Dolly shots are a quintessential signifier of high production value; they remind us we are watching something cinematic. Cineskates is probably one of the simplest and cheapest off-the-shelf options for recreating this effect. But it has its limits.
What Is It
An articulating tripod—Gorillapod to be exact—with wheels. It’s that simple.
Using It
A bit of fiddling and you are ready to roll, so to speak. Smooth motion is relatively easy at moderate speeds, but the slower you go, the harder it becomes to keep clean. And it’s kinda hard to slow to a stop without subtle jitters.
Like
Super portable, light-weight, and fun to use. And cheap! You can get some really nice shots for not a lot of money (relatively speaking).
Tragic Flaw
The surfaces you can use it on are extremely limited. Hardwood floor, polished concrete, or smooth counter/tabletop will work. Not much else.
Test Notes
Having a knowledge of skateboarding, I was glad to see that these pack a set of Bones Reds—a high quality bearing.
Tested with a Canon 7D with 17-55mm f/2.8 EF lens.
Supports up to 5 lbs.
You can also purchase an iPhone mount or a GoPro mount from the Cinetics Store.
You’re limited to extremely low-to-the-ground shots
Should You Buy This
What do you want to shoot? If the limitations fit with your personal oeuvre, then go for it. If you are looking for something more versatile, there are more cumbersome DIY solutions. Otherwise, get ready to drop about a grand on a slider system, such as the Kessler Stealth.
Cinetics Cineskate Specs
Tripod: Gorillapod Focus
Head: Joby Ballhead X
Weight Limit: 5 lbs.
Included Accessories: Wheel bag
Price: $285 from Cinetics Store
Giz Rank: 3.5 Stars
https://gizmodo.com/introducing-gizrank-5839745
