Photography

AirTracks replaces metal video sliders with a light, inflatable track

AirTracks replaces metal video sliders with a light, inflatable track
AirTracks is a light, inflatable camera slider
AirTracks is a light, inflatable camera slider
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AirTracks goes places other sliders can't
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AirTracks goes places other sliders can't
AirTracks can get the shot almost anywhere
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AirTracks can get the shot almost anywhere
AirTracks is small enough to carry easily
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AirTracks is small enough to carry easily
AirTracks can support up to eight pounds (3.6 kg)
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AirTracks can support up to eight pounds (3.6 kg)
AirTracks is five feet long (1.5 meters)
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AirTracks is five feet long (1.5 meters)
AirTracks' Manfrotto Ball Head mount
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AirTracks' Manfrotto Ball Head mount
AirTracks is fully inflatable
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AirTracks is fully inflatable
AirTracks is a light, inflatable camera slider
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AirTracks is a light, inflatable camera slider
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An important part of any serious videographer's gear is a quality slider. It allows them to get smooth tracking shots, without having to set up railway-like tracks on the ground. Most sliders – such as the mobislyder, GlideTrack, Rhino Slider and RigWheels system – are made from rigid components that can be awkward to carry. AirTracks is designed to combat this issue by offering the same features as other sliders, but in a lightweight, inflatable package.

According to Tom Baker, the creator of AirTracks, another one of its advantages is the fact that it can be set up anywhere. Because it's soft and flexible, it can go on terrain that a rigid metal slider cannot. This opens up possibilities for tracking shots that amateur videographers would otherwise not be able to get.

The device is designed to support the weight of even the largest DSLR cameras, but it also works with smaller devices like point-and-shoots and cell phones – it can support a weight of up to eight pounds (3.6 kg). It opens up to five feet (1.5 meters), so it should be long enough for most shots.

AirTracks can get the shot almost anywhere
AirTracks can get the shot almost anywhere

Inflating AirTracks looks to be pretty quick and painless. All that's needed is a couple of breaths blown into the valve, and then a few squeezes of the built-in pump. Because it's light, however, it could blow around in the wind. To address that, grommets that work with standard tent stakes are included, to hold the track to the ground in windy conditions.

A dolly for holding the camera is also included, so all that is needed is the camera itself. The dolly and track are small enough to carry around easily, so video producers can carry them anywhere they go, including on an airplane without any hassle from airport security.

Baker and his team are seeking funding on Kickstarter. The money will be used for the molds to build the dolly and the inflatable track. The goal is US$20,000, and it is currently sitting at around $13,000. A complete AirTracks kit is $250 with the early backers special. Those are almost gone, and once they are, the price will go up to $275.

The video below shows the AirTracks in action.

Source: Kickstarter

View gallery - 8 images
5 comments
5 comments
moreover
Excellent idea. I work with a film maker who travels to remote areas. This will enable him to bring a slider along. Sliding shots are now an essential visual element no director wants to miss showing off.
The Hoff
Could probably diy with an air mattress and skate wheels.
Bill Gallagher
Dolly Lama
yani
Have you anything about this project or been in contact with the creator? It seems he has taken everyone's money and is refusing to contact anyone.
jmarcmedia
pretty primitive product...it still won't eliminate the need for heavy metal sliders. it's only "good" for getting ground/low angle shots...try getting a slider shot above your knee...