Introduction
Want to bring impact and dynamism to your videos? Looking to create silky smooth tracking shots that will set your work apart from others?
Well, you need to get the best camera sliders. With their long rails, you get the ability to smoothly maneuver your camera and add movements in your videos with finesse.
If you plan on integrating B roll into your videos, a camera slider will help you achieve that with ease. This is especially true if you have a bunch of accessories attached to your camera, such as a bulky external mic.
By the way, we also have a guide on the best cameras for attaching external mics, do check it out if you’re also shopping for a camera.
Also Read : Best Camera with External Mic
With the help of a camera slider, you will be able to stabilize your cameras as well as mount them in different positions and angles. This will help you get stable shots far easier than handheld panning.
If you do tilt, dolly pan, and switch shots, you are going to love working with camera sliders. You can go automatic or control the motion of your camera slider manually.
Before buying a camera slider, there are a few things that you should keep an eye out for. Let’s see what features a good quality camera slider possesses.
Moreover, we will also take a look at a few best camera sliders in 2020 available in the market. Without further ado, let’s get started!
What you need to know about Camera Sliders
Manual vs. Electric Models
When it comes to camera sliders, there are two main types based on their type of motion.
• Manual Camera Sliders
With the help of manual camera sliders, you can increase or decrease the speed of the camera slider in accordance with the situation. The only catch here is that you have to operate the slider manually.
However, if you are an amateur, you will face slight difficulties in using manual camera models and should go for electric ones.
• Electric Camera Sliders
Electric sliders run on either batteries or with a cord to a power source. You can set the speed of the electric models, and they will do the rest of the job for you.
Motorized sliders are perfect for getting accurate shots during filming, and some high-end models can end achieve sliding shots that simply cannot be replicated manually.
Load Capacity
Another important feature that must be considered while buying a decent camera slider is load capacity. Each camera slider has a different load capacity.
The slider you buy must be capable of carrying the weight of your DSLR easily. Camera sliders with low load capacity are used for supporting smartphones and Go Pros.
The sturdier models are capable of holding a larger weight. They can easily hold DSLRs, camcorders, and other professional video cameras.
There are some plastic made sliders that are not recommended at all for large-scale projects. The heavy-duty camera sliders are made of carbon fiber, aluminum, or stainless steel.
Again, the type of slider and its load capacity depends on the type of project you are going to use them for.
Length
• Long length slider
A long length slider will give you more shooting options and will easily adapt to your requirements. However, it is usually heavier and takes more time to set up.
Long sliders need at least two tripods for support. This means they are not ideal for small shooting spaces.
• Short length slider
Short length sliders are lightweight and easy to use. Moreover, they are a travel-friendly option. You need only one tripod to set them up.
Legs of the Camera Sliders
The camera sliders with solid base and feet keep the DSLR steady throughout the project. Few camera sliders come with built-in feet while others have detachable feet.
The feet of camera sliders have different designs. Some are made specifically for flat surfaces while others are for shooting on mountains and rocky terrains.
The best thing about sliders with detachable feet is that you can attach any feet according to your requirements.
Therefore, buying the slider that has detachable feet is a great option. Moreover, keep an eye on the material of the feet.
Usually, people go for rubber feet as they are lightweight and are not cumbersome to use.
Material
When it comes to buying the best camera slider, the material used is one of the main things to consider. The slider must be composed of high-quality materials like carbon fiber, aluminum alloy, and stainless steel.
High-quality material is expensive, but it is worth buying. The stainless-steel sliders are great as they provide protection against rusting and corrosion.
What you are going to use the camera slider for also plays a role in selecting a specific material for a slider.
If you are working on small projects and are going to travel around, you can get a lightweight alloy slider.
On the contrary, for large-scale projects, it is better to go for something heavy and durable such as metal sliders rather than light, plastic ones.
Design
Every person has different needs and requirements when it comes to camera sliders. The type of shoot you are going to do affects the type of design you purchase.
It is better to consider the size of the DSLR camera you are going to use and the type of job when selecting a specific design.
Weight
Another thing that you need to consider while buying a camera slider is weight. Sliders have various weights and come in different sizes.
Usually, camera sliders weigh from 1 lb. to 10 lbs. Weight largely affects the portability and stability of the camera slider.
Lightweight sliders are the best in case you have to travel on the road for the project. They are easy to carry and take less time to set up.
The only drawback is that they can be unstable and usually have low load capacity. Therefore, they can’t support DSLRs or other video cameras properly.
Heavier sliders, on the other hand, will be able to handle all kinds of shooting equipment. These are more stable and have a high load capacity.
The downside of these sliders is that they are travel-friendly and need more time to set up. If you are planning to use a smartphone or a digital camera, buy a lightweight slider.
Otherwise, go for a heavy, sturdy, and durable slider.
Comparison Table
| No. | Products | Features | Price |
| 1. | PROAIM Sway Extendable Video Camera Slider | Travel Friendly Lightweight Durable Made from CNC Aluminum | Check Price |
| 2. | Kamerar 31″ Fluid Motion Video Slider | Manual Adjustable Legs 6 Smooth Rollers | Check Price |
| 3. | Neewer Portable FilmMaker System With Camera/Camcorder Mount Slider | Ergonomic Design Manual Suitable for long-hour continuous work | Check Price |
| 4. | MOZA Slypod | Motorized Ultra-light carbon fiber construction Precision Motion Control | Check Price |
| 5. | Manfrotto MVS100A Camera Slider | High Precision Steel Ball Bearings High-Performance Polymer Wheels Extra silent | Check Price |
| 6. | Neewer 31.5 inches/80 centimeters Carbon Fiber Camera Track Slider | 6 U-shaped Ball Bearings Multi-Angle Shooting Adjustable Legs | Check Price |
| 7. | Zecti Camera Slider | Portable Lightweight Multiple Shooting Options Noise Free | Check Price |
| 8. | GVM Camera Slider Track Dolly Slider Rail System | Electric Camera Slider Multi-Level Adjustment Tracking Shooting Adjustable Feet | Check Price |
Best Camera Sliders in 2020
PROAIM Sway Extendable Video Camera Slider
The PROAIM Sway Extendable Video Camera Slider has a smart and unique design that makes it easy for you to get perfect shots. It can bear loads up to 2.5 kg.
It has a steady movement and allows you to move the camera while shooting without any jerks and disturbances.
The camera slider is lightweight, which adds to its portability. This video camera slider is manual. It has a friction adjustment knob that ensures smooth movement. It can be fixed on your regular tripod stand.
This camera slider is travel-friendly and is perfect for small-scale projects. It is constructed from CNC Aluminum, which makes it sturdy and durable!
Pros
- Portable
- Perfect for Go Pros and smartphones
- Sturdy
- Durable
- Tripod Mountable
Cons
- Only suitable for lighter camera setups
Kamerar 31″ Fluid Motion Video Slider
Kamerar 31″ Fluid Motion Video Slider has perfect movement with 100% accuracy. This slider is 31 inches long.
It has a flywheel counterweight that helps in the smooth and stable movement of the camera. The slider is extremely sturdy and portable.
The ergonomic handle of the slider provides fine control over the slider. It has a high carbon-fiber rail system that is lightweight yet very sturdy.
It has six rollers so that the camera glides smoothly without any jerks. The legs of the camera slider are adjustable.
If you are shooting on edgy and uneven surfaces, you can adjust the height and angle of the slider legs accordingly.
It comes with a 3/8″ mount for the tripod head. Moreover, the slider carriage has a side-mounted brake to help you lock the camera in place.
Pros
- Steady Movement
- Sturdy
- Adjustable Legs
- High Load Capacity
- Portable
- Stainless Steel Flywheel
Cons
- Complex Assembly
Neewer Portable FilmMaker System With Camera/Camcorder Mount Slider
Neewer Portable Filmmaker System comes with a slider that works perfectly for small-scale projects. It’s budget friendly makes this option very accessible for many. Moreover, the design of the slider is modular, allowing you to change and replace components if required.
It can work with all kinds of video recording equipment. This slider does not only provide steady movement but also provides support to your equipment.
The slider is made up of aluminum and rubber. This makes it durable and stable. This camera slider has an amazing load capacity & can work with heavy cameras, camcorders, and DSLRs.
You can also adjust the legs of the slider according to your location. This is a handheld camera platform with a stabilizing shoulder rig that provides stability, balance, and comfort.
Pros
- Compatible with standard tripods
- Adjustable Legs
- Ergonomic Handles
- Soft Rubber Shoulder Pad
- It works with all video cameras
- Firm hand grip
Cons
- Heavy
MOZA Slypod
MOZA Slypod is a motorized slider that has an easy setup. The slider has a good load capacity. It can handle heavy vertical loads.
It has a span and tilts view, which is perfect when you are shooting with all kinds of equipment such as DSLRs, camcorders, smartphones, etc.
This slider will help you move the camera vertically as well as horizontally without any issues. It comes with quick-release screws that can be adjusted to support different types of cameras.
What makes this camera slider stand out is the fact that it can be controlled with the help of an application.
This motorized camera slider is noise-free. It has a built-in battery. The battery has a 2-hour runtime, and you can charge it via a USB cable.
It weighs only 750g, which makes it highly-portable and travel friendly. With 40 lbs vertical carry capacity and 22 lbs horizontal load capacity, this is an amazing option!
Pros
- High Load Capacity
- Carbon Fiber Construction
- Motorized
- Built-in Lithium Battery
- Noise-free Operation
Cons
- Expensive
Manfrotto MVS100A Camera Slider
Manfrotto MVS100A camera slider is all you need for perfect tracking while filming. It is a lightweight yet sturdy camera slider.
Easy to set up and use, this camera slider helps you achieve a whole new level of creativity, setting your work apart from that of your colleagues!
The slider has polymer wheels that provide the necessary friction to ensure smooth movement. It is portable and can be fixed on any tripod.
Since you adjust the camera slider, it gives you a vast choice for shooting locations. You can shoot your project either on a flat surface or on a high mountain.
It can bear a load of up to 22.05 lbs. So get ready for amazing tracking shots with your DSLR or camcorder! With anodized aluminum construction, you can rest assured that this camera slider will last for quite a while!
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Adjustable
- Works for both indoor and outdoor projects
- Easy to set up
- Extra-Silent
Cons
- Very expensive
Neewer 31.5 inches/80 centimeters Carbon Fiber Camera Track Slider
This budget friendly camera slider comes with 6 U-shaped ball bearings that ensure smooth motion along with minimum abrasion.
The high-grade carbon fiber tubes make the slider durable. You can use the slider with or without a tripod.
The slider is compatible with various devices. You can directly connect the camera with the slider, or you can use the ball head to connect the camera.
With the help of the threaded holes in the slider, you can use it for vertical and horizontal shooting.
Moreover, you can also use it for 45 degrees shooting.
The slider has adjustable legs that have locking knobs and a gear-shaped joint interface for better positioning. You also get a carrying bag with this slider, which makes it easy to transport and store.
Overall, this option is a steal for the price and should be a no brainer for those looking to get their first ever camera slider.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Adjustable legs
- Can work without a tripod
- Can shoot both vertically and horizontally
- Smooth movement
- 6 ball bearings
Cons
- None
Zecti Camera Slider
Zecti Camera Slider is lightweight and portable. You can take this slider anywhere with you in a carrying bag.
This carrying bag keeps the slider safe and ensures that it doesn’t get damaged during your travels. It has four ball bearings and double carbon fiber rail.
The design of the slider ensures the stable movement of your camera. It can work with nearly all types of cameras.
With or without a tripod, it can support both horizontal and vertical shooting. You can put the slider into different shooting positions vertical, horizontal, or slanting.
The camera slider is a little bit on the heavy side, but it is pretty durable. It has an ideal length and is an affordable buy.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Travel-friendly
- Adjustable Legs
- Works on all types of surfaces
Cons
- The bearings tend to get loose after some time.
GVM Camera Slider Track Dolly Slider Rail System
The GVM slider is a motorized slider and is perfect for all kinds of shootings. Whether you are creating a simple video in landscape or are shooting panoramas, you can adjust your slider as per your requirements.
For photographs, you can fix the slider with the help of knobs. Moreover, you can also attach the slider to tripods for better functioning.
It has six tracking shooting options. These options include time-lapse, panoramic shooting, simple video, free starting point, and endpoint shooting.
You can set the starting and ending points, along with the dwell time, the sliding speed, the pause time, the sliding distance, and a lot more.
The slider comes with a built-in battery and can run for almost 2 hours without any interruption. You can also use an AC adapter to charge the battery.
However, once the power is off, the slider will not remember your setting, and you will have to reset it every time.
Pros
- Adjustable
- Sturdy
- Noise-free Operation
- Decent battery life
Cons
- It has a complex set up
- Pricey
Final Word
We all know how much hard work and effort goes into shooting films and videos. With the help of the right equipment, you cannot only increase the quality of your work but also reduce your workload.
Whether you are looking for a professional camera slider or a small, portable, budget-friendly option, you can find one above that will suit your requirements.
With that said, a camera slider won’t magically improve your video quality if you don’t have other accessories to go along with your camera. One of the most notable ones is great lighting – check out our full guide on that if you haven’t got a proper lighting system.
Also Read : Best Lighting for YouTube Videos
Invest in a camera slider today, and you will open up a lot of creative possibilities in your shoots!
Jeremy has been running several online businesses behind his laptop for the past 5 years and he has worked as a freelance web developer previously. A trained marketer by profession, he also has Ruby on Rails and web development knowledge. His forte lies in eCommerce, SEO and content marketing. He’s been featured on Vice, Thrive Global, YFS Magazine, Forbes and several other publications. He prefers to connect with people on LinkedIn.
