Digital Video - October 2008 - (Page 14)

IN REVIEW INDIE-DOLLY UNIVERSAL DOLLY SCORE shims to keep it from flexing under heavy loads. They work well enough on a flat surface, but if production requires shooting on uneven ground, your standard wood chocks are recommended for leveling. There are a few downsides here: The first is that the track is so light, there’s the possibility that it may shift as the dolly moves — a challenge managed by applying sandbags to the crossbeams at intervals. The second is when the straight track is configured at widths of less than 35", as it becomes incompatible with the curved track sections (which can only unfold to the full 35" configuration). With two individuals, the Universal Dolly, accessory platform, three sections of track, a tripod and camera can be set up within 15 minutes. The accessory platform is a recent addition and provides the operaThe Universal Dolly is well-built yet lightweight. tor with additional floor space for a monitor, sandbags, or whatever accessories BY IAIN STASUKEVICH used to swap those out with the AWARD OF are needed. he Universal Dolly consists of three The whole setup feels solid. The standard tripod brackets. (During adjustable steel arms bolted to a wheelclusters roll smoothly and the demo, a DV II tripod was EXCELLENCE quietly, and the seams between steel plate weighing about 43lb. almost too small to lock onto the Each outer arm has a wheelcluster receptathe track sections are tight and platform, but it was never in dancle (each consisting of four 70mm track unnoticeable on camera. Using the push ger of coming loose.) wheels and two 4" studio wheels) and a tribar, the dolly with the camera and operator Also included is a stainless-steel seat pod mounting bracket, both of which must requires little effort to move. support, which can be placed in four differbe assembled before using the dolly. Is the Indie-Dolly worth the money? ent positions on the dolly for various shootAll documentation and press materials For the complete package, the potential ing angles. The seat is comfortable and sitemphasize the lack of tools required to owner is looking at close to $1,200 for the uates the operator close enough to the employ the unit. One of the exceptions to basic dolly, $550 for the straight track kit, camera without feeling crowded. Finally, a this rule is if the filmmaker wants to mount $640 for the curved track, and $190 for the push bar can be attached to the center pin the silver outer arms in place of the black accessory platform — a total of about for a dolly grip. inner arms to get the dolly into tight spaces $2,580. Compare this with the basic The 1"-diameter dolly track is constructed of anodized aircraft-grade aluor for tabletop use — in that case, an Matthews doorway dolly, which retails for minum and comes in both straight and adjustable crescent wrench is needed. The about $1,770 for the platform, pull handle, curved sets (sold separately). Straight track other exception is for the special Sachtler push bar, and rubber casters. For track use, comes with four sections of 3' track for an brackets required for the Pro line of tripods, you would need the hot buttons kit for effective 12'. Curved track comes with four where an included hexagonal wrench is $700, and then there’s the track, which can sections that, when assembled, completes a retail for upwards of $400 for a single 4' 90-degree segment of what would be a cirstraight section. cle about 20' in diameter. The track comes The Indie-Dolly is priced for keeps. INDIE-DOLLY UNIVERSAL DOLLY folded in its respective carrying cases, makSerious videographers who don’t have conPROS: Easy to set up and operate, the whole sysing it easier to transport than standard steel venient access to a rental house should find tem is fairly compact, sturdy construction, options track. Track width can be configured as narit an ideal alternative to spending a ton on are expandable. CONS: Lots of little parts that row as 15" or as wide as 35". Sections are “pro” gear. And, on that note, it’s just easimight be easy to lose. BOTTOM LINE: Priced connected using dowel pins; Velcro straps er to manage than the “real” thing. When for keeps. MSRP: $1,200 (includes dolly and are required to keep them from sliding apart stowed, the Universal system amounts to track kit) CONTACT: www.indiedolly.com during use. three compact cases that will easily fit into Each track kit comes with support the trunk or back seat of a compact car. DV PRICED TO MOVE THE AFFORDABLE UNIVERSAL DOLLY IS AN EXCEPTIONAL SUPPORT OFFERING. T DV 14 dv october 2008 www.dv.com http://www.indiedolly.com http://www.dv.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Digital Video - October 2008

Digital Video - October 2008 Contents First Look: Creative Suite 4 D800 Raid Edirol F-1 Video Field Recorder Universal Dolly BT-LH1760 Monitor Bench Test: XDCAM EX PMW-EX1 Camcorder The Dead Can Dance Cutting Crew Unrest In Peace DV101 Production Diary

Digital Video - October 2008

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