Choosing a Tripod for your Digital Video
Camera
Purchasing a tripod for your camcorder is a very
good investment once you start feeling
comfortable shooting video. If you don’t want a
shaky picture, a tripod is the way to go. Next
time you are at a family function, try putting
your camcorder on a tripod. You’ll spend less
time, energy and concentration on your video,
and the quality of your video will be
much-improved.
Consider these points when choosing
a tripod:
- Make sure to buy a model that is for
video, not still photography
- Make sure you purchase a tripod that can
withstand the weight of the camcorder plus
the weight of the battery
- Make sure that the tripod has a
quick-release mounting plate. Keep this in
good condition since they can crack and wear
over time
- You will have to decide if you want the
legs of the tripod to be quick-release or
the type with a thumb screw tightener
- Look for a tripod where you can extend
the center post on which the camcorder is
mounted. This allows you to adjust the
height without having to extend the legs.
- If you shoot a lot of video with
scenery, buying a high quality tripod with a
fluid head is key for panning landscapes and
panoramic shots.
- The last point to consider is buying a
tripod bag. This will help keep it in good
condition as well as making it more
convenient to transport.
A good resource for tripods:
Some Models Worth Considering:
3433 Fluid Head
755B MDVD Video Tripod
522A Sony LANC Remote
700RC2, 756BK MDVE Tripod with head
714B Digi Tripod What can I do if I don't
have a Tripod?
Here's a quick tip: If you're on
vacation or a business trip and need a quick
makeshift tripod, take the lampshade off of your
hotel room lamp, and screw your camcorder in.
Presto! You have a solid base for shooting
video with your digital camcorder.
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