Hot Dog SE 80cm/31.5' Motorized Camera Slider with LP-E6 Batteries and Charger Kit, Camera Rail with Motor, Support App Bluetooth Control for Photography DSLR

For the past 2 or so years I've been using the Rhino Arc II motorized slider for almost all of my studio video work. I was honestly surprised by how well the Hot Dog SE compares, despite being a fraction of the price.The Rhino is still better for creating the exact same movement multiple times, and is in a way, a more streamlined solution, however, it had its limitations. For starters, creating a move takes way too long and several steps. It has to calibrate each time and has some weird quirks for the direction of movement. I was finding the experience to be more cumbersome than I would like and I felt like I was wasting too much time for each new shot I wanted.The slider has a very simple, yet effective way to create panning shots through its implementation of a rod that rotates the head attachment. You have a good amount of control over this and for simpler shots, it is extremely easy to use. If you want to take this even further, you can use a 1st or 3rd part head or even gimbal for some truly amazing shots.While it has a far more limited app and lacks the motorized head, I was actually able to get better, more exciting shots, and easier setups, by using the Hot Dog with my DJI RS2. I would actually recommend to use the two devices with their own apps, not by pairing them with YC's own app. On one hand, I can easily change up my shots and get more unique angles through a combination of using the gimbal's tracking, programmed movements, or manual controls.I attached the gimbal using its extension arm. I tilt the slider at a 45-degree angle. This allows the gimbal to have the most range of movement. Unlike the Rhino, which needs me to reset or take about 2 or so minutes each time I want to switch up my shot, I can have the Hot Dog running on a loop, just going back and forth, while I make quick changes with the gimbal. Beyond this, since the DJI app is so advanced, I can easily track objects, people, or program very complicated movements that work independently of the slider.The downside is that these movements aren't as reliable for replicating. As such, if you want to repeat the same movement exactly, you'll be better off removing the gimbal as there are too many variables.Using the Hot Dog, I've had a lot of fun filming in the studio again. It's cheaper, easier to use, and even lighter.