Sony NEX-7 on Varavon’s Slidecam Lite
While in Maui last week I took the Sony NEX 7 out with the new Varavon Slidecam Lite Video Slider to capture a few test shots and finally get a feel for the 24″ slider. My first thoughts were how light the unit was to carry around. I was able to sling the portable case over my shoulder and it felt like I was wearing next to nothing. I brought 2 Canon FD lenses with me: a 50mm and a 20mm and Rokinon’s 35mm. It was raining so some shots were more difficult to capture than others and I found myself limited at times in terms of where I could shoot.
A few helpful attributes about the Slidecam Lite that I discovered: First, the feet are extremely easy to attach and remove and adjust on uneven surfaces. The middle of the slider has both a 3/8″ and a 1/4″ female threading. I was able to use my tripod at either end of the slider or in the middle. I used a monopod to add additional stability where I needed it.
To achieve the crane type shot, there are threads on each end of the slider. Not below the track as you normally see but at the ends rather. This enabled me to screw the monopod into the track and choose the orientation that best suited my vertical shot.
I made sure to get the sliding shots near objects that would give context to the slider itself. Using the foreground to exaggerate the sliding movements really helps when you’re shooting with a wide lens or from afar. The sliding shots don’t always have to be so busy either. Being able to detect just a slight bit of movement is enough in some cases.
The Varavon Slidecam Lite is one of the lightest roller bearing sliders available, and Varavon loves to tout that this light weight slider can even support heavy cameras. We haven’t tested that out ourselves, but Varavon also offers other more heavy duty sliders (click here).
The Slidecam Lite is available in 24″ (2 feet) and 32″. Some question whether these sizes is sufficient for creating the sliding shots they desire. Consider this, when editing, you only use pieces that are about as long as it takes to slide across 24″ if not less. Anything over 3′ in my opinion becomes overkill. But I do understand that this also depends on the nature of your shooting. You can find the Varavon Slidecam Lite cheapest following the link (click here).
Varavon Slidecam Lite 24″ and 32″ Portable Video Slider
By the way, Sony had a very hard time delivering the Sony NEX-7 and has been unavailable for quite some time. It seems they finally have their production running and the Sony NEX-7 has been shipping. You can pre-order the item and it seems like it should ship sooner than later (click here). If you’re super super impatient, there’s a bunch already available via auctions. Just make sure you choose the correct version for your country to match video framerates. (Click here to find a Sony NEX-7).
Sony Alpha NEX-7 24MP Digital Camera
Nice job, I really like how you processed the one of the large tree.
Thanks, Dave!
I hope to see you at NAB, I make sure to stop and say hi if I see you shooting your coverage.
Will do, I’ll be at NAB for sure this year! Looking forward to seeing you there, Dave
Hi Olivia! Was just wondering if you could give me any insight into how you processed that particular shot with the trees. It looks fantastic!
@Brian It was all done in Final Cut X. I’m not 100% sure about which particular settings, but everything was found within the original effects.
Thanks Olivia. The lens flare in some of those shots is fantastic!
I just took delivery of my 24″ Slidecam Lite yesterday. I can’t wait to start playing around with it. It’s so small and light there’s no excuse not to have it with you all the time.
How was it? is it good? i’m planning to get my first slider now, but not sure which one to get, konova k3 60, varavon 60 or varavon 80?
second that .. great composition/angles .. are you shooting
at 60p and slowing down in fcp ?
As a 30′ jib operator I love motion and this slider review is just another example how movement adds so much interest to a simple scene. Looks like it works very well. I’ve read all of your posts on this blog and your hard work in yet another interesting review is greatly appreciated.
Steve.. thank you
Your video sold me! Good job! I’m gettin’ it! Love how portable it is and have always wanted to get these type of shots.
Do you prefer this to the Konova 31″?
I really don’t refer one over the other. I like them both for different reasons to be honest with you. I’m lucky enough to be able to play around with both. It really depends on what you’ll be shooting.
Hi Olivia, can this varavon give you same results as the konova?
@Chris They’re both stand out sliders and I’ve experienced nothing negative with either.
Very nice. Is this “lite” slider good for a camera like Canon T3i or even a 7D?
I don’t have a slider yet and I wouldn’t mind saving the difference I should pay for a Konova slider.
Yes, so long as you have a sturdy set of sticks to support it and a secure head, this slider will support a heavier camera.
Hi Robert, Were you able to purchase this varavon? How was it? Did you regret it over the Konova?
Thanks,
Chris
Beautiful stuff.
I’m just now wrangling the moire issue with my t2i at 60p as I start to shoot more slo-mo. Been reading some helpful stuff out there but I wondered if you have any rules of thumb to help minimize the moire effect when shooting slo-mo.
Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks,
Dan
Hi Dan, I’d avoid anything like bricks or busy images that will introduce the moire first, second, although the footage will be in slow motion, if you’re panning or tilting, do it very slowly. These will help in avoiding the unavoidable issue of moire. Do you have any footage I can see where you are experiencing this?
Here’s a link to two different shots. One bad, one good. (click here)
Shot #1. All the warning signs are there. Shingles, bricks, straight lines. And it looks horrible.
Shot #2. Different footage, but now devoid of all the trouble makers. The rigid lines are more out of focus. I think I was wide open, which may have helped. Looks smooth.
I would’ve thought when you were shooting your temple shots you would’ve been nailed by the roof or some of the interior decorations. Same thing for the brick wall of the garden shot. So, is the exterior house shot simply just not be possible on a t2i at 720p 60fps? Perhaps so.
Thanks.
Dan
Dan, I thought I got back to this comment! Sorry for the late response here. Yeah, I don’t know if there is a solution to fixing this. I’d frame a different shot that doesn’t include the shingles. Or get the 5D Mark iii haha.
Thanks Olivia. I’ve been following Oliviatech for a long time and have found great value in your product recommendations. This one was of particular interest to me because I was having difficulty determining whether to make this purchase or spend more for a Konova. Seeing this footage and reading your comments, I’m now leaning in this direction because while I want smooth captures, I value the light weight for run and gun. Thanks!
Thanks for reading, Michael! Let me know how it goes with the Varavon! =)
Very cinematic piece Olivia, Love your passion for cinema toys.
By the way, you really have smooth and steady hands did you slow down from 60p? I just got the newest konova slider, and even the smallest hair or dust particle ruins my dolly shot.
I wonder if that also happens with the Varavon since both are bearing sliders.
Sohail, yes I believe every type of slider will have problems with sand or dirt, including the IGUS dry bearing type.
Hi Olivia,
What head are you using with the slider?
Hi Daniel, the head can be found HERE
Hi olivia, contratulations for your blog, I just bought the slider thanks to you, I just was wondering if you can give me an advise on with tripod use, I would prefer one that is not to big and heavy and easy to carry. Thank you.
Thanks, Daniele! This all depends on which slider you’re using and how heavy your setup is. For smaller cameras, you really don’t need a very expensive tripod. I do suggest getting a small video head or ball head so you have a greater range of motion with your camera. For larger sliders, cameras and lenses, here are a few links with tripod, fluid head and ball head suggestions:
Slider Techniques
Igus Slider and Junior Head
I am a father that isnt crazy about carrying his DSLR around. I am thinking of getting a sony alpha nex. Do you think the 7 is worth the exytra money or is the 5n enough?
Hi Daniel, I’ve shot around with both and if you’re not really shooting professional photo and video, I think the 5n is great. The 7 is amazing, yes, but if you’d rather spend the extra cash on gear, go with the 5n. Here is a review I did on some stand out point and shoots back in December, Sony 5n included. CLICK HERE.
Olivia, could you let me know the tripod you used? I have a 60D, and Tokina 11-16mm. Do you think the sticks, head and slider you used would work for me? I will be hiking in the Alps soon and need a light set-up.
Maybe I just need to get a NEX 5n or 7 because of the weight. Thanks…Bill
@bill the Alps sound amazing, I hope you enjoy your time there.. I’m sure that part will be effortless.
The tripod used in this video is about 7 years old and is no longer avail for sale. Maybe check this kit out: HERE.
Thanks for the tip. I’ll look into that kit, it seems like it could work. I received my 24″ slider and hope to get some practice in soon…Bill
did you get yours? how was it?
Slidecam Lite or Sony NEX-7? They’re both fantastic!
Hello,
I’m thinking of getting my first slider for my t3i with sigma 18-55 2.8. Which one would you recommend?
1. varavon slidercam lite 600? -$242.20
2. varavon slidercam lite 800? – $281.26
3. KONOVA Slider K3 B2-60? – $329.10
4. KONOVA Slider K3 B2-80? – $348
Thanks,
Chris
@Chris, you could really do any. If you plan to build up, a slider capable of a heavier payload might be your better option. Always look at what you can potentially expand on with the unit and consider what your workflow and setups will require. It really all depends on the user.
Thanks Olivia! By the way, I love your work:)
I just ordered the varavon slidercam lite 600!