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Dolly recommendations?
  • sdbestsdbest

    I'm in the market for a dolly system costing < $2,500 for a feature (see http://savingdinah.com). We're using a GH2 in a cage for most of the shots, but also a Sony EX1. There's a number of products available from Kessler Flex Track, Indie Dolly Systems, Merlin Video which fit the budget. A flex track system seems a good way to go.

    So, looking for recommendations from folks who might have some experience with the products on the market.

    Thanks.

  • 6 Replies sorted by
  • svartsvart

    I'd suggest some more information first:

    How much weight does it need to hold? A camera? A person?
    How long of a track? Do you need a dolly or a slider..
    Curved tracks? Cheaper systems usually don't have curved tracks..
    How smooth do you need it? Cheaper systems bump more at track junctions..
    Would a steadicam work better for your situations? Setting up a track takes time, doing it wrong can sometimes be worse than handheld..

  • sdbestsdbest

    @svart, further to,

    "How much weight does it need to hold? A camera? A person?"

    Ideally, the camera and a person.

    "How long of a track? Do you need a dolly or a slider.."

    Minimum 12 feet.

    "Curved tracks? Cheaper systems usually don't have curved tracks.."

    Curved tracks

    "How smooth do you need it? Cheaper systems bump more at track junctions.."

    Smooth and silent

    "Would a steadicam work better for your situations? Setting up a track takes time, doing it wrong can sometimes be worse than handheld.."

    We will be using a Steadicam in some shots, but at the beginning of the film when the heroine's life is on a normal plane, the steadiness of dolly and track will work best.

    Due to recent events this may all be moot. I'm negotiating a flat rate deal with a rental house for everything which I could ever want over the three week shoot.

  • chenopupchenopup

    Take a look at the CamDolly - http://www.camdolly.com/

    I actually helped design it and Met Hrovat (the inventor) is ramping up production finally on them. You won't find anything as versatile for the price.

    Mike

  • svartsvart

    @chenopup, that's interesting but I've seen that "track" type stuff done in the industrial world and it's a serious pain. It rolls nice but it "wiggles" as you travel which is going to wreak havoc on your shots, especially if you are on something that is not flat.

  • chenopupchenopup

    Svart - Absolutely - I'm not a huge fan of the flex track either but CamDolly includes it as an option anyway. The dolly itself is amazing though. Pixar even bought one last year to use for some internal stuff.

  • vicharrisvicharris

    @svart I'd stay away from any flex type track. I've heard nothing but complaints from friends that have used them. They can never get the tracks just perfect and always notice a little bump or skip in the final footage.I always see them on craigslist, pretty much brand new so that has to tell ya something as well.

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