While drones are an amazing tool for aerial footage, they aren’t the most accessible devices for filmmakers on a budget. Not only do they tend to be tough on the wallet, but the regulations governing their use mean there are plenty of places and situations where they can’t be used. You don’t have to look hard to find stories of the kind of chaos that can ensue when someone flies a drone in a place they shouldn’t.

If you need an aerial shot and a drone isn’t an option, then rigging up a cable cam can be a cost-effective way of getting the job done, and we reckon Cinemotiongear’s Cord Slider Mini is one of the most budget-friendly out there.

Let’s take a closer look…

Cord Slider Mini: Key features

It’s a simple wire-cam solution for the outdoor videographer, able to hand small and medium-sized cameras such as GoPros, CSCs or smaller DSLRs.

Running on a Cinemotion CineCord, the Slider requires a small ball head for mounting the camera, an adjustable strap to fit around something with a suitable bit of height like a tree or pole, and the makers recommend a few carabiners to make the whole thing go more smoothly. There’s also a vibration dampener kit available to make footage smoother on longer runs.

Below you can see a couple of videos demonstrating the Slider Mini’s functionality and the kind of shots that can be captured with it – we love the through-the-car shot in particular!

 

It’s possible to precisely control the speed of the camera’s motion, either by hand using a safety line, or by adjusting the tension of the line and/or weight of the rig.

The main body of the Slider Mini is constructed from machined aluminium, while the stainless steel wheels have been specifically tailored to minimise vibrations.

Cord Slider Mini: Pricing and availability

The Cord Slider Mini is priced at $124 (about £94) and is available from the Cinemotiongear website in black anodized or brushed aluminium.