Greetings.

This forum has been such a great help. Thanks again to everyone for your thoughts and advice on which should be my next camera purchase. After much nail bitting, the DVX100b has won!

Now on to the real question - tripods. I've worked with Sachtler all my professional life, so I'd like to stick with them (I realize they're expensive, but it's a "feel" thing for me).

However, Sachtler seems to discontinue and/or change model numbers seemingly at random. I've had people recommend tripods (which are discontinued), so what I'd like is advice on a Sachtler triopod (legs & head) that I can purchase now.

Any thoughts? I'd like to keep it as small as possible, without sacrificing stability.

Peter Reynolds

I'd like to hear tripod recommendations as well. My background is in still photography, but I realize video is a different beast. Got my dvx100b last night!

Well, we didn't get any recommendations. I think perhaps this is a Manfrotto friendly forum :)

In any case, I asked around with some broadcasters who use PD170s as backup cameras and they recommend the Sachtler System DV 4 II Tripod, SP-75 Spreader & Case.

Retails for around $1300.

That's what I'm going with anyways. I figure that you can go "prosumer" with the camera, but the accessories should be as professional grade as possible.

I figure that you can go "prosumer" with the camera, but the accessories should be as professional grade as possible.

I agree 100%, but I wouldn't recommend the DV4 II, unless you're okay with having only one drag setting or you need the lighter weight. It's either on or off. If you move up to the DV6 SB, you get 5 drag settings. The one drag setting on the DV4 is about equal to the "3" setting on the DV6 SB. Also, the DV6 SB has "Speed Balance" which allows it to balance a wider range of cameras, probably including the DVX100. This is a huge improvement over the older DV6.

I would recommend the DV6 SB and it's the one I bought although I still haven't gotten mine since it's been backordered at Sachtler for 3 weeks now.

Thanks Tim. My dealer should have both tripods in the showroom, so I'll check them out. I like the idea of having a little more flexibility, without the tripod being too heavy.

Sometime I do use a Sony DSR450 (Betacam size), which I assumed would be too heavy for the DV4. The DV6 might be fine though. I'll check it out and report back.

Peter

I have the oppurtunity to buy the DV 4 II used for 650, I think I'm going to do it :)

I just got off of a shoot, we stuck a 100B (loaded with two Lectro receivers, Frezzi battery box, Frezzi MiniFill with dichroic filters, 15mm rods w/ mattebox and flags, 2 filters - onto a hotpod with Video18 head.

And then the 100b naked, on the V18 head, overkill, but still something nice to me. I'm used to oversetting the counterflow, so the combo put up a feel I'm used to - but it's an XDCam that rightfully lives there.

http://otfiles.com/ul/files/2/shyDP.jpg

got the dv 4 II love it!