Advice to build a tank to film dunking a basketball!

Projects General Guidance
1

​hello!

Here’s my challenge! I need your help. Could you recommend a build for this project?

I’m looking to build a solution so I can film myself dunking a basketball. I would like the shot to follow me as I approach the hoop from about 10-15 feet away.
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​My idea is a tank with a mounted GoPro onto it, possibly on a tabletop tripod as well.

My budget is $50-100.

​The tank would need to move simultaneously with me as I approach the hoop. I thought perhaps a line tracking sensor could work, I could lay a piece of contrast tape on the solid colored basketball court. Or if I can program a movement with proper timing. Whichever is easier.

I chose a tank versus car so that it would reduce vibration and steadier shot. Also a tank is sturdier so in case the ball flies over and hits the tank and camera.

​I don’t have any programming or robotics experience, but I’m a quick learner. I’d rather not tinker too much, and just want to have a working solution so I can focus on dunking!

​thanks for your help!

B

here’s a possibly chassis: ​OTTFF Robot Tank Chassis Track Compatible with Arduino Tank Aluminum Alloy Chassis Raspberry DIY STEM - Speed of 20m / min Maximum Load 2kg https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C2Q63XG/ref=cm_sw_r_...

2

What role have you in mind for an Arduino in this project?

...R

3

I'm not convinced you would get less vibration or a steadier shot with tank treads vs smooth wheels, but it's not something I've studied.

The standard way to get tracking shots like this is with a camera dolly. Those are often run on a track for smooth, controlled motion. The idea of using a line tracker for an automated "virtual track" is kind of interesting. For shorter movements, they use a "camera slider", which is a pretty common DIY project.