Anyone used the CamTram? at DVinfo.net

Sean Mewshaw · February 9th, 2008, 07:27 PM

Is anybody out there able to vouch for the usefulness/shot quality of the CamTram system?

http://www.camtramsystem.com.

Seems like a useful rig for those needing to dolly w/o a grip to do the pushing. I'm also interested in the overhead-track capability. But I would love to hear thoughts on the smoothness of ride, set-up ease, and any problems people have come up against....

Muchas Gracias,
S

Chris Li · February 11th, 2008, 12:57 PM

I'm a satisfied CamTram owner/operator. I acquired one last year for a project that required lots of air travel with a small crew/budget. It worked out very well . The dolly comes with it's own Pelican case at about 35lbs., I believe , so no xs baggage fee w/airlines.The thing is built like a tank so it travels well.
At each location, I would scrounge for an extension ladder on site . Sometimes I would call ahead to have one available. Once we bought the cheapest/lightest 16' extension ladder from Home Depot for $80. along with a couple plastic, folding sawhorses. You cannot use both extensions , so the 16' ladder made an 8' track. A 20' ladder gives you 10' and so on.
Attaining an exact camera height can be tricky . CamTram has several sets of extension rods to elevate camera height . Using Both halves of an extension ladder gains needed inches too. C-stands can raise the track too, maybe too much.
I've got pre drilled 2x4's to make wooden track as well. It tends to be heavier than the same length alum. ladder, but cheaper/more compact.

Performance -wise, dolly is very smooth and can be precisely controlled by operator. I prefer it to micro dolly and other diy pvc tripod dollies. but I probably would have rented a micro dolly for this job if hadn't bought the CamTram. MD travels more compactly and is lighter . Faster setup too. Trade off is that advanced operating is limited when you have to walk along the track w/o stepping on it and VF is difficult to see. External LCD is a must.
I believe CamTram is out of stock, but a newer model may debut at NAB in April. Supposedly less engineered and cheaper.

chris

Paul Cascio · February 11th, 2008, 02:39 PM

How about noise? Seems that anything on an aluminum ladder would almost certainly be noisy.

Chris Li · February 11th, 2008, 03:01 PM

No noise, completely silent. Soft rubber tires.

Sean Mewshaw · February 12th, 2008, 06:18 PM

Thank you so much, Chris, for this detailed and helpful run-down of your experience with what sounds like a pretty handy piece of gear. I've been debating what to use as track, and whether to build my own or not, but you're right to remind me that those extension ladders are particularly light for their rigidity, so perfect for the task. I'm thinking I'll rent a pair of shorty c-stands to use as adjustable end supports... Hmmm, I think I'd better buy myself a little level. Eager to give the CamTram a shot!

February 9th, 2008, 07:27 PM	#1
Sean Mewshaw Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Portland, ME Posts: 28	Anyone used the CamTram? Is anybody out there able to vouch for the usefulness/shot quality of the CamTram system? http://www.camtramsystem.com. Seems like a useful rig for those needing to dolly w/o a grip to do the pushing. I'm also interested in the overhead-track capability. But I would love to hear thoughts on the smoothness of ride, set-up ease, and any problems people have come up against.... Muchas Gracias, S

February 11th, 2008, 02:39 PM	#3
Paul Cascio Trustee Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bristol, CT (Home of EPSN) Posts: 1,192	How about noise? Seems that anything on an aluminum ladder would almost certainly be noisy. __________________ Paul Cascio www.pictureframingschool.com

February 11th, 2008, 12:57 PM	#2
Chris Li Regular Crew Join Date: May 2004 Location: Wash. DC area Posts: 154	I'm a satisfied CamTram owner/operator. I acquired one last year for a project that required lots of air travel with a small crew/budget. It worked out very well . The dolly comes with it's own Pelican case at about 35lbs., I believe , so no xs baggage fee w/airlines.The thing is built like a tank so it travels well. At each location, I would scrounge for an extension ladder on site . Sometimes I would call ahead to have one available. Once we bought the cheapest/lightest 16' extension ladder from Home Depot for $80. along with a couple plastic, folding sawhorses. You cannot use both extensions , so the 16' ladder made an 8' track. A 20' ladder gives you 10' and so on. Attaining an exact camera height can be tricky . CamTram has several sets of extension rods to elevate camera height . Using Both halves of an extension ladder gains needed inches too. C-stands can raise the track too, maybe too much. I've got pre drilled 2x4's to make wooden track as well. It tends to be heavier than the same length alum. ladder, but cheaper/more compact. Performance -wise, dolly is very smooth and can be precisely controlled by operator. I prefer it to micro dolly and other diy pvc tripod dollies. but I probably would have rented a micro dolly for this job if hadn't bought the CamTram. MD travels more compactly and is lighter . Faster setup too. Trade off is that advanced operating is limited when you have to walk along the track w/o stepping on it and VF is difficult to see. External LCD is a must. I believe CamTram is out of stock, but a newer model may debut at NAB in April. Supposedly less engineered and cheaper. chris

February 11th, 2008, 03:01 PM	#4
Chris Li Regular Crew Join Date: May 2004 Location: Wash. DC area Posts: 154	No noise, completely silent. Soft rubber tires.

February 12th, 2008, 06:18 PM	#5
Sean Mewshaw Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Portland, ME Posts: 28	Thank you so much, Chris, for this detailed and helpful run-down of your experience with what sounds like a pretty handy piece of gear. I've been debating what to use as track, and whether to build my own or not, but you're right to remind me that those extension ladders are particularly light for their rigidity, so perfect for the task. I'm thinking I'll rent a pair of shorty c-stands to use as adjustable end supports... Hmmm, I think I'd better buy myself a little level. Eager to give the CamTram a shot!