Creative Ideas for Tripod Alternative? at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > Special Interest Areas > Wedding / Event Videography Techniques
Register FAQ Today's Posts Buyer's Guides

Wedding / Event Videography Techniques
Shooting non-repeatable events: weddings, recitals, plays, performances...

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old July 21st, 2010, 06:11 AM   #1
Major Player
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Posts: 244
Creative Ideas for Tripod Alternative?

My wife and I will be traveling to Italy tomorrow. During this trip, I will be filming a video tour for one of the hotels we are staying at. The smallest tripod I have is a Manfrotto 190xprob with a 501HDV head, which is too large to bring on the flight (aka too large to fit in the small bags we're bringing). Does anyone have any ideas for someone I could use once I get there to balance my shot? I'm shooting with a Canon T2i, not exactly the steadiest of cameras...
__________________
www.clarkvideoproductions.com
Michael Clark is offline   Reply With Quote
Old July 21st, 2010, 08:14 AM   #2
Inner Circle
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK
Posts: 3,531
A monopod like the http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/487699-REG/Manfrotto_562B_562B_Four_Section_Fluid_Video.html is the obvious choice.
Nigel Barker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old July 21st, 2010, 09:40 AM   #3
Trustee
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Manchester UK
Posts: 1,212
Michael, I understand your dilemma but wouldn't dream of trying to make the sort of programme you're proposing without a tripod.

Why not rent one when you arrive? Alternatively, buy a secondhand one locally and sell it just before you leave - or even buy a new one and negotiate a buy-back as part of the deal subject to condition?
Philip Howells is offline   Reply With Quote
Old July 21st, 2010, 12:45 PM   #4
Inner Circle
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK
Posts: 3,531
Incidentally why does the tripod substitute need to fit in your small bags? That Manfrotto 190XPROB is a very lightweight tripod & even with a 501DV head is much smaller & lighter than the sort of sports equipment sports equipment like golf clubs, a bicycle or skis that people people fly with all the time. It should fit in carry-on luggage & even if it didn't then wrap it bubble wrap & stick it in a small tote bag & put it in the hold.
Nigel Barker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old July 21st, 2010, 10:02 PM   #5
Major Player
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Green Bay Wisconsin
Posts: 553
I have the Manfrotto 561b and absolutely love it !!!!!

But..... a tripod..... it isn't.

As was stated already, renting would be the best solution and IMO, worst case solution would be buy a new inexpensive tripod there and UPS it back here before you leave. You always could have a new one purchased ahead of time, and delivered to your hotel, as long as they are aware to receive a package for you.
Chip Thome is offline   Reply With Quote
Old July 22nd, 2010, 05:19 AM   #6
Major Player
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Posts: 244
Thanks for the feedback. I haven't packed yet, so I will definitely try fitting it in my large carry-on bag. That would be ideal, although I will check into rentals as well.
It is actually a barter job. Video tour in exchange for room upgrade to a Suite. Here's a side question - my wife is nervous about me doing a job out of the country. She's nervous about what the hotel could do if we get back to the States, edit the video, and they do not like it. Does anyone else feel like this is a risky barter?
__________________
www.clarkvideoproductions.com
Michael Clark is offline   Reply With Quote
Old July 22nd, 2010, 05:49 AM   #7
Inner Circle
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK
Posts: 3,531
Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Clark View Post
It is actually a barter job. Video tour in exchange for room upgrade to a Suite. Here's a side question - my wife is nervous about me doing a job out of the country. She's nervous about what the hotel could do if we get back to the States, edit the video, and they do not like it. Does anyone else feel like this is a risky barter?
Hotels upgrade rooms all the time. It doesn't actually cost them any real money unless the hotel is full & they had to turn away someone who would have paid full price for the suite.

What's the worst that they can do if they don't like the video? They cannot take another charge from your credit card (well they could but you would get the CC company to reverse the charge). Tell your wife not to worry. I am sure that they will love the video.
Nigel Barker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old July 22nd, 2010, 06:41 AM   #8
Trustee
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Manchester UK
Posts: 1,212
Michael, in my view you're between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand you sound as though you don't have a contract - if you do the terms of client satisfaction in that are your security. If you don't - well there's enough been said here over the years about doing jobs without a contract to trouble anybody in business.

Trouble is that most "advanced" societies have revenue authorities that take a dim view of barter since it removes their ability to tax you. You could well find yourself liable to pay tax on the value of your barter.

I think your wife's right. Far better to do the job for old fashioned lucre but it's probably too late now.
Philip Howells is offline   Reply With Quote
Old July 23rd, 2010, 04:14 PM   #9
Equal Opportunity Offender
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posts: 3,065
If you go down the monopod path, don't forget "the other leg" you can use ... by leaning against something solid such as a column or building. Handy for getting stabilisation in the most unlikely of places.

All the best.

Andrew
Andrew Smith is offline   Reply With Quote
Old July 23rd, 2010, 04:19 PM   #10
Sponsor: Abel CineTech
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 361
I wrote up a little blog about some alternatives here - HDSLR Rig Alternatives | CineTechnica

Andy
__________________
Andy Shipsides -Camera Technology Specialist
AbelCineTech, New York - Visit our Blog - http://blog.abelcine.com
Andy Shipsides is offline   Reply With Quote
Old July 23rd, 2010, 04:59 PM   #11
Inner Circle
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Sydney.
Posts: 2,928
Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Clark View Post
It is actually a barter job. Video tour in exchange for room upgrade to a Suite. Here's a side question - my wife is nervous about me doing a job out of the country. She's nervous about what the hotel could do if we get back to the States, edit the video, and they do not like it. Does anyone else feel like this is a risky barter?
Yes. How did you get into this deal, do you know those hotel people, what are they going to use this for and do they understand video production?

In our early years with our company we did barter deals with travel companies it happens all the time.

So I'd be concerned about what level of production they expect and what you actually present.

A 15min show with stock music and fx costs way more than a hotel upgrade to a suite .. and you're only going to sleep in it.

You're probably reading this at the hotel by now so if you haven't settled into the suite I'd cancel it or you'll likely upset the hotel (and maybe the Mafia) and miss seeing Italy into the bargain.

Cheers.
__________________
Drink more tap water. On admission at Sydney hospitals more than 5% of day patients are de-hydrated.
Allan Black is offline   Reply With Quote
Old July 23rd, 2010, 07:02 PM   #12
Major Player
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 253
Manfrotto is in Italy - maybe they are close enough to rent you a few! ;)
Bill Vincent is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > Special Interest Areas > Wedding / Event Videography Techniques


 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:12 PM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network