[Samuel Bowlby]

Todd Terry

A creative director with two first names – cool. The PD-1 is spring loaded with dampers. As is true with racecars, the springs can be loaded or unloaded to accept different weights and motion ajustments that fall within the motion curve of the machine. It has a deadman’s break to control and stop the lift. To boom down, the operator must apply his weight (not much) to lower the arm. This is a compromise, but considering the portability of this little dolly, it is acceptable, in my view.

[Samuel Bowlby]

I’ve rented the PD-1 twice, using Canon XL H1 cameras. It is as it’s advertised. Because of its lightness, rolling over smooth concrete floors is a challenge. Every little, almost imperceptible imperfection in the floor transmits to the camera. Use the dolly track for your moves. It can be a little tipsy due to its lightweight, so cameramen should use some commonsense while operating it. As for the boom feature, it is reasonably smooth and once you get used to it, you can smooth it out for slow stops without jarring. If you’re wanting more smoothness, go to the heavier more expensive units. Their mass makes for better control on smooth hard surfaces and for lifts. Their heft helps isolate camera movement and large cameramen won’t tip them over. Overall, I think this small, lightweight dolly is pretty good, not perfect, but very good. I’d recommend it. If I had more use for dolly moves, I’d own one outright.