When shooting scenes as a filmmaker, one of the first things you’ll need is a tripod to shoot static scenes.
However, when you need to carry the camera for more dynamic shots, a tripod wouldn’t do.
If you’re a gorilla filmmaker, you’ll just carry the camera and go for it.
For those looking for a more smooth movement of the camera, think David Fincher levels of seamless movement, you’ll want a slider.
It allows a camera to smoothly maneuver and move with finesse.
You can mount your camera on a slider and move it horizontally or vertically to create smooth tracking shots.
The question then is, “What’s the best Camera slider for me?”
Well, as with all things in life, it depends on you. There are numerous options on the market for any prospective filmmaker.
If you’re overwhelmed with the number of options available to you, don’t worry.
That’s why today we’ve compiled a buying guide for your eyes only.
We’ll discuss what you need to consider as well as the best Sliders on the market.
Best Camera Slider
Let’s slide (terrible pun intended) into the list and see where are the best camera sliders on the market.
1. GVM GP-80QD Professional Video Camera Slider
What if there was a slider that could handle 6 specific types of shooting methods? That would be something, wouldn’t it?
Well, you don’t have to imagine, because that slider exists. It’s called the GVM camera slider.
A camera slider that’s very versatile with very precise controls. This is something that every videographer can appreciate.
The GVM makes for a very enjoyable experience. The red knobs on both sides of the camera slider can be adjusted to switch between the electric modes, depending on the situation.
You can use this to shoot time-lapses, panoramas, etc. Just what you need in a camera slider!
The slider is equipped with a powerful motor and the slider’s carbon fiber body helps create smooth sliding movements.
This makes the slider a competent dolly track and video stabilizer as well. It’s also very customizable, as you can set the start and end points however you want.
You can even adjust the motor torque. It’s also compatible with a huge number of tripods.
Overall, a very solid slider that’s probably the most versatile on the market right now.
- Motorized slider features - set the start and end points at will. Set the motor torque at will. Slip...
- High quality camera slider- The 48”, 120cm motorized camera slider is made of carbon fiber with a...
- Tracking shooting - adjust the red knobs on both sides of the camera slider to the upper left and...
- Smooth mute - The new motor and light carbon fiber Perfect combination, to create smooth mute...
- [List and 100% Guarantee]1Motorized Slider+6 shutter release Cable + 1 extension...
2. Shark Slider S1 Special Bundle
Versatility is the key to the success of a filmmaker. Whenever the demand arises, the better-equipped filmmaker will always have an advantage.
We think that for this reason that the Shark Slider S1 excels. It’s one of the finest camera sliders on the market.
The slider itself is great but the bundle offers much more.
The Shark Slider is built using durable carbon fiber. this makes for a slider that’s both lightweight and durable.
It can hold some pretty heavy bodies. And it can be extended with two carbon fiber extension rails. You can easily install the extension without the need for tools.
The S1 is a very versatile slider. You can mount it to one or two tripods on the base of the slider.
The performance of the slider is incredibly smooth and allows for butter-smooth tracking.
Overall, the Shark Slider is one of the most versatile sliders on the market. There is so much you can accomplish with it here.
- The Shark Kit comes with a padded carrying case with handle and shoulder straps.
- The Shark Slider S1 special bundle comes with the extender rods, extended belt and the carrying...
- Multi-position adjustable legs allow leveling on uneven surfaces. Hard rubber ball feet will not...
BEST CAMERA SLIDER
What Are Camera Sliders?
A camera slider is a tool that can be used to create an interesting and dynamic shot. This type of equipment has been around for many decades but has recently seen a resurgence in popularity.
Sliders can help you seamlessly capture movement without having any jarring effects on your video footage. They’re often used to create smooth, cinematic camera movements in movies and TV shows.
They are popular in videography because they allow for smooth, fluid motion and can produce more dynamic shots than the traditional tripod.
Camera sliders are an invaluable tool for filmmakers. They allow cinematographers to make smooth, sweeping camera movements that would be impossible by hand.
3. Neewer Tabletop Mobile Rolling Slider
You don’t have to spend a lot of money and break the bank to shoot tracking shots.
For novice filmmakers on a budget, the Neewer Tabletop Rolling Slider Dolly Car is probably the best beginner sliders.
While we won’t claim that it’s the best product on the market, its affordable price makes it perfect as an entry point.
Instead of carbon, the body of the slider is made from durable aluminum alloy. The dolly itself is mounted on plastic rubber wheels.
This helps support the dolly nicely and makes it easy to move whether you’re using heavy DSLRs or just portable cameras. You can also sand the wheels for smoother performance.
You can mount a camera as heavy as 10 kg. The biggest advantage to using a dolly car is how freely you can move the camera.
This is if you use it on a smooth surface of course. Just don’t take this dolly to any rocky settings.
Overall, for great freedom of movement and great pricing, the Neewer Tabletop Mobile Rolling Slider Dolly Car is an optimal choice.
- Dynamic Rolling Sliding Dolly Car: Helps you create more dynamic shots on flat surfaces like table,...
- Adjustable Aluminum Rods: Set them for a straight path, curves or complete circles. Balanced and...
- 1/4-inch 3/8-inch Screw Threads and 4 1/4-inch Screw Holes: Fit for 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch tripod...
- Rotatable Rubber Wheels and Fluid Roller Bearings: Unique rotating movements enable you to shoot...
- Skate Design: Equipped with fluid roller bearings; Allows you to track the action, follow your...
4. Zecti Camera Slider
Portability and compatibility are important for every videographer.
When it comes to camera sliders, the Zecti is one of the most lightweight portable, and compact. It’s an almost perfect if somewhat unconventionally sized slider.
This slider is incredibly light at 600g. It offers a few features that easily convinced us to include it in this buying guide.
Despite the light size and compact design, the slider has an incredible build quality. It has 4 precision bearings and a double interior carbon fiber rail system.
This is a stable and smooth slider that’s very quiet.
You can use this slider on just about any surface you could imagine due to the adjustable legs with non-skid rubber feet.
You can place it both horizontally and vertically on the ground. The mounting possibilities are also endless.
You can mount DSLR cameras on both ends, the middle, and also beneath the slider.
For versatility, a plethora of features that are useful, and excellent build quality the Zecti Camera Slider is a pretty great choice.
- 15.7 inch portable size,lightweight 600g/21.16oz,coming with a scratch-resistant carrying bag, it is...
- The camera tracking slider featured with four precision bearings and double interior carbon fiber...
- Universal 1/4"male threads to mount DSLR camera or ball Head,Multiple 1/4" & 3/8" screw holes on...
- The slider support for multiple shooting requirement such as placing it on the ground to get...
- The tracking slider can be used on any surface with removable and adjustable legs and non-skid...
BEST CAMERA SLIDER
Advantages of Using Camera Sliders
• Extend the abilities of your DSLR.
• Create dynamic and creative camera moves.
• Get professional-quality cinematic shots right out of the box.
• Great for capturing smooth, professional-looking video shots with almost any DSLR camera and lens combination.
• Camera sliders are perfect for taking time lapse videos.
5. ZEAPON Micro 2 Camera Slider Rail
This aluminum slider has a nifty feature where it expands as you slide the camera on it. This makes it so that you get double the distance of the rail’s length.
This makes it great for shooting when you do push-ins or pull-outs. The aluminum build makes for both a lightweight but sturdy slider.
While the length of this slider isn’t as long as some other sliders on the list, the expansion feature more than makes up for it. And you can mount it on a tripod horizontally.
The Zeapon Micro 2 also offers great value for its price.
The aluminum alloy rail makes the slider incredibly light which is great for portability. The rail is also very smooth which is a pleasure.
It’s also incredibly sturdy as it can hold cameras as heavy as 5KG lbs. Just make sure you have a tripod to use with this one.
- Spy Camera Charger | Hidden Camera
6. Rhino ROV Everyday
Rhino’s ROV every day is a wonderfully made motorized slider. It’s an ideal option for those looking for a premium slider for their camera or even smartphone.
The slider’s unibody CNC milled rail has a 24-hour battery life which will set your mind at ease during shooting sessions.
It’s also lightweight at just under 1kg. Every aspect of this slider is nearly perfect.
The ROV is compatible with both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. You’ll also get a phone mount if you’d like to use that as well.
The motorized nature of the slider makes it easy to get smooth footage even when used on rough terrain. You can also use the official app to control the slider on either Android and IOS.
All-in-all, for those looking for a great automated slider that will take your videography up a notch, the ROV Everyday is well worth checking.
For those looking for more range, the more expensive ROV Traveller goes all the way to 40cm.
7. Edelkrone SliderPLUS v5 Long
The Edelkrone SliderPLUS v5 Long is an innovative camera slider known for its unique design and functionality.
It offers longer sliding distance compared to its compact size, a feature beneficial for filmmakers who require portability without compromising on performance.
The slider is compatible with the Edelkrone ecosystem, allowing for a wide range of motion control options.
Its build quality is top-notch, offering smooth and precise movements that are essential for creating professional-looking shots.
The SliderPLUS v5 Long is particularly suitable for time-lapses, interviews, and cinematic shots, providing a smooth and steady motion that enhances the quality of the footage.
8. Proaim Professional Motorized Slider
The Proaim Professional Motorized Slider is a versatile and robust solution for filmmakers seeking automated and controlled camera movements.
This motorized slider offers a range of speeds and motion controls, enabling precise and repeatable movements.
It’s ideal for complex shots like time-lapses, panoramic shots, or smooth tracking movements.
The build quality is solid, ensuring stability and reliability during shoots.
The slider’s motorization adds a professional touch to productions, making it a great tool for filmmakers looking to elevate their work.
9. Manfrotto MVS060A Camera Slider
The Manfrotto MVS060A Camera Slider is a compact and easy-to-use option for filmmakers and photographers.
Known for its smooth gliding motion and sturdy construction, this slider enhances the production value of videos with minimal effort.
Its portable size makes it convenient for location shoots, while the fluid drag system ensures smooth and consistent movements.
The Manfrotto MVS060A is suitable for a range of cameras, from DSLRs to professional video cameras, making it a versatile tool for various shooting requirements.
10. Kessler Crane Second Shooter Plus Bundle
The Kessler Crane Second Shooter Plus Bundle is a comprehensive motion control system designed for precision and versatility in camera movements.
This bundle includes a motorized slider, pan and tilt head, and a controller, providing a complete solution for dynamic video shots.
The system is programmable, allowing for repeatable movements and complex motion sequences.
It’s ideal for filmmakers who require advanced control over their camera movements for time-lapses, interviews, or cinematic sequences.
The build quality is professional-grade, ensuring durability and consistent performance.
11. Cinevate Duzi 4 Camera Slider
The Cinevate Duzi 4 Camera Slider is a lightweight and durable slider, perfect for filmmakers and photographers who prioritize portability and ease of use.
Despite its compact size, the Duzi 4 provides a smooth and stable platform for camera movements.
Its solid construction and simple design make it a reliable tool for creating smooth tracking shots.
The slider’s versatility makes it suitable for a range of cameras and shooting scenarios, from independent films to commercial shoots.
For those looking for a straightforward, high-quality slider, the Cinevate Duzi 4 is an excellent choice.
Buying Considerations
Before you buy a camera slider you’ll want to know what features you can expect and what things you should keep in mind when looking for one.
Lens Options
One of the most important reasons some videographers pick a camera slider over a gimbal is that the former gives you much more freedom with the lenses you can use on your camera.
Sliders are also easier to operate and adjust the focus and zoom of your camera, even when you are performing tracking shots.
Material
While browsing camera sliders, you’ll find that most are made from carbon fiber, steel, or aluminum.
Each material offers a different performance when it comes to handling. Steel and to a lesser extent, aluminum, offer a greater weight handling than carbon fiber.
However, if you want to keep your equipment load lighter, carbon fiber and aluminum are superior choices. It’s a question between portability and durability.
Length
Camera sliders come in different lengths. The smallest you can find is about 30 Centimeters and the longest are closer to 2 meters.
Go any longer than that and you’ll find yourself entering the tracks and pulleys domain.
A longer slider isn’t always better, the longest units will require two tripods to balance the slider.
So try to choose a slider with a moderate length.
Feet
A number of sliders include built-in feet. This makes it convenient as you don’t have to add tripods to your gear. Some slider feet are made to balance on flat surfaces.
Others offer a nifty gripping mechanism that allows you to attach to rocks or other uneven surfaces for better grip on places you couldn’t previously set your slider on.
Best Camera Slider – Wrap Up
So that concludes our comprehensive buying guide on the best camera slider.
Keep in mind that sliders are probably better stabilization gear for beginners than Gimbals. Due to their easy strap and shoot functionality.
While some sliders offer more features than others. You’ll generally get a pretty similar experience.
However, for the most optimal experience, you’ll want a slider that fits with your camera and equipment load. You’ll also want a quality built slider such as the ones we listed.
So, what are you waiting for? Get yourself a camera slider and start shooting your tracking shoot with silky smooth movement.
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