VIDEO: THIS GADGET GOES WERE DRONES CAN'T

Drones may indeed allow filmmakers to get some of the best tracking shots, but in some situations, it is just too tricky – or illegal – to fly them. That is how Wiral LITE was created, it is a simple, compact and relatively inexpensive cable camera system designed to work with smartphones, action cams and mirrorless cameras weighing up to 1.5 kg. 

To use Wiral, you string the rope between a starting point and an end point – perhaps between two trees or poles – then tighten the rope up using and included cinch strap. You mount the camera or phone on the cable cam, extend the unit's two-wheel arms (which fold down for transport) and loop it onto the rope. The whole process reportedly only take a few minutes. 

By using the Wiral's wireless remote, which has a maximum range of 200 m and the speed can be set anywhere from 0.01km/h – for time-lapse shots – to 45 km/h for action shots. 

Unlike a drone, it can be used indoors and over crowds, plus it can easily pass through narrow spaces such as gaps between trees. 

If you're interested in getting a Wiral system, it's currently the subject of a very successful Kickstarter campaign. A pledge of US$199 will get you a setup, when and if it reaches production. The planned retail price is $399.

In the meantime, you can see footage shot with Wiral LITE, in the video below: