Steady as She Goes: Tripod Buyer's Guide

Those who survived the Blair Witch Project can attest to the negative impact of shaky camerawork. If you don�t want to make your viewers ill, you need to steady your shots. When it comes to stabilizing the shot, nothing works better than a tripod. This is probably not big news to anyone who has been shooting video for more than a week. But with so many different tripods at varying price points to choose from, it helps to have some basic guidance to help find the best one for you. And that's why we're here.

Size and Weight

When you shop for a tripod you�ll want to consider the size of your camcorder and the type of shooting you do. A tripod that supports a Mini DV camcorder does not need to bear the same weight as one that will hold a full-size Super VHS camcorder. And one used to support a camcorder that rarely moves, like those used for taping studio interviews, can weigh more than one that�s toted around on location shoots. For example, it wouldn�t be practical to get Cartoni USA�s A395 Alpha I weighing in at 11.25 pounds with a 32lb weight capacity for a bird watcher with a new 2-pound Mini DV camcorder. But it might be just right for the full-size S-VHS camcorder at the City Council Chambers.

Pan/Tilt Performance

Once you�ve assessed what you need in weight capacity, it�s time to think about tripod performance; primarily smooth panning and tilting.
The best quality heads are fluid heads. A fluid head is made up of two plates that are lubricated by an oily solution that smoothes the motion of tilt and pan movements. In an effort to reduce cost, some manufacturers simulate fluid heads by lubricating the moving components of their tripods. Smith-Victor, Bogen and Vanguard USA have created models with semi-fluid, fluid action and fluid-effect heads in an effort to bridge the price-and-performance gap between true fluid and non-fluid models.
Another factor to think about when you�re looking for a new tripod is how it locks into position. Less expensive tripods use the lever handle to control the tilt tension. They lock by increasing the tension to its maximum. This can cause you to shake your shot when you need to release the camcorder out of lock position during a shoot. It�s better to find a tripod with a separate movement lock. That way, you can adjust the resistance control features with minimal disturbance to your shot.

Stability and Strength

You can�t select a tripod based on its head alone. It is essential that the head rest upon strong, reliable legs. If a tripods� legs are weak or unstable, keep looking. Additionally, it�s important to assess what kind of set up and breakdown needs you have. This will help determine the type of leg locks to look for. Quick release leg locks are designed for easy set up, while twist locks take a little longer but are sturdier. OConnor Professional Camera Support Systems model 35L-300 ($1,995) is a heavy-duty tripod with a quick set up feature that releases all three legs at one time.
At the base of the legs are the feet. The type of terrain you commonly shoot on will determine the best type of feet. It�s nice to have a spike tip when you�re shooting outdoors on grassy surfaces or indoors on thick carpet. Less forgiving surfaces like tile floors or rocky mountain tops will require the non-slip rubber feet. Some models, like the Miller System DS-10 ($1,995) and the Smith-Victor Propod V ($295), have a combination of rubber and spike. You can twist the rubber to expose the spikes when you need them.

Important Details

Other handy features to look for are bubble levels, quick releases and spreaders. A bubble level indicates an even shooting platform. Quick releases are important for fast removal of the camcorder from the tripod without having to dismantle your setup. Spreaders position the tripod legs apart evenly, which helps to level and steady the tripod. Some companies offer a unique interchange option. All Bogen tripod heads are interchangeable with their tripod legs. This lets you mix and match features of each to get the ideal combination for your shooting needs.
Once you�ve assessed your particular needs, go out and test the tripods yourself, if possible. By actually placing your camcorder onto the tripod and testing its smoothness, stability, and convenience, you can tell for yourself whether or not it meets your needs.
A good tripod is essential for smooth camera moves and steady shots. So, pick a tripod from the accompanying buyer�s guide and put an end to the shakes.