripod near the centre of its neck using light force, lift it up and try to move around while recording.
5. Adjust the position of your hand till you get a not-so-shaky footage.

It may not be as good as a Glidecam or a Steadicam but it's good enough for a family home-movie
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[akerue]

since azman has answered the question abt the slider.

heres mine to ya stabilization question...

u cld opt for like what azman told u a lightweight tripod to double up as steadicam or u cld get those MIC shoulder rigs, which wouldnt cost more than 200 or even cheaper if u get the right sources....

 

[engr]

cathay photo has one on sale

 

[magicdragon]

It's not for panning it's for tracking...in the old days you would see two somewhat small railroad tracks with a huge tripod rolling along those tracks with wheels - it's called a dolly Panning - the cameraman doesnt move along. He follows the action through from left to right or right to left. You can also of course pan from top to bottom.

 

[jaegersing]

You can also of course pan from top to bottom.

Thought that was a tilt?

 

[akerue]

. You can also of course pan from top to bottom.

how u pan from top to bottom... i know u can only tilt up and down, pan left to right...

 

[SumoBear]

Hi to everyone!!!

Thanks for answering my question!!!

Oh yah...the system which I am asking is a miniature version of the tracks or dollies which the Pro uses. Just find it amazing when I saw some wedding videographer use it at work and the edited video is really cool...but I do know the video has a lot to deal with skill and not just because of the device. No intention to turn pro...just wanna try and play around with my family video.

For stabilizing, I will try the tripod method as suggested. Thanks!!! Anyway I saw a nice tripod cum manfrotto in Cathay Photo website. Looks cool and suitable for family production but just not sure about the price...

 

[azman]

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Hi SumoBear,

If you just want to try and play around, a simple tripod costing about $30 should suffice.
However, no harm will come to the retailers if you want to splurge on an expensive one

And also try to get a tripod that has a handle like in the picture. It will allow you to pan and tilt your camera easier. Good Luck

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[SumoBear]

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Hi SumoBear,

If you just want to try and play around, a simple tripod costing about $30 should suffice.
However, no harm will come to the retailers if you want to splurge on an expensive one

And also try to get a tripod that has a handle like in the picture. It will allow you to pan and tilt your camera easier. Good Luck

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Hi thanks for the recommendation....I have a Manfrotto tripod since I started off Photography with Film SLR. Just interested in the slider...wanna play with it but will probably wait till I have the extra $$$ for it....

 

[azman]

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Hi SumoBear,

If you are good with your hands, you may want to try and make a slider on your own.
I did one recently for about SG$20. The resulting footage looks very encouraging

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx8B-jQOmL0
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[SumoBear]

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Hi SumoBear,

If you are good with your hands, you may want to try and make a slider on your own.
I did one recently for about SG$20. The resulting footage looks very encouraging

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx8B-jQOmL0
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Wow cool DIY!!! thanks for sharing!!!