Monopod or tripod at DVinfo.net

Ted Yan · June 1st, 2005, 09:36 PM

What do you guys use mostly with your main camera.
Monopod or tripod and why?

Thanks,

Ted

Don Bloom · June 2nd, 2005, 04:41 AM

For MOST weddings my primary camera (the one I'm using) is on a tripod. I will use a monopod when necessary due to size constraints of the venue. I prefer the tripod for any number of reasons.
First, its as rock solid steady as can be. (brides, grooms and I all like that) Second, I don't know about anyone else but I can't hold ANY camera that still that long with only a monopod. I have and use the Bogen 682B which is a monopod with legs. There are feet that screw into the bottom of it and will actually just stand there like a tripod (in theory). Don't get me wrong, I love that monopod, it's saved me many times BUT it's not a tripod so 1) I will never let go of it while any of my cameras are on it and 2) more importantly,because of the nature of the design there is a little bit of sway to the monopod. You can barely see it and it does stop as long as you keep your hands off the monopod. You will however see the sway in the taped image.
So I use a monopod when I have no other choice but I really prefer a tripod

HTHs
Don

Mathiu Zimmermann · June 2nd, 2005, 06:26 AM

Do you use a monopod or other "steadying" device during "run&gun" shooting at the party for example... or do you do those freehand?

David Stoneburner · June 2nd, 2005, 08:11 AM

I've been using a monopod mostly lately. I have my second camera which is sometimes manned on a tripod and then I use the a monopod because it is easier to move around with . At the reception I use the monopod most of the time. I've found that I can't hold up my DVC-80 for long periods as much as I use to. It takes some time to learn how to use the monopod, but in the long run it will save your shoulders. Of course if I could use a tripod more, I would, but I have found that I move around a little too much for a tripod, especially at the reception.

Don Bloom · June 2nd, 2005, 08:23 AM

Depends on the situation but with the smaller cameras I go freehand except for the 1st dances. I do use the monopod as a "steadicam" device. That way I can get the camera up in the air if I want to and with a bit of practice it works out fine. For open dancing though I always go handheld. Generally too many people on the dance floor to use any kind of device.

Don

Dennis Vogel · June 2nd, 2005, 12:37 PM

Here's an article that describes some ways to use a monopod to get more stability. It's written for still cams but still holds for video: http://www.outdooreyes.com/photo5.php3.

Good luck.

Dennis

June 1st, 2005, 09:36 PM	#1
Ted Yan New Boot Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Ottawa Canada Posts: 8	Monopod or tripod What do you guys use mostly with your main camera. Monopod or tripod and why? Thanks, Ted

June 2nd, 2005, 06:26 AM	#3
Mathiu Zimmermann Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Ruhrgebiet, Germany Posts: 42	Do you use a monopod or other "steadying" device during "run&gun" shooting at the party for example... or do you do those freehand? __________________ www.mattzi.de

June 2nd, 2005, 04:41 AM	#2
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	For MOST weddings my primary camera (the one I'm using) is on a tripod. I will use a monopod when necessary due to size constraints of the venue. I prefer the tripod for any number of reasons. First, its as rock solid steady as can be. (brides, grooms and I all like that) Second, I don't know about anyone else but I can't hold ANY camera that still that long with only a monopod. I have and use the Bogen 682B which is a monopod with legs. There are feet that screw into the bottom of it and will actually just stand there like a tripod (in theory). Don't get me wrong, I love that monopod, it's saved me many times BUT it's not a tripod so 1) I will never let go of it while any of my cameras are on it and 2) more importantly,because of the nature of the design there is a little bit of sway to the monopod. You can barely see it and it does stop as long as you keep your hands off the monopod. You will however see the sway in the taped image. So I use a monopod when I have no other choice but I really prefer a tripod HTHs Don

June 2nd, 2005, 08:11 AM	#4
David Stoneburner Major Player Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 493	I've been using a monopod mostly lately. I have my second camera which is sometimes manned on a tripod and then I use the a monopod because it is easier to move around with . At the reception I use the monopod most of the time. I've found that I can't hold up my DVC-80 for long periods as much as I use to. It takes some time to learn how to use the monopod, but in the long run it will save your shoulders. Of course if I could use a tripod more, I would, but I have found that I move around a little too much for a tripod, especially at the reception.

June 2nd, 2005, 08:23 AM	#5
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	Depends on the situation but with the smaller cameras I go freehand except for the 1st dances. I do use the monopod as a "steadicam" device. That way I can get the camera up in the air if I want to and with a bit of practice it works out fine. For open dancing though I always go handheld. Generally too many people on the dance floor to use any kind of device. Don

June 2nd, 2005, 12:37 PM	#6
Dennis Vogel Major Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Hillsborough, NC Posts: 409	Here's an article that describes some ways to use a monopod to get more stability. It's written for still cams but still holds for video: http://www.outdooreyes.com/photo5.php3. Good luck. Dennis