As I got from this forum that there are some none, semi and true fluid heads and I am totally confused :-/

What is the TRUE fluid head and which is the cheapest one?

The cheapest true fluid head is a good used one.

I'd guess that the least expensive true fluid head is in the neighborhood of $500 plus new. And that one will not be nearly as good as the one that costs $2500 and is designed for the same camera load as the $500 unit.

A really good used head may cost $700-$1000 or more for a DV camera.

That's all off the top of my head without any specific research to answer the question.

The only way to understand the differences is to go to an exhibition like NAB or DVWorld and try them.

There isn't one, true fluid head. There are various manufacturers of fluid heads. OConner and Sachtler make some wonderful heads for both film and video work.

If you want the smoothest of all heads, you would be looking at a geared head such as a Worral or Arri Head, just to mention a couple. Very expensive, quite a learning curve, but smooth from start to finish.

RB

Like most of you guys, I wish I could afford a professional fluid head. I don't know who invented it, but Cartoni claims a design dating back to the 1970's:

http://www.cartoni.com/company.html

Sachtler also claims an invention around this time:

http://www.sachtler.com/

You have to get to the Company/ History page.

Cartoni makes a great head. We have a C 20 S. It is rugged and very well engineered. The head itself is handsome although it is heavy and pretty expensive.

Of all the heads we own, my favorite is the Sachtler Video 20 Plus! This is the one that resides in my "personal" kit.

OConnor developed the fluid head in 1949 and is still going strong. The company has received an Academy Award for Engineering a Scientific and Technical Achievement for the design and concept of the fluid head.

By the way, OConnor is now owned by Sachtler...who'da thunk it?

RB