While one person will never replace a crew of people, plenty of gear is making it easier to get great looking shots on your own. Kessler has been at the forefront of this change, and they are now introducing a piece of gear that will make it easier to do repeatable slider movements while panning at the same time -- without any additional motors. Click through to check out the introduction video for the Kessler Parallax auto-panning device:


Here is the description from the Vimeo page:

The Kessler Parallax™ system provides automatic panning and fixed-point shooting capabilities to the Kessler line of sliders. Previously only capable with motorized panning devices, Kessler Parallax™ accomplishes inward and outward panning shots, providing users a second axis to their linear movements. The Kessler Parallax’s™ non-intrusive design allows users to choose between automatic panning or standard linear sliding without removing the Parallax bar.

Kessler Parallax™ does not require specific measurement calibration and does not have a fixed subject distance requirement to accomplish 2 axis panning and fixed-point linear sliding shots. Capable of manual or motorized control.

Compatible with traveler and standard length Pocket Dolly v2.0 BASIC, Pocket Dolly v2.0, Stealth & Philip Bloom Pocket Dolly as well as the traveler, 3' & 5' CineSlider.

The Kessler Parallax is going to run $400 and should be available during the summer sometime. For those who already own Kessler gear, this looks like a really easy way to get repeatable and smooth movements, and it should be an easy bolt-on.While there are definitely advantages to having a completely motorized system, there is certainly less chance for something to go wrong if everything is 100% mechanical.

Link: Kessler

Disclosure: Kessler is a No Film School advertiser.