In case you didn't catch the announcement, Cinevate is offering 30% off all Slider Models until February 8th. Find all the models and pricing options through the banner below. Just be sure to the coupon code 'SLDSALE' when checking out.
DSLR Slider
Varavon Slim Video Camera Slider Discount
The Varavon Sliders come in a few variations from Slim, Mini, EX, and ENG models. The 'Slim' is the smallest and narrowest version of their slider weighing in at around 5lbs total. It's the common roller bearing carrier design, so it's very smooth, and friction can be adjusted with the bearings.
Old video above of NAB 2011 where we first saw the Varavon Slim video camera slider. Normally even the smallest and cheapest Varavon slider will still run you about $600 dollars retail (seen here), but yesterday there's been a few listings of the Slim Camera Slider on sale for just under $330.
Right now, that's a bit cheaper than even Konova's 31.5" (first gen) slider. The Varavon ultralight Slim version is the narrowest slider on the market at 42mm wide, coming in at 39.4" long, and says it can carry a max payload of 19kg (42lbs?). You'll find those Varavon Slim Camera Sliders on sale following the link (click here)
Varavon Slim Camera Slider 39" Roller Bearing
Konova’s New K5 Slider – Bigger
Konova has one of the most popular roller bearing sliders on the market, and has now made available their new K5 slider which is a slightly larger version. The larger bearings and slightly larger carrier answers the call for supporting heavier payloads. Hopefully I should have a video review of this unit up soon, but i'm just getting back from CES Las Vegas. You can find more images comparing the new K5 against the smaller K3 slider over at the new listing (click here).
Konova New K5 Slider - Larger Bearing
DIY DSLR Video Slider – How To
A follow up video on the DIY Roller Bearing DSLR video camera slider. This is one that was posted about less than a week ago, and might give you some good ideas on crafting your own. It might not be suited for everyone, but you have to appreciate the effort put in to the instructional build info. [Thanks Sunny]
DIY Roller Bearing Slider
YouTube member Sunny01 shares a a simple DIY roller bearing slider most people can build out. A few T-shaped joining brackets on each side, some carefully spaced bearings on top and bottom allow the carrier to ride over the PVC pipes. If PVC isn't your thing, there's no reason you can't redesign around some lightweight copper piping. [Thanks Sunny]. Judging from the build and how it maintains itself on the rails, you'll need a minimum of 12 skate bearings. Normally these bearings come in packs of 8.
Motorized JuicedLink Slider Gone Vertical
Earlier in the week Vimeo member Bagelman showed us his version of a DIY Motorized JuicedLink video slider. I was curious to see if his setup could actually handle a straight up vertical shot, so he's put together another demo. Yup, sure does go nice and smooth on a straight up vertical climb. [Thanks Gary]
Jag35 New 2′ and 3′ Video Sliders
From Vimeo member Freddy Cordova, a look at Jag35's latest product - a video camera slider. A roller bearing block rides on two rails, requires two stands for elevated use, and optional leveling legs for ground use. Options for length are 2' and 3'. You can check out pricing over at the Jag35.com website.
Jag35 has excellent quality and aesthetics in their products, but so far the price is on the high side, and still only has about the same functionality as the JuicedLink DIY Slider (here). The JuicedLink is cheaper because it does not come with any rods, but opens up the option for you to choose what type and length you need. Of course the Jag35 has the overall better finish. I know they were working on a motorized version a few months ago, so we'll see how where it goes from here.
JuicedLink Slider Review
I showed a simple way to motorize a Juicedlink slider, but didn't have time to go out for some full video clip samples. If you're wondering how smoothly it actually works, Vimeo member Chad Johnson has a review and provides some excellent examples of slider movements along with a JuicedLink jingle. You can find all the JuicedLink slider options over at the JL site (click here).
JuicedLink DIY Slider Kit
Pico Flex Table Dolly – DIY Motorized + Lasers
I was testing this about a week ago, but finally published it to the public. Taking all the same little electronics from the JuicedLink DIY slider project (continuous servo, servo driver, and battery case) the little Pico Flex dolly is moving on it's own. The speed is variable and with the size of the pulley. It can go really slow, but what you see is the fastest setting it will go. A piece of scrap acrylic plastic and double sided tape was all that was used to mount it temporarily while I try to figure out the cheapest and best way to drive this thing.
A rubber band pulley system didn't do so well. The band would stretch and when there was enough tension built up, it would snap back causing a jerking motion. The direct drive was the simplest way to turn the Pico wheels and was much more consistent. Using this technique could apply to all existing Pico Flex Dollies without replacing any existing parts. The servo is extremely strong and since the Pico moves with little effort, it can move quite a bit of weight.
Another Clever Pico Flex Dolly Modification - Motorized + Lasers
YouTube Member dim3m has motorized the Pico Flex, and has also added lasers for an easy way to identify the rotating axis. This is a common practice used in those high end three wheel skater type dollies. By aligning the axles with the lasers, the cross path will be the center of rotation. This is where you need to focus your camera. Right now the lasers are just temporarily being held on with Friction arms as a proof of concept. [Thanks dim3m] You can find pen lasers fairly cheap these days in just about any store, but if you're lazy they can be found online for about $1.49 (click here)
Mini Pen Laser KeyChains