Advice on Camera Cart Size

[Derek Doublin]

I am about to purchase a small Inovativ cart and I can't decide between the 36" or the 30" cart size. 30" is the smallest cart size that Inovativ makes. Proaim makes a 32" which is also an option, though I prefer to stick with Inovativ.

I am throwing this cart in the back of Toyota FJ Cruiser. It's just me loading it, so the small size/weight is appealing. The 36" has a shelf size of 35" x 23" and it is 76 pounds. It is also 40" x 25" x 8" when folded up. The 30" has a shelf size of 29" x 19" which is pretty small. For reference a Pelican 1510 is 22" x 14". But the 30" cart is also only 58 pounds and 34" x 21" x 8" when folded up.

Does anyone here own a 30" camera cart? And if so, what do you think about a cart that size? I really like the small form factor and weight of the Inovativ 30" Evo but at the same time I'm fearful that the shelf size may be too small. I don't want it to be annoying when I'm building a camera on it.

If anyone here has used a small camera cart (30” to 36”) I'd love to hear what your experience has been.

 

[Zack Birlew]

I have yet to buy my own video-oriented cart but I have to say, those $120 or so Husky brand shop carts at Home Depot go a long way in a pinch! Throw down some cut to size rubber shelf liner or carpet in the bottoms and dedicate some clamps for whatever you need on the sides and it just works. If you needed it, I'm sure you could drill some holes in the top shelf to screw down a hi-hat with bolt feet but it depends on what you need. I do have to say, those pro carts that fold up like the Inovativ Voyager do look really cool though!

 

[Derek Doublin]

I have yet to buy my own video-oriented cart but I have to say, those $120 or so Husky brand shop carts at Home Depot go a long way in a pinch! Throw down some cut to size rubber shelf liner or carpet in the bottoms and dedicate some clamps for whatever you need on the sides and it just works. If you needed it, I'm sure you could drill some holes in the top shelf to screw down a hi-hat with bolt feet but it depends on what you need. I do have to say, those pro carts that fold up like the Inovativ Voyager do look really cool though!

Yeah, I've done the DIY thing for the past 10 years and I'm ready to just throw down the money for a legit camera cart. I was gonna get a Proaim cart since they're a bit cheaper, but Inovativ is about 30 minutes away from my home in LA, and I like that I can get parts quickly should I need them. Also, they invented that particular cart design and I'm getting tired of supporting companies that ripoff IP. My main hurdle right now is figuring out if a 30" cart is way too small to be useful.

 

[Eric Santiago]

it's whatever you are comfortable with.
I've worked with all sizes and was never happy.
I didn't own any of them so that helped.
In the end, it's up to you and what you can manage on your own.
Gotta admit the Innovativs are sweet to use.
But I've had time with DYI, actual massive carts, and yes I own a Husky (home) too.

 

[Derek Doublin]

I've worked with all sizes and was never happy.

Haha, ain’t that the truth!

 

[DJ Meyer]

Cut out a piece of cardboard the size of each cart and try building your rig within its dimensions, see how it fits in your car, etc.

 

[Frederick Parr]

Have you considered the rock roller carts…https://rocknrollercart.com/
lots of sizes and platforms to configure too.

 

[Derek Doublin]

Have you considered the rock roller carts…https://rocknrollercart.com/
lots of sizes and platforms to configure too.

I actually own an R12 Stealth and I’ve used it for years. I’ll probably still keep it and use it for lights and stands, but I’m ready to move onto something sturdier and more compact. I’ll be purchasing this cart to use for a lifetime, so the cost does not bother me.

Really, I’m just curious if there is anyone out there that owns a 30” cart and uses it as an AC/camera cart. So far, after posting on numerous forums, I haven’t been able to find anyone that uses a camera cart that is 30” in size, which is rather telling.

 

[Derek Doublin]

Cut out a piece of cardboard the size of each cart and try building your rig within its dimensions, see how it fits in your car, etc.

Thanks, I did draw it out on my garage floor, and one of my concerns with the 30” is that a Pelican 1510 basically takes up an entire shelf. So I’d definitely need to transfer my lenses to a smaller bag when placing them on the cart.

 

[DJ Meyer]

If you think you can deal with the weight and it'll fit in an FJ then get the 36. No one ever said I wish I had less space on my cart.

That said you can make either cart feel a bit bigger during a rig build by getting the camera mount system option.

 

[Derek Doublin]

If you think you can deal with the weight and it'll fit in an FJ then get the 36. No one ever said I wish I had less space on my cart.

That said you can make either cart feel a bit bigger during a rig build by getting the camera mount system option.

Thanks. I’m gonna get the 36”.

But you’re right, building a camera mount system on it is a great way to save space. I didn’t think about that. That would actually make the 30” work! Though, I think I’m still gonna get the 36” because I can get 10” wheels on it and the 30” only comes with 8”. I use camera carts outdoors a lot, so the bigger wheels will definitely help.

Thanks for all the help.

 

[James Darren]

It's good you're choosing Inovativ over Proaim, because Proaim makes junk for the most part.

What are you using it for?

I have an Inovativ cart for Steadicam which is great, but if you're planning to use it as an AC cart I don't feel they're strong enough. Putting a 2575 head, full camera build, large zoom, AKS cases etc is too much for the Inovativ. Almost every AC I know here in LA uses a senior or junior Yaeger cart or a Backstage cart.

 

[Derek Doublin]

It's good you're choosing Inovativ over Proaim, because Proaim makes junk for the most part.

What are you using it for?

I'm going to be using it mostly as a camera cart for doc shoots. I won't be putting any big Mitchell mount heads on it or anything. I'll mostly be using it with a C500 II and a set of Sigma Cine Primes in a 1510 Pelican. I've used Magliners before (what the Backstage/Yaeger's are modeled after) and while those are definitely the industry standard and much more stable, they are too heavy and take too long to set up for my purposes. I want something compact, light and ultra fast to setup/breakdown without tools. If I need more weight on the cart, I'll throw a sandbag on the base.