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CineSkates go mini, still harnessing the power of smooth
You remember CineSkates, right? They're the camera tripod that looks like a Gorillapod that's just discovered the miracle of rollerblading. It's got a little sibling now -- the miniSkates Video Dolly, a rollable mount that works with phones and cameras that weigh up to 1.5 pounds. The minis are available for $150 as a complete set (Gorillapod included) or $95 for just the skates. Check out the smooth video after the break.
CineSquid suction tripod system looks to add car-mounted footage to your video repertoire
You may recall Cinetics from the outfit's Kickstarter campaign to fund its CineSkates rolling tripod. Well the same folks are at it again -- only this time suction cups are the videography weapon of choice. The company has launched CineSquid, a suction mount solution reminiscent of its elder sibling. Soon, you'll be able to capture exterior shots via DSLR from your Jeep while heading down the Blue Ridge Parkway. Packaged with a tripod and ball head, the system will set you back $235 with the first hundred pre-orders shipping March 24th. What's that? You already splurged on the CineSkates? No worries. For $120, the set of suction cups can be yours that'll play nice with your previous Cinetics purchase. If you're in need of a little more convincing, take a look at the video demo just beyond the break.
CineSkates bring highly adaptable dollying to mobile photography
Starting around $300, Cinetics' CineSkates are not cheap but this new device may provide exactly the kit you're looking for in terms of mobile dolly shots. Attach your iPhone, start it recording, and use the rig to smoothly move the camera as you shoot, creating perfect rotation and tracking shots. TUAW got its hands on an early review unit to see how it worked. We can report it felt extremely solid. The wheels plus the arms provided a stable yet maneuverable platform. You could adjust the camera to nearly any height within the limits of the physical components. Whether the camera was oriented up above the wheels or down as in this shot, it was steady and maneuverable. That strength derives from those flexible arms attached to the skate wheels. They were surprisingly rugged, offering a great balance between adjustability and strength. Once the camera was positioned, it stayed in that position -- exactly what you're looking for in a system like this. The wheels felt exactly like skate wheels, with all the smoothness you'd expect. There were a few times in our tests, where we had to re-adjust their position as they did have a slight tendency to squeak if they weren't placed in the proper orientation. As far as end-users go, CineSkates are going to be exactly what you need as a video hobbyist or they are not something that fits into your life. For those who can use them, and who can benefit from the kind of high-end dolly system it provides, we think you're going to love it. Yes, it's not cheap, but from what we can see in our tests, it's well made and a solid buy. Want to see CineSkates in action? Check out the videos here and here.
Pico Dolly replaces homemade roller skate tripods for smaller camera productions (video)
Instead of precariously perching your DSLR on a skateboard in the name of film, perhaps it's time to invest in something a little more stable -- like the extremely affordable Pico Dolly. Machined from aluminum, this 3.5-inch, three pound dolly has wheels akin to those found on Rollerblades, plus three screw mounts to attach the optional 11-inch friction arm. The contraption can glide straight or shoot in circles while taking up minimal room -- something that videographers using cameras like the A77 and E-P3 (or even the iPhone) can surely appreciate. Unlike its conceptual twin, which currently costs $150 and isn't scheduled to ship until October, the Pico Dolly can be had for $65 (or $90 if you want the friction arm included) and is scheduled to ship by September 12th. Check out the cinematic assistant in action after the break.
CineSkates smooth your camera's roll (video)
Wheels make everything better, right? That certainly seems to be the case with CineSkates. Joby has given a big thumbs up to the Kickstarter project, which help the Gorillapod Focus capture some pretty sweet tracking shots, because nothing says "elegance" like a gorilla on wheels.
