What is the difference between a tripod for a camcorder and one for a stills camera?
Posted On April 12 In Featured, Photo Tripods
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.
Comments (3)
Tripods have a universal screw mount, so you can use your "still" camera tripod for yor camcorder and vice versa. The main difference is the fluid dampened head. If you are shooting a lot of action – think sports like soccer, basketball, football, etc. – a fluid head tripod is nice because it allows you to smoothly follow the action. Do you absolutely need one? Depends on your subject.
As far as the mounting screw (size & threads), they are the same…you can mount a camcorder on a regular tripod and vice versa. The main difference is in the tripod head, that allows for smoother panning…and that video tripod are heavier duty.
My views are:
Smooth panning tripods, those which have a fluid mount (which absorbs some judder) are very useful if you wish to video motor sports (would only need to pan in one plane) or activities with elements of height say kids on a big bouncy castle (where you may use 2 planes)
Judder is very difficult to remove in post production, so it is important that it is minimised at point of shoot.
I would advise getting a fluid mount for this purpose, plus it will help reduce judder on a still camera anyway, and lets be honest you can never have enough tripods can ya?