My DIY motion controlled Skater Dolly

I wouldn't do that yet Jake. Something tells me that since this is basically a hack and the system is available inside the camera to do this, Canon may be thinking along the same lines. Hence, perhaps it will depend on the lens for a smoother FF. With the new lens series from Canon, perhaps this is more of a focus (pardon the pun) regarding these new lenses? Just thinking that it would be logical and most likely the next gen of this stuff. @jetsetmodels - ditto - It may work really well with specific lenses or perhaps the newer ones coming out.. I am just speculating. On another note: where can I get a full blown CNC machine cheap to produce the parts for that skater microdolly? (In my dreams) - I bet you could actually sell the parts as a kit - I know I would buy one. :)

Could be Andy. Canon has to be looking at all these goodies and thinking of how they can get in on that.

Same here jetsetmodels. I would buy one as well.
I did build a DIY radial dolly and has some success with it as far as video sales from it.
But I won't show you mine as it looks like a dyslexic carpenter made it.....

Here you go Andy.
$1300 for a hobby CNC machine.
http://www.probotix.com/FireBall_v90_cnc_router_kit/

niiice!

@Jake
You can read more about the USB follow focus in this forum here:
http://www.cinema5d.com/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=19746&st=0&sk=t&sd=a
He tells about it's limitations because of Canon USB implementation. Hopefully Canon will fix it because I think it's a great device.

@vadervideo & jake
I can't sell these skaters because this thing is patented. Someone on dvxuser already built them for sale years ago and got in trouble. I've also saw different designs on the net from 200 to 1200 USD. But seems like they aren't that popular in movies from USA.

For DIYers without a cnc machine you can easily build one like this:
http://vimeo.com/10516250
Really simple design.

That is cool, it doesnt look DIY

I was planning on attaching a servo motor to my slider dolly eventually. Not quite the same thing.

I see the guy in that move from the usb focus controller made a programmed rack focus with the dslr. Is that possible on the 7d? Without the usb focus?

@eddie

For the 7D not yet. But it's already possible with Magic Lantern firmware for Canon 5D Mark II and 550D / Rebel T2i.