Cheesycam Skater Dolly

Videos or Articles related to the Cheesycam Skater Type Video Camera Dollies.

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Since the inception of the SpiderTrax dolly, there have been quite a few iterations from a number of different companies. Those units on the market were either still pretty large, or built with poor quality. This time around, I wanted to focus on flexibility and portability. I tried to achieve the highest quality possible, in the smallest footprint, and still make it the most affordable for the community. So today i'm showing you guys the Pico Flex Table dolly. It's still based on the 4 wheel two axle design which I showed a few years ago on the SpiderTrax. The reason for this is because it is much more time consuming to properly align any three wheel design (in case you were considering one). There's no need to look into any other table dolly system as this one still performs as good, and traveling with it is even easier. You'll also be quite happy with the initial price.

Although you can spin your dolly around like a madman, when used slowly they can create some interesting footage. Here's a two year old video I shot when experimenting with my first dolly. Just slight rotation moving slowly on a table.

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It's as small as you can go, while still being able to mount a regular sized Fluid head and support a normal sized Canon DSLR. The main purpose of this product is to just have fun and get creative shots. There are three threaded mounting points to attach friction arms which allow for the lowest possible angle in a camera, as well as adding a number of accessories. Of course if you want to sling a DSLR upside down (as shown in the video), you can counterbalance the weight with another accessory (notice the LED light in the video used with the upside down DSLR).


Pico Dolly w/ Zacuto EVF as Monitor. Also 240 LED Video Light.

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The Pico is complete fun for iPhones, GoPro cameras, Small Point and shoot HD Video cameras (like my HX9V), and Micro Four Thirds. Perfect for that new Sony NEX-5n, NEX-7, or even Olympus EP-3. You can purchase the Pico alone, which is a great price. There's a bundle with a friction arm which brings the price up slightly. The Pico Flex Skater Table Dolly and Accessories are available now. (click here for Pico Flex Skater Dolly)

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find-price-button Order Pico Flex Table Dolly - PhotographyandCinema.com

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We finally get to see a video review of the ALZO Transformer DSLR Rig Accessory Cage. If you've collected quite a bit of external accessories, a cage is a simple way to keep things together while moving your about. Vimeo member Brian Russell shows how it's in use with a JuicedLink DT454 and an external Monitor. The handles of a cage aid in stabilization when going hand held, and not seen in the video could be the optional top handle from Alzo if you need to shoot low. The Alzo cages are available on Amazon (click here).

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find-price-button Alzo DSLR Accessory Cage

Optional top bracket can be found below:
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find-price-button ALZO Top Cage Bracket Handle

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Lens ReplicasCanon Mug

Here's the background story. During the Winter Olympics, Canon released some limited edition Lens Replica Coffee Mugs to the press. The world went nuts, but these were limited edition items. These lens replicas sold for hundreds of dollars at auction. Rumor is that Canon had these made by a factory over seas (China?), and since there was such a demand, the company began producing more of these and in different varieties.

Not sure how long some of you have been reading this blog, but i'm an enthusiast of the most random DSLR Collectibles. I've collected a few of those fairly accurate Lens replica Coffee Mugs, and now another nice one is on available in the 100mm F/2.8L Macro IS version. These look dead on like the real things, and some available with stainless steel inserts for managing hot beverages. Some versions actually have a 'zoom' feature - turn the zoom ring and the lens cup adjusts.

Nikon-Zoom-Lens-Mug
watch image above for animated zoom action

These are by far the best 'Gift Ideas' for friends and family (maybe yourself) who enjoy all things DSLR. It's an inexpensive idea, but something that won't ever be thrown away. Most of these can now be had for less than $10 US dollars. If you're interested, go for the latest models often advertised as 'latest generation', and opt in for the Stainless Steel inserts too. Available in a variety of Lens models from 24-70mm, 24-105mm, 70-200mm, and now 100mm Macro IS and also a variety of popular Nikon lenses too (click here).

Canon 100mm Macro IS Coffee Mug
find-price-button Canon Nikon Lens Replica Coffee Cup Mug

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A closer look at the Konova video camera Stabilizer Vest and Arm. Let's start here. Pricing? Not very competitive. Everyone knows about my Hybrid setup using the Steadicam Merlin Vest / Arm + Glidecam HD4000. This hybrid setup works extremely well and you can probably put one together yourself for around $2300 or so. The Konova Stabilizer system will still run you over $3K. But if you wanted to compare apples to apples, this is more similar to Steadicam's Pilot system which sells for about the same price.

Pricing aside, what does it have to offer? The larger stabilizer should hold 10lbs on the top fairly easy. That's a bit more than the weight a Glidecam HD4000 is rated at. The unit is all metal, lightweight, and gimbal is very smooth. The top stage adjusts forward/back/left/right to center your camera. To balance the entire stabilizer, the Gimbal can be positioned further up or down the post.

The arm is huge and very well made. It can be positioned either left or right side by flipping the mounting bracket. It can definitely carry some heavy weight, but isn't designed to be fine tuned for light weight setups. (The Merlin vest can be tuned for light camera setups). The Padded Vest is very lightweight, easy to slip on/off and adjust various ways for comfort. From an operator's point of view, the Konova arm is much easier to place into the vest system than a Steadicam Merlin Vest (I just leave the Merlin Arm on all the time) and also easier to remove when breaking down. The stabilizer comes with a stand adapter (attaches to a light stand) to dock the stabilizer when not in use.

Let's talk cons. Well price is one. There are already so many other options on the market with either the same price or cheaper. Unless they can bring the price down, it's going to be a tough market to crack. It offers nothing different than what is already available. This unit is wired, but is missing HDMI. HDMI seems to be a growing trend not just for DSLRs, but for other popular cameras under 10lbs. (i'm going to mod this one with my own HDMI). The monitor that it comes with is outdated too, so I'll be switching that out with the SmallHD DP6. So that's it so far, and i'll be taking it out for a test as soon as I can build it up to my liking. Stay tuned.

Konova Vest Arm
Konova DSLR Video Camera Stabilizer on eBay

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Now that Apple has announced upgrades to it's MacBook Air lineup, the previous models have dropped in price significantly. I'm personally using the (older) top of the line model 11.6" version, because it's easy to travel with and mainly for just emails and internet browsing. I tried an iPad, but the limited browser and lack of keyboard made it impossible as a mobile blogger. Having USB ports allows me to download and backup from my Compact cameras.

Do you need the latest model? Even with upgraded horsepower, I don't see myself using these systems for photo or video editing, it's just too small. My version is now discounted about $350 dollars from when I purchased it (not too long ago). So if you're looking for a solid travel system with the longest battery life, and instant on, these older MacBook Air systems are the bees knees..

MacBook Air
find-price-button MacBook Air Laptops

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Small LCD monitors are the rage these days. Ruige's 5" TL-S500HD monitor has a few features that aid specifically Canon DSLRs. Most Canon cameras will change resolution when going into record mode, and you also lose your zoom focus ability. The Ruige does not drop resolution when going into record mode (you get to use the full screen), and you can zoom in (with optional Ruige Zoom trigger) while you're recording. Helpful to get accurate focus while the camera is rolling. Also available is a unique HDMI lock to prevent the cable from slipping off - a common problem. Since HDMI can carry audio, you are able to monitor audio through the Ruige headphone port. Also comes with focus peaking (another aid to help focus).


Ruige 5"
find-price-button Ruige 5" TL-S500HD HDMI LCD Monitor

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There's some big fans of PVC who read this blog, and the common choice of coloring is through a rattle and shake spray can. We all know it doesn't hold up very well over time. Many plain white extension cords are also covered with PVC, and Make: has created this short video tutorial on how to color dye PVC based on the article found here: https://makeprojects.com/Project/Cable-Dyeing/750/1

Now, go out and get colorful with your rigs, or maybe just go with the cliche all black..

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Serious note here. Last time I posted this article about a compatible Manfrotto Quick Release adapter on the cheap, it sold out around the world. Yes this includes Europe as well. The hype died down when prices went upwards and the item was rarely in stock. You can say that the stars are aligned once again, because not only are they listed as 'in stock', but there's also a nice little discount going on too making it a great buy again. Perfect to stay compatible with your Manfrotto tripods, these QR adapters are great for your new Jibs/Cranes, Sliders, Steadicams, etc. Before they run out of stock again (I'm positive they will be out of stock again), you might want to check out the current price and inventory (below).


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find-price-button Quick Release Adapter + Plate (not Manfrotto branded)

If you're just in need of the plate itself, they have that available too (again not stating Manfrotto Compatible)
calumet-sliding-plate
find-price-button Sliding Plate (not Manfrotto branded)