Tripods and Camera Supports

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

Tips & Tricks Videos

Protecting Video Equipment

Jennifer takes a look at bags & cases designed to help protect your video gear.

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.

• 35mm Adapter Buyer's Guide
  December, 2009
  by Nathan Beaman
  In 35mm adapters, the ground glass often moves in order to simulate a film grain look, and to minimize the presence of the ground glass texture in your image.
• Basic Training: Camera Movement Techniques - Tilt, Pan, Zoom, Pedestal, Dolly and Truck
  August, 2009
  by Kyle Cassidy
  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 Effect
  February, 2009
  by Paul Del Vecchio
  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 Guide
  April, 2008
  by Brian Peterson
  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 Documentaries
  April, 2008
  by Robert G. Nulph, Ph.D.
  Documentaries are about real people in real places doing real things. Documentaries were the first films ever made.
• In Box
  February, 2008
  by The Editors
  Reader's Letters - Young Video Producers; Upgrading the Reader on the Changing Technologies; Double Credit; Shooting Steadier Handheld Shots.
• Hold On!
  January, 2008
  by Michael Reff
  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…
• Basic Training: Nine Digital Cinematography Tips
  August, 2007
  by Kyle Cassidy
  So you know about medium shots, wide shots, closeups and even extreme closeups. But why do your videos still lack that special zing?
• Multicam Shooting
  July, 2007
  by Robert G. Nulph, Ph.D.
  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…

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.

• Review: Atlas Camera Support and Stabilization System
  September, 2009
  by Andrew Burke
  The Atlas Camera Support and Stabilization System alleviates both body strain and the "handheld" video look.
• Videomaker's 2009 Best Camcorder Support: Omni-Tracker Slim Line Dolly Reviewed
  October, 2009
  by Jeanne Rawlings
  The Omni-Tracker SL is a lightweight dolly that delivers precise, smooth moves, with the added flexibility of working in tight quarters.
• Camcorder Support Review : Delkin Fat Gecko & Cam Caddie Scorpion
  August, 2009
  by Jennifer O’Rourke
  Great images look even better with the many useful devices on the market. Both of these can certainly enhance one's shooting pleasure, and add that extra POV…
• Video Stabilizer Review: Hoodman WristShot Camcorder Stabilizer
  April, 2009
  by Brent Holland
  Shoot From the Wrist... Hoodman’s new Wristshot serves as a video stabilizer by providing wrist support for better &am; longer handheld shooting.
• Camera Support Review: Manfrotto 503 HDV Tripod Head
  February, 2009
  by Jennifer O'Rourke
  Nice Head Light: Manfrotto released its 503 tripod head a while back, then updated the design, added a few features and dubbed it the 503HDV. As usual with…
• Camera Support Review: Manfrotto 585 Modosteady 3-in-1 Camera Stabilization System
  January, 2009
  by Jennifer O'Rourke
  Aside from missing many features the bigger camcorders offer, due to the lack of real estate, these tiny cameras have the big problem of getting a steady shot.
• Camcorder Supports Buyer's Guide
  April, 2008
  by Brian Peterson
  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%...
• Camcorder Accessory Review: Ugrip Diamond MOS Handheld Camcorder System
  April, 2008
  by Andrew Burke
  Ugrip, We Dig It - The Ugrip system is a pro camera stabilizer and organizer made up of multiple pieces which work together. Using Ugrip, we added...
• Basic Training: Breaking it Down
  March, 2008
  by Kyle Cassidy
  Not all tripods are created equal... One techie breaks them down to explain what each part does, and what to hunt for when you're ready to stand on three legs.…

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