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Gear / Technical Help => Photo / Video Recording => Topic started by: ArchivalAudio on January 15, 2011, 02:37:26 AM
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OK So....
;D
I have a small HD video cam = Panasonic HDC-SD600P
I am trying to come up with a reality inexpensive (not cheap) way to get some good height from a tripod system - something I can use a fluid head with
but affordable- I am thinking that a reasonable fluid head would be good. ~ the camera is very light. ~ Then I though that a tall 6' or higher one could be costly. I know there are also platforms I can use. however what about a larger tube light-stand, with the fluid head- I mean may be not the stablest, but hopefully stable enough? and can get up taller than some cheaper tripods solutions. the cam has a reasonable Optical image Stabilizer
any input on these: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/329029-REG/Smith_Victor_701233_Titan_2_Way_Fluid_Effect_Panhead.html (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/329029-REG/Smith_Victor_701233_Titan_2_Way_Fluid_Effect_Panhead.html)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/253069-REG/Impact_LS_96HAB_Air_Cushioned_Heavy_Duty_Light.html (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/253069-REG/Impact_LS_96HAB_Air_Cushioned_Heavy_Duty_Light.html)
or other ideas
thanx
--Ian
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i'd also like some ideas. i'm 6'5" or so and often find in cases of low stages and tall people in the crowd that getting the camera up to my eyes isn't high enough, and i need to be able to get it a few inches above me and reach up to operate it, to get worthwhile footage. thus, i need the max height to be a minimum of 80" or so. this is tricky because very few tripods have a rated max height of anywhere near this. more common seems to be in the range of 50"-70" or so, usually topping out around 75". and that's even with center column extended. i know you can squeeze out some extra height by tightening up the footprint, but i don't want to cut it so close that i have to tighten up the footprint to the point where it's bordering on unstable, just to get every last inch of height i need. in other words, i'd prefer to have some breathing room with the height. the Manfrottos are nice, but every tripod (seemingly from any brand) that i can find that has enough height and a decent head seems to be $300-$400 or more. looking for a more affordable solution than that.
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We use the Manfrotto 3246 legs with the 501 head and have no complaints.Can go 89 inches with the 3246 legs,they are worth every penny in my opinion.
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We use the Manfrotto 3246 legs with the 501 head and have no complaints.Can go 89 inches with the 3246 legs,they are worth every penny in my opinion.
sounds like a nice setup, but those 2 items go for $285 and $189 on Amazon, ~$475 total. pretty sure the OP and I were looking for a solution that is WAY less expensive than that. i've been brainstorming ways to get maximum value out of my Manfrotto 1004BAC light stand, which i've been using only as a mic stand thus far. i'm thinking maybe getting something like the 128RC head to run the video off the 1004BAC and then getting the 099B extension pole to attach for mounting the audio. $70 + $40 for the head and pole = $110. i'm just not sure how the weight of the extension pole would affect the stability of the video footage.
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Does the light stand have the right connection to add the manfrotto head? Id check ebay for either the manfrotto 3246 legs or 028b which are the same legs. The 501 is a great head but probably overkill for t he smaller cams.i do have an extra 501 i might sell cheap but the pan handle can only attach to the left side of the head if you dont mind doing pan and tilts with your left hand.The right side pan connector is broken. That is the only issue with it though.
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I Have a Savage Heavy Duty 12 ft light stand that I have been using for years and have no problems, very sturdy. Also use a Bogen head with an adapter. This setup has served me well. For 50 for the stand and whatever head you use. Its a not brainer for me.
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Not that I've done it, but I've thought about it. 3x circular files below the legs? i.e. those round trash cans for offices and bathrooms and stuff. It should get you an extra 12" or so. Depending on the real-estate that you have. Although I like to keep things relatively simple, so I'd likely go with the big legs designed for the task. Although the cheapskate in me has a tabletop clamp that I clamp to a headphone clamp that I clamp the to mic stand with boom arm on rare occassion. 9' no problem. Finding level on the other hand..... Or panning.... or .... And then there's that swaying in the wind thing...
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http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=5495&is=REG&A=details&Q= (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=5495&is=REG&A=details&Q=)
I have one of those, I like the small footprint and if i need to I can use some extenders I already have to get even higher. I dont use it as a tripod for pans and so forth. I shoot handheld from close 99% of the time.
I use the tripods and various clamps I have for positioning stationary cameras. So in the case of thise monopod/tripod I just use a simple tripod head.
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Yes
I was trying to find a solution that would keep me under $100
any other affordable suggestions on fluid head units
I'm sure the manfrotto is awesome but I'm looking for something less than $190...
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Ian. You do not want to go that route. Trust me. Been there, done that. 8) Get a Velbon DV7000. No matter what, you will need a table to put your tripod on. I do it all the time when I need to. Otherwise I get stage lip.
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Mark,
Ok can you elaborate why that would be a bad route?
I have some guesses- like - not very stable etc...
I did find this tripod when looking for tall tripods:
Davis & Sanford Provista Heavy Duty Tripod with F12 Fluid Pan Head & Case MAX Height 78" that's 6' 6" which could be helpful!
available a a number of reputable distributors
and here: http://www.adorama.com/TFTPVF12.html (http://www.adorama.com/TFTPVF12.html) Our Price $109.95
Features
Perfect Tripod for field, studio, and industrial applications
Handles mini-DVs and all video cameras up to 12 lbs.
3-section tripod, none glare black anodized aluminum
Double-strut top section for extra stability
Geared 15" center post
Center brace with lock adds more stability
Self-aligning metal quick-flip legs locks offer fast set up
Non Skid rubber feet grab any surface
Bonus: high quality, padded carrying bag included
Two-way fluid panhead with ultra smooth movement.
Sturdy, aluminum construction.
Separate calibrations/locks for pan and tilt.
Separate tension controls.
Quick release plate with video pin.
Adjustable handle.
Tilt adjustment: 90 degree up, 90 degree down.
Pan rotation: 360 degrees
Specifications
Tripod Legs Specifications
Max Height w/closed column 78" - Centerpost adjustment 15"
Minimum Height 31"
Closed Length 34"
Leg Sections 3
Max Load Capacity 25 lbs. (tripod)
Weight 9 lbs.
Tripod Head Specifications
Max load Capacity 12 lbs.
Head height 4"
Quick Release Yes
Spirit Level No
Female Thread size (Connect to Tripod) 3/8"-16
Weight 1 lb. 14 oz.
Notes Tilt Adjustment: 90° up, 90° down
Pan Rotation: 360°
Platform Size: 2 x 2-1/2"
(http://www.adorama.com/images/large/TFTPVF12.JPG)
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here's the manufacturer specs:
http://www.tiffen.com/displayproduct.html?tablename=davissanford&itemnum=PROVISTA12 (http://www.tiffen.com/displayproduct.html?tablename=davissanford&itemnum=PROVISTA12)
you will notice the actual weight of the unit is
- Weight: 9 lbs
not
Weight 1 lb. 14 oz.
as stated on the Adorama site...
makes more sense
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ok here is a slightly better version
http://www.adorama.com/TFTPV18.html (http://www.adorama.com/TFTPV18.html) for Our Price $163.99
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its pretty ghetto, but whenever i run into this problem I just ask the drummer if I can use his bass drum case for elevation, put my regular 60 inch tripod on that, and adjust accordingly
thats what i did for the center angle on this footage:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLPnWG8b6c4
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The Leitz Tiltall is one of the best low end tripods.
http://www.amazon.com/Tiltall-Tripod-Black-Max-70/dp/B0000AB4NQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1296699326&sr=8-1
Here's another Amazon link that has more user reviews.
http://www.amazon.com/Tiltall-Tripod-Silver-Max-70/product-reviews/B0000AB4NP/ref=sr_1_2_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
I'm a full time camera op with costly high end gear. A Leitz (a Leica company) tiltall was my first real tripod, I still have it 25 years later.... still works fine.
John
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That's the one I have Ian. I love it!
ok here is a slightly better version
http://www.adorama.com/TFTPV18.html (http://www.adorama.com/TFTPV18.html) for Our Price $163.99
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That's the one I have Ian. I love it!
ok here is a slightly better version
http://www.adorama.com/TFTPV18.html (http://www.adorama.com/TFTPV18.html) for Our Price $163.99
Mark
that's cool but earlier you said Been there, done that. 8) Get a Velbon DV7000
but that''s not the one you have?
the Davis & Sanford ProVista 18 Aluminum Video Tripod with FM-18 Fluid Head with Quick Release, Supports 18 lbs., Extends 31" - 78".
seems pretty sweet
would the cheaper lower version be that much worse? - anyone?
thanx
--Ian
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Because you said that you were trying to keep it at $100. ;)
From all my research the Velbon gets sick reviews for it's pan and tilt fluid head. Likely a better head than what is on mine. But again it's short.
This also gets great reviews. Similar to mine but a lot shorter 52.4". Said to have a better pan though than the D&S.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Video-Tripod-Fluid-Pan-Head-Weifeng-EI717-717-EI-717-/220734938516?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3364d3dd94
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^^^ that's cool
thanx a ton mark
I'll be looking for something either after my tax return and or before the pickathon!
--Ian