Info

Slider Review | Cinevate Slider Vs. Kamerar Slider

While looking at a cinevate slider the other day, I ran accross an alternative slider in my google search. This actually freaked me out because everyone says google knows what you are thinking…and it did. The slider it pulled up on my search was about $400 cheaper. Thank you for knowing I am cheap google, its better for our relationship if you understand that up front. The slider I found was the Kamerar SLD-400 47″ Camera Track Slider Video Stabilization System for DSLR for only $149.99!!! (Ebay, but a new item, not used.)

I couldn’t resist myself, until know I was using a DIY slider that really did the job well, but was a little hard to carry and setup. I needed something quick, portable, and that could mount to a tripod. The specs on the Kamerar where great, in fact almost quoting the specs for Cinevate (Self Lubricating System, a lock to keep the slider from moving during transport or to hold resistance, etc..).I decided it was time to buy. Upon arrival the Kamerar seemed great, but with any “Cheaper” alternative you have to practice a little before going out in the field to use it. The first thing I noticed was the slide was very smooth…which I was very happy for. The second thing I noticed was it lacked the “muscle” that you find in upper priced sliders, meaning the possibility for more shake in your slide. This goes back to practice before using.
I called up my buddy in Texas, Chris of Shepard Productions (If you ever need a great production company west of the Mississippi give him a call, he is the greatest!). He owns the 26″ cinevate slider and so I wanted to get a comparision between his high dollar slider and my low dollar slider. There re a few things to remember…well..$400 dollars worth of things to remember. With a Cinevate, most people can take it out of the box and use it with no experience because of how smooth it is. With the Kamerar it takes a little training. Also, his is a 26″, meaning that on a single tripod it will perform well in comparison to my 47″ on a single tripod. So for the sake of argument, mine is twice as long, so I used two tripods. I will say, with one tripod in the middle, you will get some undersirable effects (Unless you are looking for the sort of film where you want the audience to feel drunk). So here we go..check out these two  sliders and decide for yourself.

 

As for me, I am very happy with the purchase, and I will use it till it dies. It was worth the money saved, and for the price, I think it was well built. As for Chris, he still rocks, and I will say his slider is still a jewel (and it fits in a suitcase). You decide for yourself and let us know what you think below!