Dolly shots are a quintessential signifier of high production value; they remind us we are watching something cinematic. Cineskates is probably one of the simplest and cheapest off-the-shelf options for recreating this effect. But it has its limits.
The iPhone 4S may have a kick-arse new 8MP camera and lightning-quick A5 processor but it has the same shortcoming as its S-less predecessor — no wheels for low-angle rolling shots. The hell, Apple? Cineskates, however, may have the solution.
Looks like everybody is getting in on these smooth-panning camera systems. A new cousin to the CineSkates, here’s the CheesyCam Pico Dolly, a simple setup for littler cameras like the new Sony NEX-7.