Tripods: The Key to Good Photographs and Films?
You spend some serious money on a great new camera or camcorder but your images still aren't eliciting the rave reviews you would like among family and friends. How can it be?
Obviously, there can be a number of reasons but one common cause is the failure to adequately steady the camera or camcorder resulting in blurry photographs and unsteady and even downright undulating home movies. The solution is simple: use a camera tripod.
Use the expandable Table of Contents below to find things quickly on this page.
Choosing a Tripod
Below are some tips to help you find a quality camera tripod. But remember, if you're on a tight budget and are a very casual user, some lesser models are still better than no tripod at all. Even bottle cap tripods can be useful.
Choosing the Right Tripod: Sturdiness
Camera tripods with dual-stanchioned legs tend to provide a more stable, strong base for your digital camera or camcorder.Tripods with rivets tend to be less durable and therefore, those with nuts and bolts are generally preferable.
Choosing the Right Tripod: Ease of Use
If a tripod is difficult or time consuming to set up, most people will avoid using them, choosing instead to leave them setting in the closet. This of course, renders them completely ineffective!Thus, it can be important to select a camera tripod that is easy to set up; those which have lever type leg locks versus twist locks tend to be faster and easier to manipulate.
Choosing the Right Tripod: Weight
In addition to ease of set up and use, the weight of a tripod can be another factor that either encourages or discourages use. Clearly, an overweight camera tripod is not one that users wish to tote everywhere they go and often sits neglected in the corner.On the other hand of course, strength can be critical. Thus, carbon fiber and titanium are often preferred in the construction of top rated tripods. Aluminum however, can provide adequate strength for the average amateur with a light weight camcorder or digital camera during light to moderate use. Certainly, aluminum also reduces the expense.
Choosing the Right Tripod: Leveling
Camera tripods with a bubble level can help assure a level shot. Other features that can be useful in this regard are legs that allow independent height/length adjustment or, in the instance of outdoor filming, a spike to deal with uneven terrain. Choosing the Right Tripod: Movement
When using a tripod with a camcorder it can be particularly important to assure the tripod offers smooth movement as you may wish to pan horizontally to follow action while filming.A ball head tends to provide optimal movement on a tripod.
Tripod Tutorial
Videography Terms & Information : Tripod: Videography Terms
Learn details and information about tripods in this free video clip. Expert: Antar Bio: Antar has been working with video for over half a decade. He currently owns a media production company in the Maryland/DC area. Filmmaker: Antar Hanif
Runtime: 68
103 views
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curated content from YouTube
Bottle Cap Tripod
Brunton Full Size Tubular Aluminum Tripod, with removable head
Brunton Full Size Tubular Aluminum Tripod, with removable head
Amazon Price: $105.99 (as of 11/27/2009)
This mid-range camera tripod is full-sized with a tubular aluminum construction. It provides excellent stability for filming and taking still shots at night. It offers a built-in bubble level to for error free shooting, a removable three-way pan head to assure a smooth and steady shot, as well as individual pushbutton leg angle adjustments for the ultimate flexibility.
This tripod is easy to carry and, with two attached "leg warmers", assures the users comfort. Secure and steady the non-slip rubber feet provide stability even on slippery surfaces. This Bruton tripod adjusts from 28.5 to 70.5 inches and weighs a reasonable 7 pounds. Shoppers can buy with confidence as it is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
More Brunton Tripods
Brunton Full Size Tubular Aluminum Tripod, with removable head
Amazon Price: $105.99 (as of 11/27/2009)
Brunton Lightweight Aluminum Tripod with Removable Pan Head
Amazon Price: $126.68 (as of 11/27/2009)
Brunton Standard Pan Tripod Head F-TH-MACRO
Amazon Price: (as of 11/27/2009)
Brunton Quick attachment plate for Tripods
Amazon Price: $20.20 (as of 11/27/2009)
Brunton Non-Magnetic Tripod
Amazon Price: $122.90 (as of 11/27/2009)
Gitzo Tripods
Quality Carbon Fiber Tripods
Gitzo GT1541T Series 1 6X 4S G-Lock Traveler - Replaces GT1540T (Black)
Amazon Price: $535.00 (as of 11/27/2009)
Gitzo GT2531 Series 2 6X Carbon Fiber 3-Section Tripod with G-Lock - Replaces GT2530
Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 11/27/2009)
Gitzo GM2561T Series 2 6X Carbon Fiber Traveler Monopod - Replaces GM2560T (Black)
Amazon Price: $249.90 (as of 11/27/2009)
Gitzo GT1550T T6X Carbon Fiber Series 1 Rapid Column 5 Section Traveler Tripod
Amazon Price: $675.00 (as of 11/27/2009)
Gitzo GS5000 3/8-Inch to 1/4-20-Inch Reducer Adapter
Amazon Price: $4.00 (as of 11/27/2009)
Bogen - Manfrotto Modo Maxi Black Tripod Legs with Hybrid Joystick Ball Head with Manfrotto MBAG Tripod Bag
Bogen - Manfrotto Modo Maxi Black Tripod Legs with Hybrid Joystick Ball Head with Manfrotto MBAG Tripod Bag
Amazon Price: (as of 11/27/2009)
This Bogen cmaera tripod is a high-performance, ultra-compact and lightweight which provides stability, portability and ease of use. It's versatile hybrid head can be used with both a digital camera or video camera. It's quick-release plate makes switching equipment quick and easy. It folds down to a very portable 14 inches while being able to extend to 45 in. With quick flip leg locks this tripod is quick to set up, tear down, and adjust.
This tripod is a great mid-level tripod perfect for avid amateurs.
Other Bogen Tripods
Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod Legs (Black)
Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 11/27/2009)
Manfrotto 7302YB M-Y Tripod with Ball - Replaces 725B
Amazon Price: $115.00 (as of 11/27/2009)
Manfrotto 785 Modo Maxi Photo Video Grip Head Tripod
Amazon Price: $59.90 (as of 11/27/2009)
Manfrotto 709B Digi Table Top Tripod with Ball Head (Black)
Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 11/27/2009)
Manfrotto 488RC2 Midi Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System (3157N)
Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 11/27/2009)
Slik Heavy-Duty Tripod with 3-Way Fluid-Effect Head and Built-In Bubble Level
Slik Heavy-Duty Tripod with 3-Way Fluid-Effect Head and Built-In Bubble Level
Amazon Price: $44.95 (as of 11/27/2009)
This SLIK camera tripod offers exception value. Light weight and compact as it is less than 2 feet long when completely folded and weighs under 3.5 lbs. It extends to a maximum height of 59 inches and possesses a 3-way smooth "Fluid effect" pan head and bubble level. It's geared center column allows users to easily make fine height adjustments while it's large quick release plate makes mounting and removal of the camera or video camera simple. Set up is quick and easy with quick release leg locks while the retractable metal spike and hard rubber padded feet provide stability on any surface.
This tripod is most appropriate for casual users with light to moderate use.
Flexible Tripods
Joby GP1-D1EN Gorillapod Flexible Tripod (Grey)
Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 11/27/2009)
Joby GP1-EBEN Gorillapod Flexible Tripod (Blue)
Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 11/27/2009)
Joby GP3 Gorillapod SLR-Zoom Flexible Tripod for Digital SLR Cameras
Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 11/27/2009)
Joby GP2-D1EN Gorillapod Flexible Tripod for Digital SLR Cameras with Bubble Level
Amazon Price: $39.95 (as of 11/27/2009)
Joby GP1-EREN Gorillapod Flexible Tripod (Red)
Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 11/27/2009)
Other Tripods
Opteka 70" Full Size Professional Photo / Video Tripod
Amazon Price: (as of 11/27/2009)
Sunpak 620-092 9002DX Tripod with 3-Way Quick-Release Pan Head
Amazon Price: $49.95 (as of 11/27/2009)
Sunpak 620-060 6601UT Tripod with Extra Quick-Release Mounting Plate
Amazon Price: $16.30 (as of 11/27/2009)
Velbon DF-60 Dual Function Light Weight Tripod
Amazon Price: $49.99 (as of 11/27/2009)
Sunpak 620-080 8001UT Tripod with Extra Quick-Release Mounting Plate
Amazon Price: $21.40 (as of 11/27/2009)
Vanguard VT-126 Aluminum Digital Camera Tripod
Amazon Price: $49.00 (as of 11/27/2009)
Celestron Heavy-Duty Altazimuth Tripod
Amazon Price: $88.61 (as of 11/27/2009)
Celestron Photo / Video Tripod
Amazon Price: $42.95 (as of 11/27/2009)
Quick Pod: Another Non-Traditional Option
The Quick Pod in Action
Current News in the Tripod World
- Manfrotto ModoPocket Mini-Tripod Review « Photofocus
- Manfrotto ModoPocket Mini-Tripod Review. 2009 October 26. tags: ModoPocket. by scottbourne. ModoPocket 1 - 400 (Photo is copyright Rich Legg ? All Rights Reserved). EDITOR'S NOTE: We're proud to offer another guest post by Salt Lake ...
Tripod Reviews
- CNET
- Camera tripod reviews from CNET
- Bogen and more
- Reviews of several Bogen camera tripods and a variety of other brands.
- Celestron, Bogen and more
- More camera tripod reviews
Camera Tripods: Did You Find What You Need? Let Us Know
If you didn't find the camera tripod you need, try visiting our full service home electronics store.
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Reply
- Webcodes Webcodes Jul 6, 2008 @ 12:37 am
- You sure know about tripods. 5*. Those Bottle Cap Tripod for Compact Digital Cameras sure seem handy.
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Reply
- kathysart kathysart May 19, 2008 @ 8:21 pm
- My husband is CONSTANTLY saying he needs a new tripod!
FIVE CAMERA READY STARS! YAY!
Who is Lucian Freud?
http://www.squidoo.com/lucianfreud
Aloha, Kathy
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- nightcats nightcats Apr 24, 2008 @ 9:01 am
- I have two tripods, and they are well worth the investment. One is a mini tripod, a few inches high. Its crucial for getting closeups of flowers or small objects. The other is a very lightweight full size tripod that folds up. It is great for carrying around or even taking on hikes. My next purchase will be a heavy weight one. I find the lightweight one sometimes jiggles a bit so for home use where weight is not an issue, I would like a heavy one.
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- bbug bbug Apr 17, 2008 @ 9:13 pm
- Great information, my tripod is a little shakie I could use a new one
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- chefkeem chefkeem Apr 17, 2008 @ 2:36 pm
- Nice job, mulberry! All you need to know about tripods - right here in one place. *****
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- GPSGUY GPSGUY Feb 29, 2008 @ 8:16 am
- Thanks for the info! I may be needing one of these for my new digital camera.
Introduction Photo Credit: F 5.6.
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