Camera Sliders 101
As explained in the video above by ZY Productions, there are two types of sliders: friction sliders and bearing sliders.
Friction sliders have a metal carriage that slides along a track. The carriage is basically a metal chunk with two holes drilled through it lengthwise to accommodate the slider track (shown below). Typically, there are plastic bushings to help “grease the wheels,” so to speak, and allows the metal carriage to glide along the track with greater ease.
Using a camera slider is straightforward, yet the results you get are beautifully cinematic.
In the video above, Austin Newman shares how he uses a slider to create more dynamic footage.
You can see how the setup is simple – a slider and a camera with a lens attached. Just set up the slider where you want, fire up your camera, and you’re ready to capture footage.
YouTube Screenshot/Austin Newman
As Austin explains, there are numerous advantages of using a slider:
You can reveal a scene by sliding the camera out from behind an object. You can create movement by sliding along a path, like following the footsteps of a subject in the shot You can mount some sliders to a tripod to create elevated movement that gives your footage a different look.
As noted earlier, some sliders, like the Syrp Magic Carpet Short Slider that Austin uses, can be used with motion control devices for delightfully smooth motion.
The point here is that a camera slider is a must-have if you want to create truly cinematic footage.
Based on my personal experience with sliders, I can attest to the fact that bearing sliders, and in particular, the Syrp Magic Carpet, are the best choice you can make when investing in this type of gear.
Learn More:
Guide to Getting Started in Time-Lapse Photography Syrp Genie II Review
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