You know those butter-smooth side-to-side sliding shots you see in the movies? These have traditionally been the product of professional cinematographers with expensive cameras and equipment, but gear-maker Rhino is working to make this filmmaking trick more accessible. The newly announced ROV shapes as its biggest leap yet, designed to give smartphone owners a new means of getting crafty behind the lens.
A Pro version of the ROV Camera Slider is made to work with DSLR and Mirrorless cameras weighing up to 5 lb (2.2 kg), but with smartphone cameras getting better all the time, Rhino thinks it is time for them to get in on the act. Android phones, iPhones and GoPros can be latched onto the standard ROV, and the battery, motor and drive system hidden inside then gently glide the device along the aluminum unibody rail at up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) per second.
Further to just regular slider shots, the ROV should bring some very cool functionality to smartphone cameras. When paired with the awesome slow-mo mode on the latest iPhones, for example, action sports could be stylishly captured in all their glory.
On the other hand, fast-moving but slowly shifting time-lapses could be created by having your phone film a scene for extended periods while the ROV very gradually shifts the position of the camera. The slider has a 24 hour battery life, and Rhino says it has taken eight-hour time-lapses using it with an iPhone 7 Plus.
The Rhino ROV is controlled through a dedicated app and comes in two sizes, an eight-inch (20 cm) version for everyday use and a lengthier 16-inch (40 cm) version for those after longer slides. The company is running a Kickstarter campaign to fund production, where an early pledge of US$229 will land you standard version, while $299 will get you a Pro version that works with larger cameras, too. Shipping is slated for April 2018 if the campaign runs as planned. You can check out the pitch video below.
Source: Kickstarter