How Much Does a Dolly Cost?
How Much Does a Dolly Cost? A camera dolly is an important investment that you should consider early in your film career as rental costs can and will add up quickly over time.
This wheeled cart can be used to improve your filmmaking while producing smooth horizontal scenes with limited shake or unwanted movement of the camera. While we know that the camera dolly is important, for a beginning filmmaker on a budget this piece of equipment may be something that they must budget for. But how much does a dolly cost?
The answer — it really depends on the dolly. A camera dolly can be made DIY for under $20. Likewise, some camera dolly setups can cost $2,000 or more (think motorized dolly systems and carts).
Camera Dolly on a Budget
There are ways to produce great dolly shots without the expense. In fact, you can create a camera dolly DIY at home using just a tripod and a rolly cart. Several options exist to produce a camera dolly on a budget including:
- PVC Pipe Dolly Creations
- Rolling Floor Furniture Mover Dolly Creations
- Paper Cup Dolly – just use a tripod placed in paper cups to improve movement.
Additionally, there are options that allow for short dolly shots on a budget. A camera slider can be used to capture a dolly shot for a fraction of the cost of a standard dolly system which typically runs upwards of $2,000.
Cinetics CineSkates can be purchased for $150. These allow for small, tabletop style camera dolly movement at a fraction of the cost of a big dolly system. Additional affordable tabletop style dolly solutions include the CineMoco Dolly for under $500 and the Pico Dolly which is just $50.
Tripod dolly options are another ideal opportunity. These can be built at home using just a tripod and various elements that you probably already have. Consider searching “DIY Dolly” and “DIY Tripod Dolly” for more ideas on low-cost dolly options that you can build.
Camera Dolly Cost Considerations
When purchasing a camera dolly consider the size, style, and structure of the dolly system. A large dolly system can quickly cost $2,000 or more and advanced dolly tracks will produce elaborate abilities at elaborate prices. You don’t always need something so expensive and hard to set up though. Some of the at-home options discussed above can provide just as much value.
Before purchasing a dolly, consider dolly rental. If you need a dolly track and all of the added equipment, but you’re only shooting for a day or two this is a good option to consider. The cost of the dolly will depend largely on your needs and the uses that you expect to achieve with it.
