A camera dolly is a wheeled platform that allows the camera to move smoothly during a shot, creating natural motion that feels controlled and professional. Instead of keeping the camera fixed on a tripod, a dolly lets crews glide forward, backward, or sideways on floors or tracks. This movement adds depth, energy, and emotional impact to scenes in films, television, commercials, and online content. In this guide to the Top 10 Camera Dolly Brands in the World, you will learn how different manufacturers approach stability, ergonomics, and flexibility so that you can choose tools with confidence.
Chapman Leonard
Chapman Leonard is often the first name you hear when crews talk about studio grade dollies, because its gear is built for big film sets that demand absolute reliability. The company has spent decades refining hydraulic columns, steering modes, and braking systems so operators can hit the same move again and again with confidence. Many Chapman platforms support both track based and floor wheeled work, which keeps budgets efficient on mixed locations. Detailed service networks, training resources, and widely available rental fleets make it easier for new filmmakers to step up into true feature level motion control.
J L Fisher
J L Fisher dollies are famous for feeling solid and predictable under the operator, which is why many camera crews stay loyal to the brand for their entire careers. Its classic Model Ten and compact PeeWee systems are known for smooth center column travel, repeatable steering, and quiet rolling that keeps sound mixers happy. The company focuses on precision machining, strong quality control, and long term parts support, so older units stay productive for many years. Extensive accessories, from low platforms to specialized seats, allow grips to adapt Fisher bases to almost any blocking challenge.
Panther GmbH
Panther GmbH from Germany has a strong reputation for innovative electro mechanical dollies that combine power and agility on set. Systems like the Super Panther showed how motorized columns and intelligent steering could open up complex floor moves that would be hard to repeat manually. Modern Panther dollies often pair with matching track, cranes, and remote heads, giving crews an integrated ecosystem instead of isolated tools. The company invests heavily in safety, ergonomic controls, and modular add ons, which helps grips build creative rigs while still meeting strict production and broadcast standards worldwide on demanding schedules.
Egripment
Egripment, based in the Netherlands, is widely respected for robust dollies that can survive daily use in broadcast trucks, sports venues, and feature film locations. Its designs range from compact sports dollies that roll across grass or arena floors to heavier platforms that carry large cameras and operators on track. Many Egripment systems prioritize fast setup, simple levelling, and compatibility with jibs or risers, so small crews can work efficiently. The company also offers sliders and remote heads that share common hardware, which reduces the number of unique parts travelling in a grip truck or flight case.
Matthews Studio Equipment
Matthews Studio Equipment is a familiar name in grip departments because it supplies stands, clamps, and hardware, and it also produces practical camera dollies for many budgets. Matthews platforms often focus on simplicity and durability, giving crews straightforward steering, solid brakes, and flexible mounting points for risers and seats. The company offers doorway style dollies that fit through tight sets, track kits for smoother rides, and skateboard type options for lightweight cameras. This range lets students, commercial teams, and independent filmmakers grow into more advanced tools while staying within a single, well supported accessory ecosystem.
Proaim
Proaim has become popular with growing production houses that need affordable dollies and tracks without giving up basic reliability. The company offers doorway dollies, track based platforms, and compact slider style units that cover everything from small corporate shoots to ambitious independent features. Many Proaim kits ship with modular track, bazookas, and seat options, so new crews can experiment with different setups as they learn. By balancing price, build quality, and wide online availability, Proaim helps students and emerging professionals experience real dolly movement instead of relying only on handheld stabilizers or improvised rolling solutions.
Dana Dolly
Dana Dolly is best known for its portable slider dolly system that rides on standard speed rail, which makes it a favorite for travel heavy crews. The core platform is compact yet strong, supporting cinema cameras on tripods or low profile hi hats while remaining quick to assemble. Operators can build straight or curved runs using off the shelf pipe, so they are not forced to carry dedicated track sections. This flexibility, combined with smooth wheels and thoughtful accessories, turns Dana Dolly into an everyday tool for interview pushes, tabletop shots, and subtle narrative camera moves.
MYT Works
MYT Works focuses on precision machined sliders and small dolly systems that appeal to cinematographers who value exact, repeatable moves. Its modular designs allow platforms to ride on different lengths of rail, from tabletop setups to long tracks that support heavier rigs. Many MYT carriages use multi wheel bearings and adjustable tension, giving operators control over friction and resistance. The company also designs accessories for vertical or angled moves, which expands what a compact dolly system can achieve in tight spaces. This makes MYT Works attractive for commercial tabletop work, macro photography, and meticulous visual effects plates.
Cartoni
Cartoni from Italy is well known for fluid heads and pedestals, and its dolly and pedestal bases extend that expertise in studio movement. Many Cartoni systems are designed for broadcast and live production, where smooth starts and stops are as important as overall stability. Lightweight yet rigid frames allow operators to reposition cameras quickly while still keeping tracking lines clean on air. Cartoni focuses on compatibility across its product line, so pedestals, dollies, and heads work together without awkward adapters. This integrated approach lets television studios upgrade pieces over time while preserving a consistent operating feel for crews.
Libec
Libec is a Japanese camera support specialist that offers tripods, pedestals, and dollies aimed at education, corporate, and regional broadcast users. Its dolly products often emphasize portability and quick folding, making them easy to transport between classrooms, conference centers, and small studios. Combined with matching tripod and head kits, Libec dollies give newer camera teams a simple way to introduce smooth rolling shots without complex setup. The company focuses on clear documentation, straightforward locking mechanisms, and reliable casters, which reduces operator error. This practicality has made Libec a trusted option for training environments and lean news crews.
