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General discussion

Camcorder tripod recommendation

May 1, 2005 2:44PM PDT

hello,

i've been researching tripods and can't seem to find one in my budget of $100 or less. the ones in this price range have the 3 way tilt, which, as i understand it are for ditial cameras and not the best for camcorders. there seems to be some problems with panning, so i'm wondering if anyone has purchased a tripod in this price range that doesn't have the panning problems that i've read about. any help would be greatly appreciated.

thank you.
indera

Discussion is locked

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Save up?
May 1, 2005 9:45PM PDT

The issue here is simple. If you get a cheap-o then you may have some stationary tripod without a fluid damped pan head. Such a proper fluid damped pan head will push the price into the mid to over 350 dollar region.

For your under 99 buck model, walmart will do fine.

Bob

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bob - are either of these tripods ok?
May 2, 2005 10:27PM PDT

hi bob,

thank you for your reply. i've come to realize (but not like - smile) that my $100 budget for a good tripod is low for a tripod that will pan smoothly, which is my primary concern.

i came across these tripods and wanted to know if you think they are ok, and yes, the both cost more than $100. if there is something wrong or missing from these tripods, could you tell me what it. i know less about tripods than i do camcorders, which isn't good.

thank you.
indera

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=223630&is=REG

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=272637&is=REG

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Neither are fluid damped.
May 2, 2005 11:05PM PDT

The defacto standard for smooth panning is a fluid damped pan head. If you have no budget for such, you'll have to make do with what you have.

Also, who says you can't do smooth pans with some minor modifications? Try this. Disassemble the pan head and place some plastic cut out from a clorox bleach bottle (prevents binding.) Now put it back together and duck tape 2 to 4 bricks to the tripod legs. Add an extension to the pan handle (longer will give leverage and reduce some pan jitters.)

The effect on the modified versus stock tripod is visible in the shot.

Bob

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fluid damped
May 4, 2005 2:15PM PDT

hi bob, i don't know what this terms means, but i will do some research. i've written down your suggestion on how to modify the tripod.

i take it that neither of the tripods that i listed and any good. thank you. indera

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For the "specs" and "usage" you seem to want? No.
May 4, 2005 9:35PM PDT

But it is possible to do wonderful things on the cheap.

Bob

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ref: For the "specs" and "usage" you seem to want? No.
May 5, 2005 5:38PM PDT

hi bob,

i appreciate your honesty, but spending $150 is more than i can afford. when i get the money, i'll buy it and see how i like it, if i can't find one in a camera store near me to see. if it doesn't work well, i'll return it.

indera

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are either of these tripods ok?
May 5, 2005 5:45AM PDT

Yes, the tripods are good. I have seen a few of the $50~80 varity and they seem to fall apart in a couple of years. The Davis & Stanford has a 10 year warrenty. John

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to john
May 5, 2005 5:36PM PDT

thank you john. i'll hold out on buying a tripod until i can afford the one by davis & standford.

indera