Hi all,
I have decided to purchase a slider for my Canon T2i but the options seem to be abundant with lots of pros and cons for all of them. Budget, right now, is my concern. I had narrowed my search down to:

1) Glidetrack SD Shooter (http://www.glidetrack.com/glidetrack-shooter-sd.html)
2) IndiSliderMini Deluxe (indiSYSTEM - indiSLIDERmini (http://indisystem.com/products/indislider_mini))
3) Micro Motion Slider (Micro Motion Slider Camera Slider (http://motionslider.homestead.com/micromotionslider.html)) or Motion Slider 24 (24PHD- Motion Slider 24 Camera Slider (http://motionslider.homestead.com/motionslider.html))

I didn't include the DP Slider as it was out of my price range. It also seems that, when factoring overseas shipping, the Glidetrack SD Shooter is also out of my price range. I didn't believe I would be using the shoulder support aspect of it much.

Right now I am looking at the IndiSliderMini Deluxe. Youtube clips looked nice AND it includes the Pistol Grip Ball mount so I wouldn't have to purchase one...thus saving me money. Was reading, though, that costumer support for IndiSystems isn't so hot.

The Micro Motion Slider looks like it is built better but seems to be a lot less rail then the IndiSliderMini and Glidetrack SD (correct me if I am wrong). A step up to the Micro Motion Slider 24 gives a longer slide but doesn't come with legs like the Micro.

So, choices...choices... I am sure there are sliders out there that I missing and have watched tutorials on building my own (YouTube - Build a DIY Slider for $20 : Backyard FX (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ILlNjfqc3E)).

So, forum videographers...what are you suggestions on this great Slider Debate of 2011.? :p

Hi Robert,

I just ordered this 30" Glidetrack from B&H photo. They have hassle free delivery to Canada. You pay shipping and Duty when you order and it's cheaper than shipping from the UK.

Glidetrack Glidetrack SD - 30" (0.75m) SD-075 B&H Photo

if youre on a budget, try the konova being offered at cheesycam, it is smoother than the glidetrack shooter.// i have a glidetrack shooter and if given a choice in the past, i would have bought a different one.

-Anyone have any experience with the MotionSlider 24 or Micro? 24PHD- Motion Slider 24 Camera Slider (http://motionslider.homestead.com/motionslider.html)
Micro Motion Slider Camera Slider (http://motionslider.homestead.com/micromotionslider.html)

I should have noted that I have about $200 to spend on either a fully assembled slider or build one myself (though I'd prefer something already put together)...that makes the aboved mentioned one on cheesycam out of my budget unless I was looking at the wrong thing.

What do you think about the Dual Dolly RS show here: Dolly/Track Systems | eFilmGear (http://www.efilmgear.com/store/dollytrack-systems/dual-dolly-rs%E2%84%A2-medium-duty/)
Video here: YouTube - Dual Dolly RS Demo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDkSKKkdjig&feature=player_embedded#at=136)

I like the idea that the dolly doesn't stay locked to the track and, thus, can be used without it on flat surfaces and up walls.

Thoughts?

Hi Robert,

If budget is one of your worries, check this out:

igus @ Amazon.com:

This is the Igus online store. You can order the exact parts that are used in brand name sliders, drill one hole and you're set, for a fraction of the price.

I contacted Igus, and the rep told me shipping would be $40 with no duty, as it ships from their Toronto warehouse. I ended up making a dolly instead, but all reviews are good on this product.

Looks like everything at that link is currently unavailable. I read that Igus parts stick a lot. Any truth to that?

Also, do you find it better to have the dolly not able to be removed from the track unlike the Dual Dolly RS which can also come off and work on floors/tables and up walls as a standalone. That one is cheaper and seems to give more flexibility.

Hmmm, when I checked recently, it was all in stock.

I've not heard that the Igus parts stick. Only read great reviews.

As for the Dual Dolly RS, I had considered that as well, because it looks much more versatile. But when I watched the demo:

Dual Dolly Rs Demo (http://wn.com/dual_dolly_rs_demo)

I wasn't that impressed with the smoothness. Though I guess that could be the operator, who knows.

Really, Vito? I didn't find there to be any shake. Can you point out an aspect of the clip you saw this in?

I found the Ignus parts you are looking at. Overall, it would cost about $200 it seems from what I gather.

* * *

What is bother me now are sites like IndiSliderMini and Motion Slider not returning my emails. That is just poor business and makes me wonder if they are even still shipping this stuff out let alone the quality of it when it arrives.

Robert,

The GlideTrack and others use the Igus track/carriage. While there are issues with some sticking, you do get what you pay for. If you want a better slider, you have to pay more money. DP Slider, Cinevate Atlas 10, GlideTrack Hybrid, etc.,

Really, Vito? I didn't find there to be any shake. Can you point out an aspect of the clip you saw this in?


I don't see "shake". More like hesitation, as if it's difficult to produce a truly smooth movement. Perhaps because there's no resistance on the track?

if youre on a budget, try the konova being offered at cheesycam, it is smoother than the glidetrack shooter.// i have a glidetrack shooter and if given a choice in the past, i would have bought a different one.

I just checked this out over on Ebay and then found that if you go to their site you get Free Shipping which comes out to be 30 bucks cheaper when you count shipping over on Ebay. Sounds like a good deal. Also comes with a little tool kit to tighten/loosen the bearings and a bag to transport it in.

(Konova Photo&Video (http://konovaphoto.com/best-selling/k-3080.html?SID=7j7m9e6nu4d720bq0mp3ikrkn7))

I liked how you could mount it many different ways.

However, the slider seems to be new on the market as I can't find any firm reviews or many test videos outside of one guy on Youtube.

Anybody here have one? Thoughts?

Oh yeah, and I wrote them like I did IndiSlider and Camera Motions and, unlike them, I got a reply. In fact, their rep Frank wrote me back within an hour and a half. That's a good start.

I just purchased it last week.
they have a review at cheesycam.com

from what ive seen, parts, and mechanism, it is not different than the dpslider and atlas 10 (im not sure though)

I love their overview. A couple of highlights:

"The stable and smooth takes are the basic elements of the film art. Photos took accurately facilitate perception of content correctly and improve values of ultimate version of the movie.

The dolly moves very smooth on the rail so one should subtly remove it in chosen direction, the take supervising."

This could be a good deal.

here are two reviews:
Konova Camera Slider | DSLR Film Noob (http://www.dslrfilmnoob.com/2011/01/31/konova-camera-slider/)
Konova Roller Bearing DSLR Slider – Review CheesyCam (http://cheesycam.com/konova-roller-bearing-dslr-slider-review/)
I was hoping to find any review about this slider with bigger camera's like mine (PMW-350)

Any slider recommendations for "heavy" camera?
anyone using any kind of slider for big camera's not Dslr? i've been looking around to see any review about any kind of slider used with a camera like PMW-350 or same size or weight but all that i have found is sliders for 5D 7D etc...anyone having good results with a camera that is big with slider that doesn't cost too much?

Too bad they don't list a weight capacity. I'm thinking about it for an EX1. It's probably beefy enough for that.
The 350 is a lot heavier. Maybe email them?

I have send an email to many slider producers,problem is they want to sell..so they all answer: yes we have test it with heavier camera and it works great!!! they are running a business based on selling these things.
I just need to find one independent videographer that uses slider with heavy camera...can't find any!!..
maybe I just have to buy one and test it, here in Italy no one rents sliders or maybe I can't find anyone that does...I have tried to contact Dana dolly (not a real slider but maybe best solution for heavy camera) but they didn't even bother to answer me..maybe because they don't ship international so they don't care for clients from board!! or maybe I'm wrong..

Robert-

I have the 24PHD- Motion Slider 24 Camera Slider and I do have buyer's remorse on it. I used it for my 5DM2 and I have to say the head on it has quite a bit of play in it. I suppose with some customization you could make it a bit tighter, but it's got jerk and wobble if you don't use it just right. It's caused me to have to do 4-5 different takes of things. The action is not very smooth. Definitely involves some expertise in the wrists and a steady push.

I'm not saying it's impossible or terrible, but definitely for me requires more work getting it just right then probably other sliders out there.

I went to a camera store recently and tried out the Kessler Pocket Dolly. Holy cow if I had just a bit extra coin I'd totally rather have that over that cheapo one I bought.

I bought the Konova. It arrived from Korea in a couple of days to the UK and was a real surprise. Comes in a smart carry case that itself has evidence of careful design (special vertical zips to open one end) as well as zips along the length. Two well made screw-on feet are included in the bag, a full set of tools to adjust the slider head, including pliers to pull out the locking rings for friction adjustment, and good instructions.

The slider itself is very well made. The engineering is really good (I have some engineering experience), and there are little touches that make me think that although this is a 'budget' device, that the designers cared about the way it would work - so they have included two little nylon clip-in sliding lightly oiled 'buffers' that you can use to clean the sliding track before use, pull out and wipe off, then reinsert. These sit on oeither side of the sliding head and protect the ends of the sliding head when you get to the end of the track.

So far so good. However its how it works that counts. I loaded it with an Acratech Ultimate ballhead (brilliant - good size and strength for use on a slider, weighs less than 1lb but supports a huge amount) and a 7D with 24-70 f2.8 lens and it slid beautifully, well controlled and smooth. It felt that it would easily support more weight, and is advertized as holding over 50lbs so I tried the 70-200 f2.8 on the 7D with a lens plate on to support and keep balance - no problem. So I tried a 300 f2.8 and 7D and it slid easily, cleanly and very smoothly and the results were perfectly usable. So it easily holds a decent weight - the latter comob weighs around 9 lbs with head.

Works well vertically, up or down, is nice and stable mounted on a tripod with the centre hole only, is much more stable (obviously) with a tripod at one end and monopod at the other. Can be used hung off a door, and using it at angles off the level - ie rotated 90 degrees longitudinally which is a bit of a test of the bearings, was no problem.

Downsides - its perhaps a bit heavier than some of the lighter aircraft alloy ones - but they cost three to four times as much. The lightly oiled track needs to be kept very clean, but this is easy and pretty normal I'd guess.

I've no connection with the company, but did a lot of reading before I ordered, and had NO experience using a slider ever, so this was my first purchase and usage of one, and a couple of days after it arrived I took it out in earnest and this was the result of using it for a few hours filming: Clootie Well on Vimeo

A forum member here wrote me in an email once regarding sliders. He said: "Seems a lot of money for one trick". That stuck with me, especially being unsure about them for what I do. So, I went and purchased the cheapest I could find first. I decided to snag an IndiSlider Mini. It is what it is and, at the moment, I am glad I didn't go hundreds of dollars in for the one trick. I imagine I will use the slider sparingly. Here is a short video I put together of my first two practice runs:

Untitled on Vimeo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-hq7CN5mF4

The hard part about the cheap sliders is that "one trick" can take a bunch of takes to pull off smoothly. After a while when you are doing your best to keep the base steady while making those movements it starts to waste time when you're doing a commercial shoot or where time is critical. After the headaches I've had with my slider I decided to sell it to someone looking for a great beginner slider and instead go with something that will do the job every time without fail. I want my shots very smooth and when you see these unintentional jerks that happen due to balance being a hair off or whatnot it really makes for frustrating editing because you may not initially see those jerky parts while in motion, but when looking over the footage it's definitely there.

I hear you, Ryan. That was a big part of my months of analyzing slider footage online. In the end I saw footage online with jerky motion for the IndiSlider (for $100) just as I did for, say, a Glidetrack Shooter and Konova Slider ($300). Granted, the higher priced may be less jerky but it seemed a bit of patience would save me $$$. At least at the outset.

Now, I wouldn't say the IndiSlider is butter smooth but for the money pulled off some alright moves in about 2-4 tries at worse and on the first go at best from somebody, like me, doing it right out of the box. I am sure those $600 sliders can pull off the "one trick" smoother but for budget folks not working commercial it should be alright.

I'm sure my equipment will up it's game as soon as I do. :p

I've just upgraded the carriage on my Igus-based slider to the new Hybrid roller/sleeve carriage made by Glidetrack.
I can't speak highly enough about it. For once, I'm able to perform decent tilts as well as pans during a slide - not always possible before.
I can even use my Canon XF300 on it perfectly - and that's not exactly a light camera.