In the words of Fast Company magazine, CineSkates "pull off sophisticated-looking camera moves with the nudge of a finger."
Developed at the M.I.T. Media Lab with cutting-edge skateboard technology, the Cinetics CineSkates Camera Dolly Wheels for GorillaPod Focus Tripod are a set of three wheels that attach to a Joby GorillaPod to achieve an amazingly abundant variety of very highly-effective fluid motion shots that give life to scenes.
CineSkates were from inception made in mind with expansion into a host of accessories, but in their current state are compatible specifically with the Joby GorillaPod Focus mini tripods. The combination of the two results in so many possibilities, that possibly both Cinetics and Joby were surprised at what morphed out, something no less than a thousand rabbits in a small hat.
CineSkates attach onto the GorillaPod and then move around fluidly in a variety of sophisticated ways. So what's a GorillaPod? Well, first off, it doesn't come included; and second -- it's a very small tripod that has legs which can bend at every point along them to thereby adapt to pretty much any environment and truly close in on a subject. It's what Tom was missing when looking for Jerry in his mouse hole. The GorillaPod would've bent in such a way, that the camera atop it would've been flipped upside-down and focused directly into the hole. That's why it's called a GorillaPod Focus. Now imagine it on wheels. The GorillaPod requires a ballhead, and if you have one, you're fine, but otherwise, Joby also makes the BallHead X. As regards CineSkates, small, lightweight ballheads with a large range of motion, like the BallHead X, work best.
So what kind of shots are we talking about? Well, first, very importantly -- CineSkates can move freely or can be aligned to make a desired camera movement. A light push will glide the CineSkates into motion along that alignment. And the alignment will not lose its setting until reset. And as for the shots, CineSkates achieve arcing shots that rotate around objects, sliding shots that push or pull a subject into focus, rolling shots that glide over the subject, time-lapse shots that move the camera slowly and smoothly -- more about this shortly, and panning shots that scan a wide area, and "worm's eye view" shots that slide just above the floor. And each of these can be done in so many different ways considering how many various combinations of positions the GorillaPod can bend into. The audience should love it. A little practice will be necessary, however, to develop a feel for achieving precision with the possibilities.
In terms of weight, CineSkates work best with rigs under 5 lbs. A DSLR, a lens, and a mic -- that'll work just fine.
Now, about the time-lapse shots -- the CineSkates wheels have a ruler system marked on them, and a tic mark on the bracket of the wheels. This is for shooting incrementally, at chosen tic distances, and moving the wheel one tic after every shot.
And about the expansion mentioned up above, expansion to other tripods is in the works. A frame for heavier cameras and a motorized wheel are just some future Cinetics products, and they will all be compatible with CineSkates. A mini ballhead and a Glif iPhone 4/4S tripod mount are already available to be used in combination with CineSkates and the GorillaPod.
How are CineSkates made, by the way? The brackets are made from an injection molded plastic that's lightweight and durable. The wheels are molded from soft urethane, and the bearings are made from hardened chromium steel. A steel adjustable handle, low profile black-oxide steel hardware, and a portable neoprene case complete the set. There are 44 parts in each set of CineSkates, and the parts are mostly made in the USA, and are assembled entirely in Austin, Texas.
CineSkates were launched as a Kickstarter project, and they are one of the highest funded projects in the history of Kickstarter.
Note! CineSkates work on very smooth surfaces only.
| Load Capacity | Works best with rigs under 5 lbs (2.27 kg) |
| Build |
Injection molded plastic brackets Soft urethane molded wheels Hardened chromium steel bearings Steel adjustable handle Low profile black-oxide steel hardware Neoprene case |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Why didn't I bought this ages ago?!!
I was reluctant to buy this CineSkates due to the price tag...
I was consider the pico dolly before. But since I have Gorilla pod so I have decided to buy this ins...Read complete review
I was reluctant to buy this CineSkates due to the price tag...
I was consider the pico dolly before. But since I have Gorilla pod so I have decided to buy this instead.
I am now never leave it at home when I go out to do professional shooting.
Setting up is easy! The wheels are smooth and seem to be very well made.
It even has bar/lines to help you to do time lapse.
Best of all the wheel can be set up way faster than my expensive slider and it can go on the table, on the stairs' rail, or even on the windows and wall!
NOTE: you must have the GorillaPod FOCUS to use this wheels, if you have a smaller GorillaPod then go for the Cinetics miniSkates Tripod Dolly Wheels
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Good at specific tasks
Pros:
- Packs small and you can take it anywhere
- Very smooth motion for video in straight lines on smooth surface
- You can use it on a wall or ...Read complete review
Pros:
- Packs small and you can take it anywhere
- Very smooth motion for video in straight lines on smooth surface
- You can use it on a wall or on the floor or upsidedown
Cons
- Overpriced as it is literally only skate wheels and some plastic
- Adjusting them to 'skate' in a perfect circle is possible but also a nightmare. You have to fidget with the wheels a long time to get it smooth and circular.
- Anything less smooth than glass will produce vibration in your video (most of it can be fixed in post)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 13 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-13
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Cinetics CineSkates Camera Dolly Wheels for GorillaPod Focus Tripod:
Pros:
- Packs small and you can take it anywhere
- Very smooth motion for video in straight lines on smooth surface
- You can use it on a wall or on the floor or upsidedown
Cons
- Overpriced as it is literally only skate wheels and some plastic
- Adjusting them to 'skate' in a perfect circle is possible but also a nightmare. You have to fidget with the wheels a long time to get it smooth and circular.
- Anything less smooth than glass will produce vibration in your video (most of it can be fixed in post)
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Cinetics CineSkates Camera Dolly Wheels for GorillaPod Focus Tripod:
Worth it!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Cinetics CineSkates Camera Dolly Wheels for GorillaPod Focus Tripod:
Great for DSLR 'dolly' shots but only if you keep the weight down below 5 lbs. My Canon L Series 24-70mm on a 7D is too heavy for this and I had to go to my Canon 50 1.4. May consider that new Canon pancake 40 mm lens with auto focus to make things easier. Takes some practice but am excited to keep using it. Make sure your surface is smooth and take time to practice the movements. Expensive looking shots are completely possible with this super portable rig.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Cinetics CineSkates Camera Dolly Wheels for GorillaPod Focus Tripod:
They snap on tight !
This rig supports my 7D & battery grip and a 17-40 L lens with ease .
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Cinetics CineSkates Camera Dolly Wheels for GorillaPod Focus Tripod:
I was excited when I saw the video promoting this CinceSkates. I am an impulsive buyer and didn't hesitate as I thought the price was reasonable.
CineSkates have lots of potential but they take a while (I still haven't figured it out) out to operate properly.
The GorillaPod very hard to adjust and I'm not sure it even supports the 5lbs of weight the camera has.
Make sure to have smooth and I mean smooth surface when operating.
May I suggest a "how to DVD" that would guide new users to make their experience better before they give up on it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Cinetics CineSkates Camera Dolly Wheels for GorillaPod Focus Tripod:
Really easy to use. Great for time lapse effects.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Cinetics CineSkates Camera Dolly Wheels for GorillaPod Focus Tripod:
I was reluctant to buy this CineSkates due to the price tag...
I was consider the pico dolly before. But since I have Gorilla pod so I have decided to buy this instead.
I am now never leave it at home when I go out to do professional shooting.
Setting up is easy! The wheels are smooth and seem to be very well made.
It even has bar/lines to help you to do time lapse.
Best of all the wheel can be set up way faster than my expensive slider and it can go on the table, on the stairs' rail, or even on the windows and wall!
NOTE: you must have the GorillaPod FOCUS to use this wheels, if you have a smaller GorillaPod then go for the Cinetics miniSkates Tripod Dolly Wheels
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Cinetics CineSkates Camera Dolly Wheels for GorillaPod Focus Tripod:
My D3s with the Really Right Stuff ball head is a little heavy for this.Moves well on a flat smooth surface.Use for lapse photography and for video
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Cinetics CineSkates Camera Dolly Wheels for GorillaPod Focus Tripod:
The Cineskates connect to the Focus quickly and you are off an running. I found this great blog post that really helps with setting them up with heavy cameras - The cineskates are built brilliantly. Strongly recommended
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Cinetics CineSkates Camera Dolly Wheels for GorillaPod Focus Tripod:
The CineSkate's bearings are super smooth. The only negative thing I could say so far is that they do seem to slip off very easily if not properly mounted flush to the gorillapod.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Cinetics CineSkates Camera Dolly Wheels for GorillaPod Focus Tripod:
The Cineskates are a very interesting endeavor into cheap motion videography. While they are priced about the same as a cheap slider, they are much more versatile. There aren't major problems with these guys. I would love if in the future they make a clamp system for the skates that allows you to attach them to a larger tripod (which is a suggestion the manufacturer is well aware of) but other than that the only other slightly negative thing I have to say is don't expect to just hook these up and go your first time out. This system does have a small learning curve. However, I have only had them about three weeks and I am already able to assemble the system and start shooting within a minute or two.
The major pro of this system versus a cheap slider is that you are able to use this anywhere you have a fairly smooth surface for as long as that surface goes. So if you need you are able to make this slide for a very long area give it is smooth enough. Obviously, a slider will only allow you to go for the length of the slider.
I gave this item four stars since everything that is advertised is accurate and it is fun and useful. The subtraction of one star is just due to the fact that you can't attach larger tripods (in fact no tripods other than the joby gorillapod focus, not even the gorillapod zoom) to the system, which again is something I would like but not something they claim.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Cinetics CineSkates Camera Dolly Wheels for GorillaPod Focus Tripod:
Awsome product! Very happy to extend my photos!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Cinetics CineSkates Camera Dolly Wheels for GorillaPod Focus Tripod:
Cineskates create some stunning dolly shots. They work great for tracking and arcing shots and can even do cool shots going over small subjects. The tripod is flexible, so you can't load a ton of weight on it. A 5Dmkii and a prime lens can work some magic though!
Displaying reviews 1-13
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Why didn't I bought this ages ago?!!
I was reluctant to buy this CineSkates due to the price tag...
I was consider the pico dolly before. But since I have Gorilla pod so I have decided to buy this ins...Read complete review
I was reluctant to buy this CineSkates due to the price tag...
I was consider the pico dolly before. But since I have Gorilla pod so I have decided to buy this instead.
I am now never leave it at home when I go out to do professional shooting.
Setting up is easy! The wheels are smooth and seem to be very well made.
It even has bar/lines to help you to do time lapse.
Best of all the wheel can be set up way faster than my expensive slider and it can go on the table, on the stairs' rail, or even on the windows and wall!
NOTE: you must have the GorillaPod FOCUS to use this wheels, if you have a smaller GorillaPod then go for the Cinetics miniSkates Tripod Dolly Wheels
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Good at specific tasks
Pros:
- Packs small and you can take it anywhere
- Very smooth motion for video in straight lines on smooth surface
- You can use it on a wall or ...Read complete review
Pros:
- Packs small and you can take it anywhere
- Very smooth motion for video in straight lines on smooth surface
- You can use it on a wall or on the floor or upsidedown
Cons
- Overpriced as it is literally only skate wheels and some plastic
- Adjusting them to 'skate' in a perfect circle is possible but also a nightmare. You have to fidget with the wheels a long time to get it smooth and circular.
- Anything less smooth than glass will produce vibration in your video (most of it can be fixed in post)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 13 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-13
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Cinetics CineSkates Camera Dolly Wheels for GorillaPod Focus Tripod:
Pros:
- Packs small and you can take it anywhere
- Very smooth motion for video in straight lines on smooth surface
- You can use it on a wall or on the floor or upsidedown
Cons
- Overpriced as it is literally only skate wheels and some plastic
- Adjusting them to 'skate' in a perfect circle is possible but also a nightmare. You have to fidget with the wheels a long time to get it smooth and circular.
- Anything less smooth than glass will produce vibration in your video (most of it can be fixed in post)
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Cinetics CineSkates Camera Dolly Wheels for GorillaPod Focus Tripod:
Worth it!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Cinetics CineSkates Camera Dolly Wheels for GorillaPod Focus Tripod:
Great for DSLR 'dolly' shots but only if you keep the weight down below 5 lbs. My Canon L Series 24-70mm on a 7D is too heavy for this and I had to go to my Canon 50 1.4. May consider that new Canon pancake 40 mm lens with auto focus to make things easier. Takes some practice but am excited to keep using it. Make sure your surface is smooth and take time to practice the movements. Expensive looking shots are completely possible with this super portable rig.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Cinetics CineSkates Camera Dolly Wheels for GorillaPod Focus Tripod:
They snap on tight !
This rig supports my 7D & battery grip and a 17-40 L lens with ease .
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Cinetics CineSkates Camera Dolly Wheels for GorillaPod Focus Tripod:
I was excited when I saw the video promoting this CinceSkates. I am an impulsive buyer and didn't hesitate as I thought the price was reasonable.
CineSkates have lots of potential but they take a while (I still haven't figured it out) out to operate properly.
The GorillaPod very hard to adjust and I'm not sure it even supports the 5lbs of weight the camera has.
Make sure to have smooth and I mean smooth surface when operating.
May I suggest a "how to DVD" that would guide new users to make their experience better before they give up on it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Cinetics CineSkates Camera Dolly Wheels for GorillaPod Focus Tripod:
Really easy to use. Great for time lapse effects.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Cinetics CineSkates Camera Dolly Wheels for GorillaPod Focus Tripod:
I was reluctant to buy this CineSkates due to the price tag...
I was consider the pico dolly before. But since I have Gorilla pod so I have decided to buy this instead.
I am now never leave it at home when I go out to do professional shooting.
Setting up is easy! The wheels are smooth and seem to be very well made.
It even has bar/lines to help you to do time lapse.
Best of all the wheel can be set up way faster than my expensive slider and it can go on the table, on the stairs' rail, or even on the windows and wall!
NOTE: you must have the GorillaPod FOCUS to use this wheels, if you have a smaller GorillaPod then go for the Cinetics miniSkates Tripod Dolly Wheels
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Cinetics CineSkates Camera Dolly Wheels for GorillaPod Focus Tripod:
My D3s with the Really Right Stuff ball head is a little heavy for this.Moves well on a flat smooth surface.Use for lapse photography and for video
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Cinetics CineSkates Camera Dolly Wheels for GorillaPod Focus Tripod:
The Cineskates connect to the Focus quickly and you are off an running. I found this great blog post that really helps with setting them up with heavy cameras - The cineskates are built brilliantly. Strongly recommended
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Cinetics CineSkates Camera Dolly Wheels for GorillaPod Focus Tripod:
The CineSkate's bearings are super smooth. The only negative thing I could say so far is that they do seem to slip off very easily if not properly mounted flush to the gorillapod.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Cinetics CineSkates Camera Dolly Wheels for GorillaPod Focus Tripod:
The Cineskates are a very interesting endeavor into cheap motion videography. While they are priced about the same as a cheap slider, they are much more versatile. There aren't major problems with these guys. I would love if in the future they make a clamp system for the skates that allows you to attach them to a larger tripod (which is a suggestion the manufacturer is well aware of) but other than that the only other slightly negative thing I have to say is don't expect to just hook these up and go your first time out. This system does have a small learning curve. However, I have only had them about three weeks and I am already able to assemble the system and start shooting within a minute or two.
The major pro of this system versus a cheap slider is that you are able to use this anywhere you have a fairly smooth surface for as long as that surface goes. So if you need you are able to make this slide for a very long area give it is smooth enough. Obviously, a slider will only allow you to go for the length of the slider.
I gave this item four stars since everything that is advertised is accurate and it is fun and useful. The subtraction of one star is just due to the fact that you can't attach larger tripods (in fact no tripods other than the joby gorillapod focus, not even the gorillapod zoom) to the system, which again is something I would like but not something they claim.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Cinetics CineSkates Camera Dolly Wheels for GorillaPod Focus Tripod:
Awsome product! Very happy to extend my photos!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Cinetics CineSkates Camera Dolly Wheels for GorillaPod Focus Tripod:
Cineskates create some stunning dolly shots. They work great for tracking and arcing shots and can even do cool shots going over small subjects. The tripod is flexible, so you can't load a ton of weight on it. A 5Dmkii and a prime lens can work some magic though!
Displaying reviews 1-13