How to Build a Portable Camera Dolly
Camera dollies are used to get long, steady shots when shooting video. Professional camera dollies tend to be very heavy, hard to move around and quite expensive. Making your own portable camera dolly is worth the small amount of time and money required to make it. This portable camera dolly method will take you no more than 30 minutes, and is compatible with almost all consumer cameras, including camera phones.
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Things You'll Need
- 2 pieces 20cm x 2cm x 4cm lumber
- 2 rubber bands
- Old skateboard
- String
- Hammer
- 8 nails, 2-inch
Instructions
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1
Place both of your pieces of wood in front of you. Lay them parallel to one another on their narrow sides (in other words, wider sides perpendicular to the floor) .
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2
Space the two pieces of wood wide enough for your camera to sit between them, as if sandwiching your camera. Your camera should stand up with its front perpendicular to the pieces of wood. Make sure the lens is not be covered by the wood. Exact placement will vary between camera models, but the top of your camera should be accessible to start and stop recording or to fire your shutter.
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3
Secure the pieces of wood, with the camera sandwiched between them, using rubber bands. One rubber band on either end should be enough for most camera phones and point-and-shoots, but if you’re using a larger camera, add more rubber bands or use stronger ones.
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4
Tie a rope to the front of the skateboard. Knot the rope multiple times to keep it as secure as possible. The rope will allow you to pull your camera on the dolly for longer distances, with a minimal amount of shake. The longer the rope is, the steadier the pull in your shot will be.
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5
Lay the wood and camera rig on top of the skateboard. Nail the ends of the wood into the deck of the skateboard, securing your camera in place. You are now ready to use your portable camera dolly.
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Tips & Warnings
If you’re in need of a steadier shot then you’re able to get on your skateboard, layer the top of the board with foam in order to reduce unnecessary shake.
Be sure that the rope is securely fastened to the front end of your skateboard so that your skateboard and camera doesn’t get loose and roll away from you.
Your camera can fall off of your skateboard when capturing fast-moving dolly shots if it is not fastened securely.
References
- Photo Credit Pixland/Pixland/Getty Images
