Tripod Techniques? at DVinfo.net

Kevin Lewis · May 2nd, 2009, 03:10 PM

Anyone have any suggestions on tripod techniques. I still cant control the camera as well when its on a tripod as oposed to holding it. Particualy when it comes to zooming in slow while panning at the same time. Any thoughts?

Alan Craig · May 2nd, 2009, 03:26 PM

Sounds like you need a lanc controler

Alan

Allan Black · May 2nd, 2009, 05:13 PM

Practice Kevin practice using your EVF. You need a suitable tripod made for video work, and a while ago I found I didn't have enough drag on my Manfrotto 503 head.

Cheers.

Corey Williams · May 2nd, 2009, 06:01 PM

Try using a rubberband. http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/tripod-st...bber-band.html

Warren Kawamoto · May 2nd, 2009, 08:02 PM

Kevin,
It also helps greatly if your tripod is good in the first place. Something like Sachtler or Vinten pans and balances MUCH better than say...Bogen. What kind of tripod are you using now?

Kevin Lewis · May 2nd, 2009, 09:54 PM

Warren:

I'm actually using a Bogen. Its the only one ive used so I have nothing to compare it to. However, I dont hnks is the brand of tripod, its more about me not using the tripod correctly. Maybe using the Eye viewer may help, this way im standing behind the tripod instead of to the side of it. Any other thoughts?

Edward Carlson · May 2nd, 2009, 10:33 PM

Which model head are you using? If it's not a true fluid head, then that could be one big problem. Bogen is an ok brand. Definitely good for the price, but you can't beat Sachtler for quality.

Alec Moreno · May 3rd, 2009, 01:35 AM

1. A technique I often use is to tuck the pan bar under my arm. This allows me to control the tilt and pan with my body and it keeps my hands free to operate the zoom and other controls.

2. A longer pan bar can make for greater precision.

3. A LANC is not necessary at all, but it is an extremely common tool among shooters. Most people benefit from using them.

4. Play with the drag and see what works best for you.

5. Better tripod heads make smooth shots much easier to attain.

Alec Moreno
http://www.1Day1ShotProductions.com

Bill Davis · May 4th, 2009, 12:08 AM

Wanting to learn to use your tools to the best of your ability is an excellent way to improve your videos.

One thing about any tripod is that it can only work to it's full capacity if you set it up properly.

That starts with establishing your camera position at precisely the tripod head's center of gravity. Most tripod mounting plates have a number of mounting holes and a lot of room for adjustment. That center of gravity will also change depending on the weight of accessories like lens adaptors, batteries - even cables and wireless receivers - they all affect the balance point of any tripod.

After you find that balance point by experimentation, the next step is to set the drag and/or spring balance. Yes, better heads will have better adjustments available, but even a mid level Bogen will allow you to set enough drag so that when you tilt, the camera will remain in position when you take your hand away from the arm.

Similarly, setting the pan drag is a LOT easier when the camera is well balanced to start.

Removing all drag should let the camera pan with a very light touch, but setting a modest amount of drag will often smooth out a pan.

One trick I learned when starting was to use strips of white gaffers tape on adjustable areas, and once I had the balance right, I'd draw a line across adjustment points so I could reproduce the position and setting the next time I set up the rig.

Good luck.

Nate Haustein · May 4th, 2009, 12:57 AM

I would say take deep breaths and practice, practice, practice on being as smooth as possible. Also, being as close to the camera itself as possible helps to keep things smooth.

May 2nd, 2009, 03:10 PM	#1
Kevin Lewis Major Player Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Philadelphia, pa Posts: 705	Tripod Techniques? Anyone have any suggestions on tripod techniques. I still cant control the camera as well when its on a tripod as oposed to holding it. Particualy when it comes to zooming in slow while panning at the same time. Any thoughts?

May 4th, 2009, 12:57 AM	#10
Nate Haustein Trustee Join Date: May 2007 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 1,313	I would say take deep breaths and practice, practice, practice on being as smooth as possible. Also, being as close to the camera itself as possible helps to keep things smooth. __________________ Nate Haustein PXW-FX9 / FCPX www.flightcreativemedia.com

May 2nd, 2009, 03:26 PM	#2
Alan Craig Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Warrington England Posts: 143	Sounds like you need a lanc controler Alan

May 2nd, 2009, 05:13 PM	#3
Allan Black Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sydney. Posts: 2,930	Practice Kevin practice using your EVF. You need a suitable tripod made for video work, and a while ago I found I didn't have enough drag on my Manfrotto 503 head. Cheers.

May 2nd, 2009, 06:01 PM	#4
Corey Williams Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: McKinney,TX/New Orleans, LA Posts: 104	Try using a rubberband. http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/tripod-st...bber-band.html

May 2nd, 2009, 08:02 PM	#5
Warren Kawamoto Trustee Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 1,435	Kevin, It also helps greatly if your tripod is good in the first place. Something like Sachtler or Vinten pans and balances MUCH better than say...Bogen. What kind of tripod are you using now?

May 2nd, 2009, 09:54 PM	#6
Kevin Lewis Major Player Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Philadelphia, pa Posts: 705	Warren: I'm actually using a Bogen. Its the only one ive used so I have nothing to compare it to. However, I dont hnks is the brand of tripod, its more about me not using the tripod correctly. Maybe using the Eye viewer may help, this way im standing behind the tripod instead of to the side of it. Any other thoughts?

May 2nd, 2009, 10:33 PM	#7
Edward Carlson Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: North Hollywood, CA, United States Posts: 807	Which model head are you using? If it's not a true fluid head, then that could be one big problem. Bogen is an ok brand. Definitely good for the price, but you can't beat Sachtler for quality.

May 3rd, 2009, 01:35 AM	#8
Alec Moreno Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 184	1. A technique I often use is to tuck the pan bar under my arm. This allows me to control the tilt and pan with my body and it keeps my hands free to operate the zoom and other controls. 2. A longer pan bar can make for greater precision. 3. A LANC is not necessary at all, but it is an extremely common tool among shooters. Most people benefit from using them. 4. Play with the drag and see what works best for you. 5. Better tripod heads make smooth shots much easier to attain. Alec Moreno http://www.1Day1ShotProductions.com

May 4th, 2009, 12:08 AM	#9
Bill Davis Trustee Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Posts: 1,538	Wanting to learn to use your tools to the best of your ability is an excellent way to improve your videos. One thing about any tripod is that it can only work to it's full capacity if you set it up properly. That starts with establishing your camera position at precisely the tripod head's center of gravity. Most tripod mounting plates have a number of mounting holes and a lot of room for adjustment. That center of gravity will also change depending on the weight of accessories like lens adaptors, batteries - even cables and wireless receivers - they all affect the balance point of any tripod. After you find that balance point by experimentation, the next step is to set the drag and/or spring balance. Yes, better heads will have better adjustments available, but even a mid level Bogen will allow you to set enough drag so that when you tilt, the camera will remain in position when you take your hand away from the arm. Similarly, setting the pan drag is a LOT easier when the camera is well balanced to start. Removing all drag should let the camera pan with a very light touch, but setting a modest amount of drag will often smooth out a pan. One trick I learned when starting was to use strips of white gaffers tape on adjustable areas, and once I had the balance right, I'd draw a line across adjustment points so I could reproduce the position and setting the next time I set up the rig. Good luck.