Cinesaddle

Over the years, I’ve always used some kind of bean or sandbag system to help steady the camera... for the last 2 weeks, I’ve been using a Cinesaddle supplied by the producer... and what a difference!

The roads in Montreal are in very poor condition, with the Cinesaddle I was able to shoot very smooth ‘in car’ interviews.

After giving it back, I realized I couldn’t live with out one...

I flinched when I saw the $395US plus shipping price tag, it seemed very pricey for a stabilizing bag. 

But it’s nicely designed, well made... a piece of gear I’ll use often for many years.

The CineSaddle is filled with high tech foam balls that push the sides of the bag tight up against the camera holding it rock steady. In similar fashion the bottom of the CineSaddle molds itself to the shape of the object it is resting on preventing it from slipping. The foam balls also absorb vibration providing a very stable surface for the camera. The CineSaddle is also extremely lightweight and simple to set up.

The CineSaddle allows you to be creative because it can be used in so many ways. Place the camera and CineSaddle on any flat surface or on top of a tripod. You can even pan and tilt with the CineSaddle. With the included mounting kit you can strap the CineSaddle to any moving object and create a dolly.

The CineSaddle come in variety of models depending on your needs and the size of your camera. The original CineSaddle is a full size saddle for professional cameras ranging in size from HD to miniDV models.

The Red Dolly

Features & Benefits:

1. •Weighs less than 120 lbs.
   

2. •24" width
   

3. •Sturdy pushbar with handle grips
   

4. •2-Position seat
   

5. •Camera Mount
   

6. •5 Junior-Pin receivers
   

7. •Adjustable footrest
   

8. •8-position wheels
   

Outfitted with Matthews Mini Bazooka, the RED Dolly performs moves that other dollies just can't match 0 from tight 360 degree repeatable full circles to "crabbing" and the quick dolly reverse shot... remove the seat and there is a SteadyCam standing platform equipped with side receivers for lights, grip equipment, Bungee Cam, Speed Rail rigs and more. Also works with all Matthews car mount accessories.

The Shooter Scooter Camera Dolly

Here’s a great indie camera dolly:  The Shooter Scooter

I used it extensively in the making of the documentary 'Braindamadj'd' both in the studio and on location. It was the perfect tool... carrying the gear, then quickly turning into a camera dolly. 

Here are some photo’s of Peter Warren from the VFGADGETS.COM website.

The "shooter scooter" developed by Peter Warren, the inventor of the WarrenDolly. After using shopping carts, wheelchairs, large dollys, and floating camera rigs to get those dynamic tracking shots, Peter created a vehicle that allows the camera operator the ability to get the camera moving anywhere he/she wants it to go. He also needed an easy way to get the camera and lighting equipment from the van to the location. This a multi purpose portable light weight portable dolly system for the camera crew that is constantly on the go. It is also great for SteadyCam operators who are doing those long walking street shots.

Made of sturdy aluminum, with light weight air tires, the shooter scooter folds down to a convenient suitcase size. You can ride it, load it with equipment, run it on track, and throw it in your trunk when you are finished. It is so small and light that you can fly with it.

SEVEN JIB COMPACT XL

1. •All the capability of the original SEVEN Jib but folds to just 33" in length!
   

2. •100mm invertible bowl for over or underslung shooting
   

3. •6.5' of lift (1'-2.5' more than all other in its class)
   

4. •60 lbs total capacity
   

5. •Mounts on 100mm bowl or Mitchell base
   

6. •55" of reach
   

7. •Built-in tilt lock
   

8. •Uses standard barbell weights (not included) for counterweight
   

9. •New radial needle bearing in base for super smooth swings
   

10. •Quick release rod ends on parallel bar make for super fast set up