An excellent choice for filmmakers on the move
“IT ALSO OFFERS SETTINGS FOR STOPMOTION SEQUENCES AND TIMELAPSE, MAKING THIS A PRETTY VERSATILE TOOL”
Sliders and dollies have moved on a lot over the last few years. Where previously they had been a tool aspiring filmmakers aimed for, they are now readily available and even motorised examples can be found in hobbyist and enthusiast camera bags.
For CG artists they are more of a workhorse, as they allow predictable movement that is also repeatable and measurable, two attributes that can be vital for capturing plates for use in VFX, be it for a large production or an indie project.
The Smartta Slidermini 2 aims to bring solid build with simplicity to users of all levels, and it succeeds in many ways.
The unibody construction is strong and light with a durable finish, and the motion itself is very smooth, the key ingredient of a motorised slider. The motion is precise and can be defined by the (auto - pairing) app. If you forgot your phone (or are filming with it), then a simple double- or triple-click on the power button sets the slider off on its default 20-second travel.
Of course something so light and simple produces somewhat of a double-edged sword, in that the travel is restricted to 8” and it has no fold-out legs, so a support of some kind, plus adding a camera head, will be necessary but you do get fantastic portability and a 48-hour battery life.
The maximum load is plenty for heavy rigs at 15kg, although that drops off when in vertical mode, but it will still handle most Dslr/lens combos.
On top of being a strong performer with straight dolly shots the Slidermini 2, via the app, also offers settings for creating stop-motion sequences and timelapse, making this a pretty versatile tool for a variety of filmmaking uses. Plus, it even ships with a set of shutter release cables that connect your camera to the slider.
Highly portable and excellent value for money, the Smartta Slidermini 2 is one of the best options available for shooting dolly shots on the go, as long as you work within its limitations.