There's nothing wrong with that device, but it's more of mini-dolly than a slider.

Sliders typically mount on a single sturdy tripod and pack-up in a small case. Sliders also provide a secure mount that the camera will not fall off of.

They also sell the sliders you're talking about, alas at a cost of $3,500-$6,500.

That's why I said "midrange" here, i.e. for someone with pro needs without the mega budget.

Mtntvguy's Igus type slider linked above is the other design, with the track on one or two tripods (or tripod+monopod!).

For my needs, that might be even better, as long as I can get a Sony V-mount for it.

In my camera support experience, you get what you pay for. A $4000 fluid head is worth every penny if shooting is your business.

With a slider, you want it to be perfectly smooth. You want it to be easy to ramp up the movement and ramp it back down again. You don't want it to be flexible at all.

Here are some slider suggestions:

http://www.walterklassen.com/sidestep.htm

http://www.theslider.com/

http://www.t-jib.com/products2.asp

Thanks for those suggestions!

The Slider is (somewhat) local here, and they rent them by the day or week.

I am using a $4K fluid head, although I bought it refurbed for a lot less.

The table top shots that I need to do asap, I'll only need to repeat a few times this year.
So I don't want to blow a ton of money on it..

If the $350 slider can do a good job on a table top (which is easier than a floor dolly slider shot), I'd save a chunk of money and hassle.

(Don't forget the P+S Technik Skater, which is more compact and quicker to set up than the sliders, although it can't make repeatable tracks and it also costs a bundle.)

You could build that rig yourself in a weekend (with some minor modifications if welding isn't an option for you). I don't know of any skateboard wheels that AREN'T 100% polyurethane. Even if they aren't, how fast are they going to wear in an application like this? You'd likely replace a few cameras before you had to replace the wheels.

Yes, good point for desktop work where the load is so much smaller than a floor track dolly.

I've done both gas and electric welding, but I don't have a setup nowadays, and I haven't had a weekend in a really long time...

Bjorn,

Have you seen the DIY Homebuilt Stabilizers website?

John

John,

Thanks!

Yes, I saw this years ago but completely forgot about it.

The Plywood Skater could be the bee's knees for this, and I may have just thought up a way to make it with less effort.

Westside AV's sliders use the same basic linear bearings as everyone else uses. We resell some of Olaf's kit down here and he does a fine job of machining. The difference in what he charges for his sliders compared to what the base linear bearings cost makes his a bargain. Olaf can also make you a slider with a crank handle that drives a lead screw.

The trick with these sliders is to push the base, NOT the camera.

There are lower friction linear bearings available that use recirculating ball bearings. Be warned, they are zero friction. That sounds really attractive at first but might not be when you see your camera just keeping going, into the sunset :)

Bob.

You might want to look into the GlideTrack. It is built and sold by one of our own Vegas users Alistair Brown so you might want to help a fellow Vegas user out and support is new business. ;-)



(I have no affiliation with GlideTrack, I just know Alistair from the forum)

~jr

My company picked up a Cinevate Pegasus after owning both the SD short and HD 3' model of the Glidetrack and all I can say is wow. I think it was just under $1000 and has proven to be worth every penny. The Glidetrack, while nice, was never consistently smooth. It was a mix of of jitters and awkward pressure points along the rail. I purchased the Glidetracks and the Pegasus new so impressions should be spot on.
An additional benefit of the carbon fiber Pegasus is that if you need something more substantial you can buy lengths of rail as long as you can carry. We purchased some 8' rods and with our stands, we get some incredible shots. The Glidetrack just didn't have the same flexibility.

enjoy.