One of the first things you can do to improve the quality of your video is to add smooth motion to your shots. And one of the least-expensive, yet impactful ways to do so is with a camera slider. Smaller than a full-size dolly, a camera slider can get you the smooth pans you want without breaking the bank. And right now one of the most-popular options available is the 16″ Neewer Camera Slider with Carbon Fiber Dolly Rail.
Made of aluminum alloy with carbon fiber rails, this camera slider measures 16″ long – big enough to give you some nice shots, but small enough and light enough to throw in your bag to haul from location to location. Adjustable rubber feet allow you to set up on any surface, but you’ll also find multiple 1/4 and 3/8 adapter screw holes so you can mount it on a tripod or light holder.
While primarily made for cell phones (it comes with a standard mount, but you can use your own), this camera slider can support larger cameras – but you’ll want to stick to smaller mirrorless cameras or action cameras. That said, we used ours with Blackmagic 4K Pocket Cinema Camera and it did just fine.
This Neewer camera slider could be considered entry-level, but still high-quality. Yes, you’ll have to manually slide the camera along the rails, which can definitely take a bit of practice to get right (though the tension is adjustable). But the bearings are smooth and the results are impressive so long as you are patient with your shots.
Also, keep in mind th rails are only 16″ long so you won’t get the most remarkably sweeping shots ever, but if you need to add some controlled movement, such as panning a product or adding a small dolly zoom, it’ll do the job.
Best For:
- Product video
- On-the-go production
- Filmmakers on a budget
- iPhone and Android filmmakers
- Small Mirrorless cameras
Not Recommended For:
- sweeping cinematic shots
- perfectly smooth shots
- Large / heavy cameras
Recommended Upgrade / Alternative:
If you’re serious about your video and have a considerably larger budget, we highly recommend upgrading to the Neewer Wireless Control Motorized Camera Slider. Much larger at 47″ you’ll get more impressive shots with its ultra-silent stepper motor controlled wirelessly. Not only will you get buttery-smooth pans, but you’ll also be set up for panoramic and time-lapse shots. Plus, it can handle beefer rigs, up to 11 lbs!