Don’t spend all your money on professional equipment for a dolly shot. From less expensive options to doing it yourself, here’s how to get the most bang for your buck.
The dolly shot is a filmmaking classic that will never go out of fashion. The iconic camera movement carries significance and weight. There are numerous ways to use the image, whether it takes the audience on a ride with your characters or presents an omniscient viewpoint.
Pulling off a smooth, professional, invisible dolly shot requires some equipment. So, let’s look at what gear is appropriate for your film and, more importantly, your budget.
Sliders for Cameras
Camera sliders are ideal for getting quick dolly shots. Many of these professional sliders are pricey, but there’s a reason for that: they work. While a slider isn’t the cheapest option here, it is less expensive than purchasing an actual dolly system, which can easily cost $1,500-$2,000. Consider the type of camera you’ll use the most and the weight you’ll be putting on the device when calculating your budget for a big shoot or investing in one of these products.
Dolly the Table
Consider a small tabletop dolly if you need a tighter, more manageable dolly shot with your DSLR. These lightweight solutions are great in a pinch, and many can support a significant amount of weight, which can be helpful even if you’re using a more miniature cinema camera, such as a URSA or C200. Because it is simple to use, you can capture multiple angles in minutes.
Dolly Tripod
If you can’t afford a slider and don’t have a flat surface for a tabletop dolly, a tripod dolly shot is your best bet. For best results, this simple tripod add-on requires a smooth surface. If that is not possible, this dolly has reasonably priced track options.
Dolly Track DIY
DIY projects are the way to go. They can save you money and time even if you have a large budget. So, let’s see how to make a dolly track out of items you can find in your local store.
In this tutorial, Sony’s SGNL group shows us how to build a dolly system out of PVC pipe, in-line skate wheels, and a few nuts and bolts.
Check out our dolly tutorial for a simple, low-cost way to build a dependable system.
Dolly shots can be captured in a hurry with the help of an outstanding instrument called a camera slider. These professional sliders have a tendency to be on the more expensive side, but there is a good reason for this, and that reason is that they do the job. The purchase of a slider, which is a moving platform that can be moved down a track, is less expensive than the purchase of an actual dolly system, which can easily cost between $1,500 and $2,000 in total. When calculating the cost of a significant production or making an investment in one of these items, it is essential to think about the kind of camera you will use the most and the total amount of weight that will be put on the device products.
Dolly is the Name of This Table
Consider acquiring a miniature tabletop dolly if you need to get a dolly shot with your DSLR that is more controlled and constrained, since this will be the best option for you. These lightweight alternatives are fantastic for when you’re in a panic, and many of them can hold a large amount of weight, which can be handy even if you’re using a more compact cinema camera, such as a URSA or a C200. When you’re in a panic, you’ll find that these lightweight alternatives are fantastic. Because it is so simple to operate, you can quickly capture images from a wide variety of vantage points, even if you don’t have a lot of time.
