I need to purchase a tripod for a V1 and would like to hear what you guys here at DVinfo are using.
I am looking at doing some live events and having a smooth pan is essential. The catch is that I don't I have a massive budget at the moment for a tripod ($400 to $500) but that said, I might be able to stretch it just a little bit.

I would like to hear from those who have the Sony V1 (or simular size cam) with a tripod in this price range. What are you using and what has your experience been with your tripod.

I read a few threads where guys voiced their dissatisfaction with Manfrotto 501 & 503 HDV tripod heads. Anyone that can second that?

I need to make a decision in the next 2 weeks and any help would be greatly appreciated.

I use the original Manfrotto 503 head (non-HDV) on the V1U and I love it. I wouldn't change my decision if I had to do it again.

I skimped on the legs, maybe. I bought the 745B legs. If I had to do that over I may have gotten the 525 legs. But then again, I've never been dissatisfied with the 745's I just haven't tested them much outdoors. Most of the shooting I do is all indoors.

Don't get the 501 head. Waste of money. I'm looking at upgrading my current setup to the Libec LS38 based on this article http://www.dvuser.co.uk/images/magazine/back-issues/issue-4.pdf

Manfrotto (Bogen) has new versions of the 501 and 503 called the 501HDV and the 503 HDV, respectively.

I did a quick hands-on with both at a local dealer, and surprisingly, for a camera in the V1 weight class, preferred the less-expensive 501 HDV.

The 501 HDV incorporates a one-position on/off counterbalances and seems smoother than the older 501. For some reason that is hard to explain, I didn't like the action of the 503 HDV.