Suggestions for a camera tripod?

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Jun 6, 2012
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I have an older cheap GE camera. It has the cheap screw type attachment point for tripods. I had a cheap table top tripod but I hated it because all of the adjustments were held in place with screws. They never held the camera and it would fall over in the middle of a video. I seem to have sold it though and now need a tripod for a video. What could I get to replace it?
 
If you are dead set against tripods, use a bean bag. I take still photographs with a cheap tripod, and I've never had a problem if I used the timer to take the shot. I imagine a remote would work as well but I've never used a remote.
 
Bean bag is handy for sure. I use a Gorillapod, especially when kayaking. I wrap it around branches, table legs, etc..
 
If you are dead set against tripods, use a bean bag. I take still photographs with a cheap tripod, and I've never had a problem if I used the timer to take the shot. I imagine a remote would work as well but I've never used a remote.

I am not against tripods, I just don't want a cheap one that falls over in the middle of a shot! The other problem was because the tripod used set screws it was hard to take distant shots. I would get the camera where I wanted it and tighten the set screw which would cause the shot to move. I will look into bean bags though. Would be a nice thing to have.
 
I have gone through a few tripods over the years. I now use Bogen and a vintage Leitz Tiltall. Both are great sturdy tripods. Another good brand with good prices and products is Slik. If your looking for a smaller one the Joby Gorillapod is a very handy and we'll made product. I've seen guys wrap them around street lamps, attached to a car's B pillar while driving, etc. I've seen them sold at BestBuy.

The best stabilizing methods are either to use a heavy tripod or a light tripod. A heavy one will work well with heavy or light cameras, a light one works better with heavier cameras. Some weight from the center column can really help steady a rig too.


-X
 
I have an older cheap GE camera. It has the cheap screw type attachment point for tripods.
That's the industry standard attachment for camera tripods. The most expensive DSLR or video camera will have the same screw mount.

Some tripod manufacturers make quick release adapters for their tripods. These are usually plates that screw into the standard screw mount on the bottom of your camera and then clip on and off the tripod head.
What could I get to replace it?
Uh, a *good* tripod? Slik, RRS, Manfrotto and Benbo are all quality companies who make good tripods. Expect to spend at least $100 for an entry level model, but it will eliminate your problems with adjustments coming loose.
 
Slik and Manfrotto make good cost effective tripods. I prefer Manfrotto for outdoor use. The carbon fiber ones are fairly expensive, but so are carbon fiber from the other big tripod manufacturers.
 
One thing not yet mentioned, because you said you will be doing video you may want to consider a pan/tilt fluid dampened head. Many tripods are sold as legs only and you put the head you want on it. If you aren't going to be manning the camera and are basically going to just be leaving it set, then any old head with positive lock will work. Personally, I prefer separate pan lock so you can lock it's tilt but still pan if needed. Quick release plates are again, another option and unless you have multiple cameras or do lots of travel and photography it's not really necessary.

Also, there are several Velbon tripods that are actually quite nice. Granted, they are not the ones sold at walmart, but they do make good ones for decent money.


-Xander
 
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