thoughts on dolly shooting at DVinfo.net

Carl Slawinski · February 28th, 2003, 01:55 PM

I was looking at dollies for tripods and was wondering exactly how these are used.

Are these just used for moving the tripod around? or could you use these to do "handheld" shots on smooth flat surfaces like tile, hardwood, and concrete?

In case you haven't figured it out, I don't have a background in this and don't have a clue. 8-)

Thanks

Ken Tanaka · February 28th, 2003, 02:04 PM

Tripod dollies can be very handy for moving a loaded tripod indoors, although getting through residential doorways will be a problem. They are generally not very good for motion shots. Look for a dolly that (a) is compatible with your tripod's legs, (b) folds compactly, and (c) locks/unlocks its wheels very easily. Bogen's 3254 (which I own) is an excellent example of these characteristics and relatively economical.

Derrick Begin · February 28th, 2003, 02:07 PM

Carl,

Roadtesting my Bogen Autodolly, it flows smoothly on its casters once you get the camera moving, as the casters are mounted to the frame on 360 degree rotators. So, you bump it into the right direction and your ready to go. I also use it to move the camera around, shooting, or not shooting. The base diameter is very wide.

You need to practice with it.

I still prefer the wheelchair to the dolly I have though.

Cheers!

February 28th, 2003, 01:55 PM	#1
Carl Slawinski Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Mount Prospect, IL Posts: 67	thoughts on dolly shooting I was looking at dollies for tripods and was wondering exactly how these are used. Are these just used for moving the tripod around? or could you use these to do "handheld" shots on smooth flat surfaces like tile, hardwood, and concrete? In case you haven't figured it out, I don't have a background in this and don't have a clue. 8-) Thanks

February 28th, 2003, 02:04 PM	#2
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Tripod dollies can be very handy for moving a loaded tripod indoors, although getting through residential doorways will be a problem. They are generally not very good for motion shots. Look for a dolly that (a) is compatible with your tripod's legs, (b) folds compactly, and (c) locks/unlocks its wheels very easily. Bogen's 3254 (which I own) is an excellent example of these characteristics and relatively economical. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

February 28th, 2003, 02:07 PM	#3
Derrick Begin Major Player Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: New York Posts: 329	Carl, Roadtesting my Bogen Autodolly, it flows smoothly on its casters once you get the camera moving, as the casters are mounted to the frame on 360 degree rotators. So, you bump it into the right direction and your ready to go. I also use it to move the camera around, shooting, or not shooting. The base diameter is very wide. You need to practice with it. I still prefer the wheelchair to the dolly I have though. Cheers!