Chinese manufacturer ZEAPON has just released the fourth iteration of their Micro sliders: the Micro4 series. Available in both manual and motorized versions, these compact double-distance sliders can take a maximum payload of 12kg/26.4 lbs horizontally and 4.5kg/9.92 lbs in any other orientation. The motorized versions feature a revamped motor unit, which is quieter and now has a touchscreen. So, let’s take a closer look at what makes the Zeapon Micro 4 sliders stand out in a crowded market.
After a considerable decline in popularity over the last few years, 2024 could be the year of sliders’ return. Indeed, iFootage announced its Shark Slider Nano 2 during IBC 2024, and we recently reviewed the Trexo Converta. As someone who loves to use sliders for corporate and interview shoots, I’m glad manufacturers keep innovating in that area.
After releasing the Micro3 series in July 2022 and the AXIS series in August 2023, ZEAPON is back with the latest iteration of their sliders: the Micro4 series.
ZEAPON Micro4 Series – features
Let’s start with one of the standout features of the Micro4 sliders: its double-distance sliding mechanism. This innovative design allows the slider to offer twice the range of movement compared to its physical length, which can be very handy for filmmakers working in tight or confined spaces.
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Six different versions of the Micro4 are available: the M500/M700/M1000, which are manual sliders, and the E500/E700/E1000, which are motorized sliders.
The main differences between the models are their length, travel distance, and weight. However, all slider models have a maximum payload of 12kg/26.4 lbs horizontally and 4.5kg/9.92 lbs in any other orientation. So, what’s new with this new fourth series compared to its predecessor?
What’s new?
The track design didn’t change much, but ZEAPON improved the dampening mechanism for smoother results, which is helpful for the manual versions. Also, they added support wheels at both ends of the sliders to prevent the slider from sagging when you reach the end of the track.
Most of the changes and improvements of these new slider models are located in the motor, which has been completely redesigned from the ground up. Thanks to its new control buttons and touchscreen, the Micro4 doesn’t need a cellphone or app to be operated.
On the motor, you’ll now find a speed adjustment wheel and a normal/high-speed switch button. In terms of speeds, the range goes from 0.18mm/s at 1% speed in normal mode all the way up to 17.8cm/s at 100% in high-speed mode. Furthermore, ZEAPON claims the Micro4 series motor is “ultra quiet” and should not make audible noise in normal-speed mode.
Like its predecessor, the ZEAPON Micro4 can be powered by one Sony NP-F battery. However, you now have the option to power it externally via a power bank plugged into the motor’s USB-C power input. According to ZEAPON, a single small Sony NP-F550 battery can power the slider for up to 5.5 hours at normal speed and close to 3 hours at high speed.
Price and availability
The ZEAPON Micro4 series sliders are available for preorder now, ranging from €428,95 for the M500 to €572,95 for the M1000, while the motorized version starts at €736,95 for the E500 all the way up to €879,95 for the E1000.
For more information, please visit ZEAPON’s website here.
What do you think about these new ZEAPON sliders? Are sliders still part of your shooting kit? Have you ever used ZEAPON sliders? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!
