Camera Sliders 101
- You can reveal a scene by sliding the camera out from behind an object.
- You can create movement by sliding along a path, like following the footsteps of a subject in the shot
- You can mount some sliders to a tripod to create elevated movement that gives your footage a different look.
Looking for a top-quality slider to enhance your filmmaking abilities, but aren't sure what to get?
This guide is for you...
There are all kinds of considerations to make when investing in a slider, from the type of slider you purchase to the features the slider offers to, of course, the price.
In this guide, learn the fundamentals of camera sliders so you can make an informed decision about which camera slider is best for you.
Let's get started!
Camera Sliders 101: Types of Sliders
As explained in the video above by ZY Productions, there are two types of sliders: friction sliders and bearing sliders.
Friction sliders have a metal carriage that slides along a track. The carriage is basically a metal chunk with two holes drilled through it lengthwise to accommodate the slider track (shown below). Typically, there are plastic bushings to help "grease the wheels," so to speak, and allows the metal carriage to glide along the track with greater ease.
YouTube Screenshot/ZY Productions
The issue that friction sliders have is that as you add weight to them (i.e., a pan head, a camera, and a lens), that weight adds friction between the carriage and the track, and the smooth action of the carriage is greatly diminished.
For that reason, a bearing slider is preferable.
YouTube Screenshot/ZY Productions
Though a bearing also has a rail and a carriage just like a friction slider, instead of relying on friction, bearing sliders have bearings, or wheels.
Not only does this improve the ease with which you can move the carriage along the rail, but it also improves the smoothness of that motion, especially when you're trying to make very small or slow movements.
As you can see above, the plastic bearings wrap around the rail for a sleek, gliding motion, even when loaded up with camera gear.
YouTube Screenshot/ZY Productions
Higher-end bearing sliders have additional features that enable you to create ultra-smooth video.
For example, the slider shown above has metal bearings - which are more reliable and offer smoother motion than plastic bearings - and a built-in drive system with a crank handle for moving the carriage along the track.
Better still, sliders like this are often compatible with motion-control devices for a truly professional videography setup.
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Camera Slider Features
Aside from the differences between friction and bearing sliders, there are other camera slider features that you should be aware of.
One such feature is the type of materials used to construct the slider.
For example, I have a Syrp Magic Carpet, which is aluminum, and a Syrp Magic Carpet Carbon Fiber.
The advantage of the Magic Carpet aluminum version is that it is less expensive than its carbon fiber counterpart. If you need a slider but don't have a huge budget, this is the way to go.
This particular version comes with a carriage and end caps (shown above), so it's a complete setup - you just need to add your camera.
You can use the Magic Carpet for manual sliding shots, or, if you prefer, you can add a motion control unit as well.
I particularly like the fact that the Magic Carpet has quick-release legs and a counterweight for vertical shots.
The ball bearing rollers are ultra-smooth and precise as well, so you get a high-quality rig on a budget.
On the other hand, I also have Syrp's Magic Carpet Carbon Fiber, and to say that it's an amazing piece of equipment is an understatement.
It has the same impeccable construction and design as its aluminum counterpart, but given that it's carbon fiber, it weighs much less. Naturally, that's a prime feature if you're a filmmaker that is on the move a lot.
This thing is also infinitely extendable so you can create epically long sliding shots. And since it's also compatible with motion control devices, you can create some awesome cinematic footage with it.
The Magic Carpet Carbon fiber is tripod mountable, easily breaks down for carrying in a bag, and can operate in vertical orientation as well.
This combination of features, portability, and light weight are the reasons why this is my slider of choice.
How to Use a Camera Slider
Using a camera slider is straightforward, yet the results you get are beautifully cinematic.
In the video above, Austin Newman shares how he uses a slider to create more dynamic footage.
You can see how the setup is simple - a slider and a camera with a lens attached. Just set up the slider where you want, fire up your camera, and you're ready to capture footage.
YouTube Screenshot/Austin Newman
As Austin explains, there are numerous advantages of using a slider:
As noted earlier, some sliders, like the Syrp Magic Carpet Short Slider that Austin uses, can be used with motion control devices for delightfully smooth motion.
The point here is that a camera slider is a must-have if you want to create truly cinematic footage.
Based on my personal experience with sliders, I can attest to the fact that bearing sliders, and in particular, the Syrp Magic Carpet, are the best choice you can make when investing in this type of gear.
