Sign up now and get a free Tip Sheet for Videographers!

Tripods and Camera Supports

These articles include reviews and discussions of tripods, dollies, jibs and Steadicam-style devices.

Camera Movement Techniques

Nothing screams "amateur" like shaky and jerky video. Here are some articles on how to hold and mount your camcorder so the movements are smooth and professional.

  • Basic Training: Camera Movement Techniques - Tilt, Pan, Zoom, Pedestal, Dolly and TruckBasic Training: Camera Movement Techniques - Tilt, Pan, Zoom, Pedestal, Dolly and Truck Learn to develop a variety of basic camera movement techniques to move your audience when the scene calls for a tilt, pan, zoom, pedestal ,dolly, or truck.
  • Tutorial - Perfecting the Pan and Scan EffectTutorial - Perfecting the Pan and Scan Effect Known as 'The Ken Burns Effect', the Pan and Scan technique has become the norm when combining still photos with your moving images. Step-by-Step tutorial.
  • Camcorder Supports Buyer's  GuideCamcorder Supports Buyer's Guide Nothing screams 'amateur' like shaky and jerky video. Sure, there are times when you want to keep the camera moving, even erratically, but for the other 95%...
  • Directing: Directing DocumentariesDirecting: Directing Documentaries Documentaries are about real people in real places doing real things. Documentaries were the first films ever made.
  • In Box Reader's Letters - Young Video Producers; Upgrading the Reader on the Changing Technologies; Double Credit; Shooting Steadier Handheld Shots.
  • Hold On!Hold On! A pro's look at holding your camera. There’s a lot of different ways to support your camera while shooting, many of which don't need the death grip to achieve a steady shot.
  • Basic Training: Nine Digital Cinematography TipsBasic Training: Nine Digital Cinematography Tips So you know about medium shots, wide shots, closeups and even extreme closeups. But why do your videos still lack that special zing?
  • Multicam ShootingMulticam Shooting Whether it's shooting a wedding, baseball game, church service or two-person interview, shooting it with more than one camera can be a time-saving and very creative endeavor.
  • Basic Training: Super Vacation VideosBasic Training: Super Vacation Videos Oh, no! Not the vacation videos! It's time to teach your family amp; friends how to make interesting, entertaining and watchable summer vacation videos.
  •  Monopod Review:: Manfrotto 560B Monopod Monopod Review:: Manfrotto 560B Monopod My 'Pod - When is a 'pod not a tripod? When it's a monopod, of course. When does a monopod have one leg and three feet? When it's the 560B by Manfrotto.

Free Videomaker Magazine

Camcorder Supports and Stabilizers

Good tripods and stabilizers can give your camcorder a solid platform from which to pan and tilt. Camcorder supports should also be easy to set up and operate in a variety of weather conditions. These articles will help you find the camcorder supports you need.