As you know, good and quality videos are always the result of a good video camera, but what about other criteria like shooting at different angles and so on?
What if you want to make a super professional video but do not have the budget to hire a camera operator?
We will review the best camera sliders that will solve that.
Best Camera Sliders
Name | Motorized | Approx. Length | Check |
---|---|---|---|
GVM Motorized Camera Slider GR-80QD - Editor's Choice | Yes | 31" / 78.75 cm | Price |
Yes | 31.5" / 80 cm | Price | |
Grip Gear The Directors Set with Camera Slider - Editor's Choice | Yes | 24" / 60.96 cm | Price |
Yes | 51" / 129.54 cm | Price | |
Neewer Camera Slider Carbon Fiber Dolly Rail - Editor's Choice | No | 16" / 40.64 | Price |
Yes | 31.5" / 80 cm | Price | |
No | 31" / 78.75 cm | Price | |
Yes | 25" / 63.5 cm | Price | |
No | 10" / 25.4 cm | Price | |
No | 26" / 66 cm | Price |
1. GVM Motorized Camera Slider GR-80QD
One of the top choices of video creators is the GVM Motorized GR-80QD camera slider which is very sturdy due to its aluminum material plus carbon fiber and is rich in features too.
Because it is lightweight, you can set it up anytime and anywhere in such a short period. It can be adjusted to shoot different kinds of views like a 120 degrees panoramic camera shoot.
This camera slider is perfect for interviews, talk shows, podcasts, and so on since the motor is silent and will not disrupt any conversation.
For a camera slider worth, your money has a good catch as it functions well enough for professionals and beginners.
Key Features:- Suited for: It is compatible with most cameras since it has six shutter lines (Canon, Sony, Nikon, Pentax, GoPro, Fuji, Panasonic, Lycra, Olympus).
- Motorized slider: Yes.
- Extra accessories required for usage: It comes with a stable carriage and a remote controller.
- Size: It weighs 10.08 pounds (4.9 kg) and has a dimension of 37 x 11.5 x 5.6 inches.
- Bearing: Four bearings.
- App: No, the remote control can have the setup that you need for your shoot.
- It has three shooting modes available. You can shoot in panorama and horizontal views.
- Two menus of shooting are made available: uniform motion speed and round trip.
- It is built suitable for most types of cameras.
- It is lightweight and portable. You can carry it anytime and anywhere.
- It can be set up in just a short time with an average of 5-15 minutes.
- The remote control is suitable for NPF batteries which are not hard to find.
- You can use it in slightly uneven terrain.
- It comes in six different camera control cables allowing it to be used in most cameras.
- The selectable delay feature is possible.
- There were some issues noted with the horizontal shooting mode.
- The mount is not sturdy enough, so you need to secure your camera from one end to another.
- The warranty lasted for less than six months.
We recommend this lightweight and extremely suitable camera slider for YouTubers and vloggers since it performs beyond what is expected of it.
We are giving this product a two-thumbs up.
2. Neewer Motorized Camera Slider
Another amazing motorized camera slider is from Newer.
It is made of aluminum and carbon fiber which makes it sturdy. Moreover, it is motorized and lightweight, which makes it ideal for outdoor shoots anywhere.
The best thing, in our opinion, about this camera slider is its universal compatibility with other systems. You can create time-lapse videos, panoramic and tracking shots with this camera slider too.
Six shutter release cables for Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, and Pentax cameras are available.
So, whatever system or camera you may have, you probably can use this camera slider.
Key Features:- Suited for: iOs and Android mobile phones, Camcorders, DSLR and other cameras.
- Motorized slider: Yes, but it can also be set to manual.
- Extra accessories required for usage: Ball head adapter.
- Size: 8.125 pounds (3.68 kg), 46.85 x 7.48 x 3.54 inches when not folded; 26.4 when folded.
- Bearing: Eight bearing rollers.
- App: Yes.
- The movement is smooth and does not make a lot of noise.
- It can be powered by a battery, a USB power pack, USB or AC adapter, or a power bank.
- It supports multiple shooting modes like panoramic, vertical, and horizontal.
- It is more stable with its eight-bearing roller. It is less shaky; therefore, the video quality is high.
- It supports iOS and Android systems. You can match it if you have an existing Apple or Android phone, so you don’t need to spend money on another camera.
- Currently, the QR code is not working for Android users since Neewer has a system update. This can be a downside for existing Android users.
- The application has to be downloaded from a site and not from Google Play for Android users, making it suspicious for some users. Downloading it from the App Store or Google Play makes it look legitimate enough.
- The application does not remember the previous settings, so you have to set them up once you turn on the slider. This is a waste of time, especially if you have limited time.
- The instructions are not very clear on how to install the motor. We did a trial and error to reach the current status of the motor.
- The ball head adapter is needed but is not included in the package. So, you have to spend extra money to buy it.
The Neewer camera slider is not nasty for its price since it performs according to its function. We recommend this product to beginning vloggers and YouTubers.
3. Grip Gear The Directors Set with Camera Slider
Here’s the deal:
Probably this set with a camera slider included is one of the best for video makers and bloggers who usually use GoPro cameras or smartphones for videos.
If this is what you are looking for, then this set has a perfect slider for you. This camera slider has multiple functions and is considered to be the smallest motion slider. This slider is also ideal for slow-lapse videos if you are interested in that.
For a price under $200, this camera slider is one of the best options for those who are just starting their venture in the video creation industry, including vlogging.
Key Features:- Suited for: Ideal for all action cameras, smartphones, and mirrorless cameras.
- Motorized slider: Yes, but it can be set to manual as well.
- Extra accessories required for usage: Micro dolly attachment and additional slider track.
- Size: 2.36 x 3.54 x 2.76 inches; 2 pounds weight (900 g).
- Bearing: Four bearings.
- App: No, it is controlled by remote control.
- It is pocket-sized; therefore, it is handy and can be set up easily. It is ideal for outdoor shots.
- It can be converted into three functions (panoramic, micro dolly, and camera slider).
- It uses a rechargeable battery that lasts for two and a half hours.
- It is very affordable as it is sold for about $200, including the shipping fee.
- It is made with reinforced plastic covering tensile alloy weight-bearing joints, which makes it durable enough.
- It can carry the camera’s limited weight or mobile phone (a weight limit of 1.2 to 1.7 pounds). Cameras and camcorders can’t be used with this camera slider.
- The case is plastic, so if not taken care of properly, it may break easily.
- The extended track is sold separately. You need to buy it separately.
We recommend this product for individuals who have small cameras or those who prefer using their mobile phones for their video shoots. This camera slider is flexible in use.
4. GVM Motorized Camera Slider
If you are looking for a heavy-duty camera slider that can carry up to 22 pounds (10 kg), then the GVM motorized camera slider might be perfect for you.
It is durable since it is made of aluminum alloy. This camera slider features time-lapse photography and panoramic shooting that can be set depending on what suits your video the best.
It has a length of over 30 inches which makes it more capable of capturing a longer view. Also, the controller allows you to capture in panoramic view.
Key Features:- Suited for: DSLR and other cameras, camcorders, and mobile phones.
- Motorized slider: Yes.
- Extra accessories required for usage: Camera ball head to support video shooting.
- Size: 10.13 pounds (4.6 kg); 40.2 x 8.3 x 3.5 inches.
- Bearing: Four bearings.
- App: No.
- The product comes with a bag that makes it ideal to be carried in outdoor shots.
- It can be used and set up easily.
- There is zero to minimal noise that is noted during the shoot.
- There are four pairs of sturdy adjustable legs included.
- It contains both ⅜” and ¼” knobs for better attachment with other devices. It universally accepts any tripod for mounting.
- The motorized slider has one year of service and one month free of replacement.
- It has an AC adapter, but an AC adapter was not included in the package.
- There is a jitter on the parallax mechanism.
- The plastic enclosure is fragile and may break easily.
This camera slider is most suitable for individuals who have heavy type cameras. This camera slider is convenient for different applications and video makers such as YouTubers, Instagramers, and so many more. Even beginners can easily start making semi-professional videos with that motorized camera slider.
5. Neewer Camera Slider Carbon Fiber Dolly Rail
Here’s the deal:
If you are looking for an affordable, but at the same time extremely simple control and full-featured camera slider for YouTube, vlogging beginners, here is one of the best camera sliders for you.
A durable but small camera slider that is built in carbon fiber and aluminum alloy has exceptional performance.
It has no noise, quick dismantling and easy-to-care design, which is super important for YouTubers, widening orbit, high-density bearing and more!
It is not motorized, so you might think about motorized dollies in the future. Anyway, as long as you have a colleague to help you – this is really one of the best for the price under $100.
Key Features:- Suited for: Different types of cameras and camcorders and smartphones.
- Motorized slider: No.
- Extra accessories: Tripod ball head, 3 wheels wireless camera.
- Size: 44.49 x 7.87 x 3.15 inches; 2.06 pounds (930 g).
- Bearing: Four bearings.
- App: No.
- It is quite sturdy and lightweight since it is made of carbon fiber and aluminum alloy.
- It can be taken anywhere.
- It is compatible with any tripod or light stand.
- It holds and supports any mobile phone, camera, camcorder, and DSLR brands.
- A smooth movement is noted upon sliding.
- It is expertly done because you can angle the camera to achieve the kind of video that you want.
- It is highly affordable in comparison with other camera brands which perform the same.
- The tripod mounting plate is a little bit loose, so you have to tighten it. If the mounting plate is loose, your camera might be at risk.
- The carbon fiber rails spread apart quickly.
- It can carry a limited amount of weight, so you have to check your camera’s weight.
This camera slider is for those who want to utilize something for their motion pictures but want to spend less. This camera slider has an excellent beginner performance for its price.
6. Neewer Carbon Fiber Camera Slider
The Neewer carbon fiber camera tracking slider featured video stabilizer rail is one of the best camera sliders sold in the market and here is why.
It is heavy-duty and is made to be compatible with different DSLR cameras. It can be used in both personal and professional projects because of its flexibility in taking videos.
Furthermore, it can be positioned in various angles to take in panoramic, horizontal, and vertical videos too. Adjustable legs are included in the package that allows the steady grip of your camera.
Key Features:- Suited for: DSLR cameras.
- Motorized slider: Yes.
- Extra accessories required for usage: Locking knob and gear-shaped interface Gear-shaped joint interface and locking knobs.
- Size: 31.5 inches; 4.75 pounds (2.15 kg).
- Bearing: Six U-shaped Bearings.
- App: No. The remote control is needed for it to function.
- It comes in a universal slider plate that holds most DSLR cameras.
- A carrying bag is included for transport which makes it ideal for outdoor shots.
- It has multi-angle shots that are made possible that include 45 degrees video shooting.
- It is easy to set up and store.
- It is flexible as it can be used horizontally or vertically.
- It has foldable legs for easy transport.
- It needs to work with two tripods for stability.
- For shorter shots, the rails can still be seen in the camera, affecting the quality of the picture.
This camera slider is a good choice for those videographers who wish to take professional videos, especially in an outdoor setting. The grip of this camera slider is fantastic for outdoor terrain. One of the best budget camera sliders for DSLRs. Moreover, you can check and select the same camera slider but with a different size, according to your needs.
7. Neewer Camera Slider Dolly Rail Stabilizer
Are you interested in video recording, home studio shooting, and landscape shooting efficiently?
If your answer is yes and you are looking for a camera slider, then this camera slider is the most suitable one for you.
It is easy to use, so we encourage people who do not have much experience with camera sliders to check this.
The product is also affordable, but it performs well for its price very well!
Key Features:- Suited for: DSLR, VCR, Mobile Phones.
- Motorized slider: No.
- Extra accessories required for usage: Flywheel counterweight and belt-driven pulley system.
- Size: 5.5 x 4.7 inches; 6.17 pounds (2.8 kg).
- Bearing: Six smooth bearing rollers.
- App: Yes.
- It is built to be strong because of its carbon fiber rails and stainless steel flywheel, but it is still lightweight, making it convenient to be carried anywhere.
- It has a sturdy storage bag for transport and storage. It is ideal for outdoor shoots.
- The flywheel counterweight and belt-driven pulley system make the slides smoother.
- It has a universal mount that makes it easy to attach to the tripod.
- The legs are adjustable, which allows the videos to be taken in any place or terrain but still producing a smooth shot.
- It is one of the cheapest camera sliders offered in the market.
- It has excellent fluid shots with minor shaking or noise. It is ideal for interviews.
- The flywheel has to be settled and screwed correctly, or else a shaky video is going to be taken.
- The carbon fiber may wear off easily, so you have to be extra careful in using this camera slider.
- The ball head is not included, so you have to buy it separately.
We believe that this camera slider is a good product for its price and performance. Just remember to attach the flywheel properly to make awesome videos and to secure your device as well. This is one of the best non-motorized camera sliders for beginners and professionals for an affordable price!
8. GVM Motorized Camera Slider
In general, GVM produces one of the best camera sliders for everyone’s needs. First of all, it produces a time-lapse shoot and it glides smoothly without making noise.
This GVM Camera slider is ideal for people who need to do multiple shots at one time.
It is universal; that’s why it can be used with both cameras and mobile phones. Moreover, these camera sliders are made from aluminum alloy and it is a benefit if you want to take it with you.
For a reasonable price, this camera slider is worth it.
Key Features:- Suited for: Most vlogging cameras and smartphones.
- Motorized slider: Yes.
- Extra accessories required for usage: Stainless bearing, non-slip feet.
- Size: 26.8 x 5.9 x 2.8 inches; 7.43 pounds (3.3 kg).
- Bearing: Six smooth bearing rollers.
- App: No.
- The slider is lightweight and is ideal for outdoor video projects.
- It has clear instructions and therefore makes it easy to set up in a short period of time.
- It is cheap compared to other camera sliders that can do the same thing and the same power.
- It comes with ¼ and ⅜ inches thread holes are present on the slider, making it ready for tripod or camera mounting.
- The camera slider is available for 45 degrees to 70 degrees shooting which allows you to have a variety of shots.
- The camera slider’s aluminum construction makes the camera slider sturdy and can last for quite a long time.
- It comes in with a rechargeable battery that needs to be charged for two hours.
- You need to loosen up the screws every time you want to change the position of the camera, and this is time-consuming, especially for a fast project.
- The motor setting seems to be very fast despite being adjusted to the slowest setting already.
- The slider tends to make a vibration or jitter, which affects the quality of the video that is being taken.
- The tripod ball is not included in the package, so you will have to purchase it separately.
It is an excellent product that performs well at an affordable price. It is built to function at its own pace and it is a best camera slider for daily usage.
9. Neewer Scaled Camera Table Dolly Slider
Now:
This is a different camera slider that you might have used before or have plans to buy it. Anyway, we need to introduce a slider that may look like a toy but is one of the smallest dynamic rollings and sliding dolly cars in reality.
This dolly car/slider allows you to create active and beautiful shots on flat surfaces.
This is a really great choice if you are on a very low budget but want to purchase a camera slider and add something new to your videos.
You can create and think about a lot of ideas about how you could use that type of slider in your videos.
Key Features:- Suited for: Mirrorless Cameras, Smartphones, DSLR cameras – it depends since it is universal.
- Motorized slider: No.
- Extra accessories: Red lock screw.
- Size: 10.2 x 7.2 x 2.8 inches; 1.4 pounds weight (365 g).
- Bearing: Fluid roller bearings.
- App: No.
- It has adjustable aluminum rods that help to set the dolly car for straight and curved paths.
- It is set to be balanced so the camera equipment does not fall.
- There are ¼ inch and ⅜ inch mounts are available for tripods and for cameras to be mounted right away.
- The camera can be directly mounted in the dolly car.
- The dolly car has rotatable rubber wheels for unique rotation.
- It is lightweight and can be carried anywhere.
- It works on flat and smooth surfaces only. Bumpy areas won’t be suitable for this.
- It is ready to use. All you have to do is to set the wheels and the direction that they have to go to.
- It is lightweight therefore, it can’t carry heavy cameras or mobile phones.
This is probably the smartest camera slider in the market because it functions well, it is small and lightweight, and by using it, you could create superb and smooth videos from a low angle. This is the best budget camera slider for new video creators who want to make a simple video with a simple motion.
10. Manfrotto MVS060A Camera Slider
Towards the end of the list, we must mention a little more expensive than the camera sliders reviewed earlier, but a great choice for professional video makers.
The Manfrotto MVS060A is the perfect camera slider because it has perfectly balanced friction that can be adjusted super easily.
It is built with high-precision steel ball bearings and it has high-performance polymer wheels. As we mentioned, it costs around $500 in the market, so not many starting videographers can afford it to buy.
It is ideal for professional videographers and cameramen due to high-performance materials and standards for creating high-quality videos and solutions on how to achieve the right kind of shoot.
Manfrotto MVS060A rails are made with the utmost care and using the best materials. Eight, high-precision steel ball bearings ensure particularly smooth and precise movement.
The connection between the rails and the bogie can be adjusted easily and quickly, as can the friction of the movement itself. In addition, the trolley castors, made of exceptionally strong material (PSU – high-performance polymer), move very smoothly and quietly.
Key Features:- Suited for: DSLR, Camcorders, other types of cameras, and smartphones.
- Motorized slider: No.
- Extra accessories: Arms and digital director.
- Size: 26 x 7 x 4.5 inches; 4.5 pounds (2 kg).
- Bearing: Steel ball bearings.
- App: No.
- It has high-performance polymer wheels.
- It is solid and has a steady solution.
- It has an inbuilt leveling bubble.
- It has a maximum travel distance of 18.4”.
- It has ¼ and ⅜ threads at the center, which makes it easy to be mounted.
- It has an adjustable friction system.
- A little bit on the expensive side since it costs 500 USD and the shipping fee is not yet included.
With the Manfrotto MVS060A rails, in just a few minutes, professional operators and photographers can give their creations a smooth impression of tracking, movement and achieve a whole new level of creativity that sets them apart from other colleagues. It is a sturdy and lightweight, ultra-compact tool that you can quickly and easily attach to a tripod, place on the ground or any other flat surface.
Do You Need a Camera Slider for YouTube Videos?
Here’s the deal:
Not all cameras for vlogging need a camera slider. Here are some of the reasons why a camera slider is necessary for semi-professional or professional YouTubers or filmmakers:
- You need a camera slider when your focus is not static. Static videos can be done with a tripod since they can have a stable video shoot. However, gimbal or tripod videos are very limited to either zooming in or out.
- If you want to take a moving video shot that needs to be covered from point a to point b, then buying a camera slider is necessary.
- You also need to have a camera slider when you want to tell a story in motion and if you’re going to have a little drama. For instance, you would like to show a man who reminisces about the war and memories flashback to him.
Some sliders are compatible with Android and iOs phone systems and smartphones. It is best to prepare the video camera you are using and then purchase the slider matching it.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Camera Slider
Camera Slider Material
Smaller camera sliders usually do not need to be made of solid material, considering that the camera you will use is just light.
However, suppose you are looking for a sturdy camera slider that is going to be used for professional usage. In that case, going for carbon fiber or aluminum or steel is undoubtedly the best option.
Don’t forget, the material also contributes to the weight of the camera slider. If your projects or vlogs are usually outdoors or you have to move from one location to another, choosing a lightweight material is the best option.
Camera Slider Extension Length
The camera slider aims to capture a moving shot. Due to this, the camera slider’s length of the camera slider depends on what is suitable for the project you have.
Also, you need to understand that the longer the camera slider is, the heavier it becomes. The thing with heavy sliders is they tend to be wobbly and shaky. Consider three points in buying a camera slider, the middle point and the two endpoints.
Camera Slider Feet
Keep in mind that the feet of your camera slider serve as the base support of the entire system.
If the feet are not stable enough, then there is a big chance of getting your camera or mobile phone to be compromised. It whole best if you choose adjustable feet, which will make your camera slider flexible and portable.
At the same time, buying rubber feet is the best option to maintain the entire system’s stability of the whole system as the whole camera slider has a crank belt so that the captured video is not shaky or wobbly.
Grip
The camera slider’s grip allows your camera to be safe. If your camera slider does not have a good grip, your camera is at risk of falling. Choose a slider that has a good grip wherever the terrain or location of your shoots may be.
Camera Slider Mounting
A good camera slider should possess two mounting screws available: ¼ inch and the ⅜ inch. These screws allow your camera slider to be mounted on a tripod, or it allows a camera to be mounted on your camera slider.
If you want the best results, then go for a camera slider that has universal screws. Mounting is an essential factor of a camera slider because it needs to be stable while taking shots.
Camera Type for Slider
In choosing a camera slider, make sure you choose the compatible one with your mobile phone, camcorder and your vlogging or video camera.
Some camera sliders require you to download an application from the internet to utilize the system. Also, most camera sliders have a remote control. You just need to set up the time of the shot.
Typically, almost all camera types are suitable for camera sliders. DSLR cameras are the most commonly used, but if you have a different style of camera, be sure to check if it is suitable for your chosen camera slider.
Motorized or Manual Camera Slider
In buying a camera slider, you will come across two options: motorized or manual.
- Manual camera sliders are easier to control since the speed can be controlled with your own hands.
- Motorized camera sliders are perfect for more professional shots. They are operated with batteries or a USB cord attached to a specific power.
Tips for Buying a Camera Slider
If you have finally decided to buy a camera slider, here are some simple tips that you can follow:
1. Buy one if you really need it. Buying something that you do not use often is a waste of money.
2. Consider your camera. Not all camera sliders are compatible with all cameras. But something that is compatible with what you currently have so that you won’t have to buy a new one.
3. Check the price. Don’t go for something expensive, especially if it is your first time. A camera slider is an investment, so make sure you gain something out of it.
4. Choose a camera slider for your lifestyle. Go for something handy if you must, especially if you usually go for outdoor shoots.
5. Buy the slider according to your need. Different camera sliders have various advantages so go for something that suits you best.
You also know the steps on how to use a camera slider and its benefits. Now, let us closely criticize the top 10 camera sliders that are used by YouTubers and vloggers.
Benefits of Using a Camera Slider
- It helps save time of the production of high-quality videos.
- It helps save money since some aspects do not need to be rented.
- There is a dramatic effect on the videos while using a camera slider.
These three benefits are sure reasons for you to buy a camera slider, especially for big projects.