For the past two weeks, I have been testing Konova’s new motorized system for use with their sliders. I have used it to shoot timelapses and other motion controlled videos. Because this is a very new product, Konova also asked me to make a tutorial video showing how to setup the new motorized system. If you’ve seen my previous setup tutorial for the Konova Smart Motion Controller, then you have already seen half of this video before.
The motorized system is a great improvement over Konova’s previous design for many reasons. First, it is significantly smaller than their previous setup and even when fully assembled the system adds minimal bulk to the slider. This smaller size includes the benefit of being able to set it up much quicker. When shooting timelapses, there is sometimes a time crunch when clouds will dissipate soon, or a storm will roll in, or traffic will cease. Oftentimes, it helps to be able to setup the slider as quickly as possible. Being able to transport the slider with the motorized system fully assembled helps speed up the time from when you pick a spot, to when you start shooting your timelapse. The motorized system also uses less parts than Konova’s previous motor system. Before it required a geared motor, a crank handle kit with belt, and stoppers to tell the dolly when it reached the end of the track. The new MS Motorized System has the motor and stoppers built together in the same unit, and there is just one strip of belt, not a wrapped around loop.
The motorized system lets you also purchase a variety of motors to control the speed of your slider. They offer a 50:1 geared motor that is very fast and best used for live video. So if you are shooting an interview, concert, or other event where you needed to repeat the same motion back and forth consistently, this motor works best for that. The first motor I tried from the motorized system was the 250:1 geared motor, which is a great all around motor. It is good for slow live shots, or decently fast timelapse shots. I use this motor the most when shooting cloud and wedding timelapses, where I don’t have a lot of time but I want to add dynamic motion to my videos. Lastly, Konova offers the 1500:1 motor, which is the slowest, but also the most powerful. I use this motor when I want to shoot a timelapse overnight. If you have the Konova Smart Head or want to shoot a vertical timelapse etc., Konova recommends that you use this motor.
These are all great evolutionary improvements in the Konova motion controlled system lineup, and they work with every slider Konova makes. By making such a modular system, this company is able to keep adding new capabilities to their products. Please let me know if you have any questions in the comments below. Konova has provided the MS Series to me free to test and review, and have not paid me to say anything about them.
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