What is the difference between a tripod for a camcorder and one for a stills camera?

Posted by Filed Under Featured, Photo Tripods with 3 Comments

Here is the question I would like some help with:

I’m looking to purchase a second tripod, we currently have one designed for a stills camera – the head moves in three directions.

What is the advantage of buying a tripod (or head) specifically designed for video cameras?

Does it really just need to pan in two directions and have a fluid mount?

Thanks for all your help.

With cameras, even the most expensive ones with the fastest lens and shutter speeds, there are many times when a good tipod will be required so you can shoot at low shutter speeds.

As a simple rule, you can take great photos without a tripod as long as the shutter speed is 1/focal-length. For example, if you are photographing with a 50mm lens, 1/50 is the lowest you go, and with a 300mm lens, 1/300 will be the very lowest. The reason for this is because of zoom – when zooming the magnification of the subject and any camera movement is increased.

If you require shutter speeds lower than explained above you need an alternative to holding the camera in your hand – unless you want blurry photographs that is. This is where tipods and monpods for you camera come in.

Now, for a camcorder, you are shooting live action and are not leaving the camara in one position for extended periods of time (usually).  Therefore, and photo tripod that works for your camera will be more than adequate for your camcorder.

So, no need to purchase more equipment.

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What is the difference in use between a tripod and a monopod?

Posted by Filed Under Featured, Photo Monopods, Photo Tripods with 5 Comments

For those who are going to answer that the tripod has 3 legs and the monopod just one, I know that. I want to know when to use one and when to use the other.

Thanks.

A photo monopod has one single leg, which will be attached to the underside of your camera or camcorder.

Some of them will also allow attachments of heads.

Besides number of legs, the most single most obvious difference between photo tripods and photo monopods is that you must hold your monopod in place.  Obviously a tripod is designed to be left to stand on its own. This means that monopods are less stable than tripods – though both are much more stable than holding your camera in hand.

Monopods are also usually much lighter and much less bulky – and therefore much more portable – so may be a better idea if you are backpacking or hiking, or if you travel a lot.

There are some photo monopods that actually double as a camera stand and a walking/hiking stick.

So, in conclusion, tripods are usually a little more bulky than monopods.  You should therefore think about where you perform the majority of your photography.  If you need something less bulky, lighter and portable you should consider a monopod.  If you need stability and can do without then you may want to look at the different photo tripods available.

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