Camera Dollies, Stands & Pedestals

Video Camera Dollies, Stands and Pedestals

For the smoothest, most professional-looking shots, you need a camera dolly, stand, or pedestal. These give your camera a steady platform to rest on while they record, eliminating the hand-held shaky look that’s typical of amateur videos (and certain Hollywood directors). 

A camera dolly, stand, or pedestal can transform your videos into something special. Adorama carries models from brands like Acebil and Kessler in different heights, sizes, and lengths to work with just about every camera on the market.

Video camera dollies 

Most video camera dollies look like an elaborate cart, and in fact, early dollies were exactly that. Today, they typically have three or more wheels and are designed to roll on the floor, or on an included track. They can also roll on wheels hooked onto hanging wires, like the ones you see zooming over NFL games.

Larger models, designed to work with larger cameras, include handles for one or more people to push or pull the dolly. In these, the cameraperson is usually along for the ride, either seated or standing, holding the camera or operating it from a built-in camera mount.

Video camera sliders

Sliders are similar to video camera dollies, but on a smaller scale. Sliders have a small, motorized platform to mount a camera. This slides along a track, usually just a few feet in length. Some models have a mount that can pan and tilt the camera as well.

Some sliders have optional wheels, so you can push or pull the slider making the camera move in multiple directions, for complex shots. Many video camera sliders have a compatible app, letting you program the movements to easily repeat elaborate shots.

Dolly or slider?

While they may be similar, dollies and sliders are actually useful for different types of shots. You can use a dolly for some of the shots possible with a slider, and vice versa, but a more specialized approach creates more flexibility. For instance, a slider is ideal for shots with subtle camera movements, such as a slow horizontal move past someone drinking coffee.

A dolly is better for larger movements, like following a person running down a path. Track-based dollies often work just as well as sliders, but they’re made for larger cameras.