More professional and amateur filmmakers are using stills cameras as an affordable and compact alternative. As a result accessories such as the Glidetrack have become popular, providing similar functionality to video-specific products.
Glidetrack Shooter SD
Thanks to the ever-improving video quality of DSLR and Compact System Cameras, more professional and amateur filmmakers are using stills cameras as an affordable and compact alternative. As a result accessories such as the Glidetrack have become popular, providing similar functionality to video-specific products.
The Glidetrack is a smaller version of what video professionals would call a ‘track and dolly’, allowing the camera to be moved on a horizontal axis in a smooth motion. With the addition of a tripod head, which is necessary to make the Glidetrack worth using, the camera can rotate and elevate while moving along the track.
There’s very little that’s complicated to the Glidetrack, simply a well-machined construction of track and slider, giving the user a smooth and continuous motion throughout. There are a couple of added extras to utilise, such as two rotating feet that can alter the angle of one end of the track, but otherwise the Glidetrack Shooter SD is simplicity itself. It can also be used as a shoulder support, provided by the attachment of a screw-in handle. You’ll need to invest in a separate cushion for improved comfort though.
www.glidetrack.com
Verdict
The exceptional build quality and smooth motion of the Glidetrack does come at quite a high cost. At a little shy of £200 (at the current conversion rate) the Glidetrack costs as much as a decent tripod, making it a bit pricey for all but the most dedicated of filmmakers.