How much would you pay for a Motorized Slider? (is there a market?) at DVinfo.net

James Palanza · July 12th, 2012, 12:02 AM

So, I've finished building my own motorized slider and I'm considering putting it into production if there was adequate interest.
I'm curious as to what people would consider the sweet spot for this system, here are some details.

Current Model - 48 Inches Travel
Motor is a simple left, right, variable speed system (you spin a knob, it increases or decreases speed)
Stainless Steel / Aluminum construction, very durable, precise.
Either sits by itself or can be mounted to tripod heads.

Basically the features u find on most decent slider systems already around, except motorized. Battery is rechargeable, lasts a few hours. Not really heavier than current sliders.

Was thinking a good bit under thousand? Could maybe bring it down even more if I had a lot of orders. Not looking to make huge profits but moreso to offer a quality product to a large market.

Any input, LMK

Ron Little · July 12th, 2012, 06:32 AM

I would consider one at around $500. Any more than that and I would make it myself.

Seth Bloombaum · July 12th, 2012, 01:40 PM

I think there are two different markets for sliders. Ron and I are in one of them, the lower-price market. There are many >$1000 conventional sliders out there, I wouldn't buy one, but I might rent it. I would consider a great deal on a used premium slider, but might buy $300 worth of parts and build one some day.

Many others need a pro-level slider on a regular basis, and are making money with them. For this group, $1500 or more makes sense for a premium product that is well supported, works great, has state-of-the-art performance, from a company that will be around in a couple years when they lose a foot or something.

Some time-lapse photogs are integrating servo sliders with servo camera control, to get slide moves into their time-lapses.

Didja' see Matthew's Studio Equipment version of a slider? The Floatcam DC Slider is $5,500 if I remember, but oh so sweet!

Mark Koha · July 18th, 2012, 04:58 PM

It sounds good in theory but I think it would need a remote controlled head on it to make it really useful.

July 12th, 2012, 12:02 AM	#1
James Palanza Major Player Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 310	How much would you pay for a Motorized Slider? (is there a market?) So, I've finished building my own motorized slider and I'm considering putting it into production if there was adequate interest. I'm curious as to what people would consider the sweet spot for this system, here are some details. Current Model - 48 Inches Travel Motor is a simple left, right, variable speed system (you spin a knob, it increases or decreases speed) Stainless Steel / Aluminum construction, very durable, precise. Either sits by itself or can be mounted to tripod heads. Basically the features u find on most decent slider systems already around, except motorized. Battery is rechargeable, lasts a few hours. Not really heavier than current sliders. Was thinking a good bit under thousand? Could maybe bring it down even more if I had a lot of orders. Not looking to make huge profits but moreso to offer a quality product to a large market. Any input, LMK

July 12th, 2012, 06:32 AM	#2
Ron Little Major Player Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Pensacola Fl. Posts: 627	Re: How much would you pay for a Motorized Slider? (is there a market?) I would consider one at around $500. Any more than that and I would make it myself.

July 12th, 2012, 01:40 PM	#3
Seth Bloombaum Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,420	Re: How much would you pay for a Motorized Slider? (is there a market?) I think there are two different markets for sliders. Ron and I are in one of them, the lower-price market. There are many >$1000 conventional sliders out there, I wouldn't buy one, but I might rent it. I would consider a great deal on a used premium slider, but might buy $300 worth of parts and build one some day. Many others need a pro-level slider on a regular basis, and are making money with them. For this group, $1500 or more makes sense for a premium product that is well supported, works great, has state-of-the-art performance, from a company that will be around in a couple years when they lose a foot or something. Some time-lapse photogs are integrating servo sliders with servo camera control, to get slide moves into their time-lapses. Didja' see Matthew's Studio Equipment version of a slider? The Floatcam DC Slider is $5,500 if I remember, but oh so sweet! __________________ 30 years of pro media production. Vegas user since 1.0. Webcaster since 1997. Freelancer since 2000. College instructor since 2001.

July 18th, 2012, 04:58 PM	#4
Mark Koha Major Player Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 243	Re: How much would you pay for a Motorized Slider? (is there a market?) It sounds good in theory but I think it would need a remote controlled head on it to make it really useful.