We're pleased to announce the packaging and pricing options for the Stage One Slider/Dolly which will be released for sale soon. The Stage One is designed to be a multi-purpose slider for those that have a need to travel light, pack small, while not being limited to only pocket cameras and short lengths. Where the Stage Zero is a brute workhorse unstoppable in its ambition, the Stage One is a nimble ballerina applying finesse to each and every shot. One of the lightest motorized sliders on the market - it weighs only 9.5lbs with motor in a 63" configuration - the Stage One will be one of the most portable sliders on the market. Breaking down into 22"x1" sections, a 63 inch, or even 126 inch unit can easily be fit into airline-approved carry-on luggage.
Where the Stage Zero was designed as a timelapse motion-control unit primarily, the Stage One now focuses on live, manual shooting as much as motorized timelapse shooting. Our new packaging options reflect this dual-purpose focus by allowing users to start with a complete manual slider, and then add inexpensive upgrades when motorized timelapse shooting is required later; or you can save money by just going for the whole kit-and-kaboodle right away through the complete package deals.
The core of the Stage One system focuses on threaded, detachable rails using specialized inserts to ensure proper alignment of all rails, an end system which allows easy capture of the rails, snap-in brackets that can be placed along the length of the slider for mid-span support, and a custom-designed, smooth-as-silk wheel setup with a simple-to-use friction braking system for manual shots. No hand-wheels, belts, or cables needed for manual use. The entire slider is made out of 6061 aluminum for light-weight while retaining strength - allowing for manual and motorized payloads up to 15 pounds for horizontal use.
For those who haven't yet seen the Stage One, here are a few "sneak-preview" shots of a beta unit, we're saving the final pictures for when we get closer to the retail release date. Note that all parts will be anodized black, some of the parts in these photos have not been anodized yet.
So now, here are the available packages and their introduction pricing:
Of course, we will be offering a discount to existing Stage Zero owners, the details of this discount to be released.
Stage Zero upgrades, and owner discount
Hi there,
I recently bought the stage zero but it seems my timing was all wrong - since the stage one came out shortly after. I love the stage zero, but it lacks the ability to extend - without incurring noticeable bumps in the recorded sequence. I ordered all the nuts and bolts and adaptors and an extra rail (which I split in to 3 24" lengths for travelling with). It seemed to go back together pretty well, but the recorded footage was noticeably bumpy when the rail crossed the joins.
I see extendability has been taken more into account for the stage one, so I'm interested in upgrading to this. Do you have details of any discount for stage zero buyers? And what's the recommendation in terms of the slider? I presume the stage zero one is incompatible. Is it easy enough to transfer the components to the new stage one slider?
And (sorry for the unrelated question!) for a potential eMotimo TB3 combination, would you advise using the DC motor upgrade kit?
Thanks!
Hi! We have offered a 10%
Hi!
We have offered a 10% Stage Zero owners discount when the Stage One came out, and would be willing to honor that. You'd need to get the Stage One base system, and then move your motor and drivetrain over, and you could keep the MX2, battery, etc.
I would not recommend getting a DC motor upgrade package for working with the eMotimo, as it only works with stepper motors, which we currently do not offer - you'd need to source those elsewhere, and you would just have an extra motor.
Thanks,
Chris
Only time-lapse? Also a comment on manual
First, I know very little about sliders and don't have one. Will the motion be only time-lapse? I want it to truck right along without stopping as well. I have to second the concern one poster had about manual sliders. There are probably very few people with a calibrated hand that can move the camera slowly, evenly, and at the same speed for 20 or 30 inches. The price is coming in a little higher than I had hoped. Still interested due to my preference for carry-on when traveling.
Motion
Hi Alton,
The controller is still the MX2 for now, which means you'll continue to have continuous and shoot-move-shoot style motion in the motorized package, and we are adding a 25RPM option which will provide nearly a 3x higher top speed relative to the Stage Zero, although the MX2's firmware is not specifically designed for live video at this point.
Chris
Waiting patiently to be
Stage One
Would the Stage One be a good candidate for the Merlin or Emotimo products... or does the added weight involved with these types of devices make the Stage Zero a better fit?
Will the full length
Will the full length be equal to what the Stage Zero offered ?
Performance wise for timelapse it would offer the same options, performance & stability ?
Thanks.
The Stage One is extensible
The Stage One is extensible in 21" lengths. The base package is 2x extension sets for 42" of total travel length. It can be extended as far as you like.
It will offer the same motor and controller, and same belt configuration, but has a lower payload capacity and is not as strong or rigid as the Stage Zero.
ChrisHi! Very interesting,
Hi! Very interesting, especially as the aluminium rail type of the older stage 0 are not available in continental Europe (except for several hundred $$) to enlarge to oversize/custom system :-( Maybe this will be better with the stage 1?
Just two questions....
1.) Is it possible to run vertically (motorized) with the new system? Probably not, I guess, what's the critical angle?
2.) Is there any advantage of the old stage 0 system? Is it more stable/rigid? I mean, is there a compromise when using the new stage 1 system (for beeing more compact)?!
Thanks in advance! :)
Flo
Sorry for the late response!
Flo,
Sorry for the late response - I totally missed your questions when asked!
1) Yes, it can run vertically. When going downwards, due to differences in how the belt is tensioned relative to stage zero, some setups may have issue with the belt jumping off the pulley. For these cases we provide a "belt keeper" component in the motor upgrade kit.
2) Yes, there are a number of advantages - see: Stage One vs. Stage Zero
- additionally, the Stage Zero will always be less expensive than the Stage One, due to manufacturing costs.
Chris
I second the request for product release -- hints?
Before mid-summer, parts are
Before mid-summer, parts are in production now - I just can't give an exact date as we're waiting for all materials to arrive (lots of custom material in this).
We will post a date as soon as we have something solid.
Release Date
This is exciting. Is there any indication of when release date will be, and will you ship to the UK?
Also, what does 'manual mode' entail for the user when shooting video? You mention "No hand-wheels, belts, or cables needed for manual use". I have been using a Glidetrack which is entirely manual and the results are terrible!
Seth,We will post a date as
Seth,
We will post a date as soon as we have something solid. I'd rather say nothing than say something and be wrong and make everyone upset. (Which posting a wrong date most certainly will, we have a little experience with that one *grin*) We will ship nearly anywhere in the world =)
By "manual mode", we mean a non-motorized slider. We've had a lot of people ask us for a non-motorized option. I think peoples' experience will vary with non-motorized use, some people get good results, some don't - but that's an option the users of the S0 have been asking for, for a while now.