Camera Dollies

A camera dolly is a contraption made up of a platform fixed with wheels that remotely moves over a linear track system. Photographers and moviemakers utilize different kinds of camera dolly equipment to suit their purpose.

Professional movie makers know how to set up and use a camera dolly to get smooth action and scenery shots. Some camera dollies work manually, the camera man must stand near and hand move the camera down the rails. Other camera dollies come with a remote control. This gives the director better control over distance shots.

Some professional and amateur moviemakers give free online instructions on how to make a camera dolly for those with strict budgets. Simple home made camera dollies take little effort. Just a dolly cart big enough for the camera man to kneel on and someone to do the cart pushing while the camera shoots the movie or clip. This method works fine for smooth surfaces. To use a camera dolly on rough areas requires a railing, or track system.

Find many parts at home to make a camera dolly, or visit the local hardware store. When you make your own camera dolly it is important to fasten down the camera on a surface where it will not fall and break. Photographers build a camera dolly by using wood, metal, or plastic as the camera platform. Some people building camera dollies use PVC pipe as a linear track and rubber wheels under the wooden stand. This method generally works well for slow moving close-ups and backing away.

Anderson Technologies set up step by step tutorials on their website for interested people to learn how to build their own camera dollies without breaking the bank. They also tell how to set up a longer track, how to locate bad trackers, how to set up after shots, and smoothing zoom shots along with a large list of other useful camera tutorials. More advanced and expensive home made camera dolly tutorials exist on the internet.

Companies, like Atomic Dolly and Crane, allow camera dolly rentals as well as sell used camera dollies. Occasionally find a seller through online auction sites, like eBay and Bidville that offer used and new cheap camera dollies. Just make sure you read the fine print. Some auction sellers list items "as is" without admitting that the item no longer works. Look online or in photography publications for shops offering a professional camera dolly for sale.