Fluid Head Tripod Information
The
fluid head tripod goes hand and hand with film making. Without having
a good fluid head tripod your shots are going to end up being shaky. If
your shooting outside, the wind is enough to shake the camera if you are
not using the proper tripod. If you are using zoom that shaking is multiplied.
You
need a Tripod that has "Fluid Heads". When you pan, if there
is no resistance to your action the shot is not going to be smooth. Fluid
heads give you resistance to your panning which smooth out the jitter.
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Now a scene taken with Fluid Heads. This scene is using a telephoto lens and panning. The camera man is new and has just been shooting for a short while, so the scene is not perfect but a lot better with the fluid heads, and proper tripod size for the camera.
There are two parts to a tripod setup. There is the head, the part that connects to the camera, and the tripod legs. The head used in video filming is called a fluid head. The turning action of the head feels like there is malaises poured in the joints of the head. This provides an oozing resistance to your turning of the head. This smooth's out the panning. A good fluid head will give you this resistance in it's left and right movements and up and down movements.
You also have to be concerned that the tripod's weight limit is a bit more than the camera you are using because if you end up adding thing to the camera, you will still be within the weight limits. The bigger the better.
I would have to say that for the low to no budget film maker the tripod is more important than the camera. We have all watched old vintage films that were still enjoyable. That's because they were shot professionally. The quality of the film was horrible but the scenes were shot correctly. There's only one way to get that Hollywood look, and that's to shoot Hollywood style. They have conditioned our minds from the time we were born to interpret movie images we see in a certain way. Now once we put Hollywood "OUT OF BUSINESS" we can begin to change this but until then we are going to have to shoot "Hollywood style".
I use the Bogen 501 fluid head with Bogen legs. The better your tripod the better and more Hollywood your scenes are going to look. And what does this mean? Hollywood your OUT A HERE!
Check out prices and pictures of the Top of the Line Tripods and Fluid Head setups For Making Films
Bogen - Manfrotto 3046-3433 - 3046 Tripod with the 501 Pro Video Fluid Head with Quick Release
BOGEN 3169n Chrome Tripod & Quick Release Fluid Head
Bogen - Manfrotto 529B Hi Hat - for Low Angle Shooting with the 519, 516, 503(3460), 501(3433), 316 and other Pro Video Heads (Requires proper Adapter for each Head)
Bogen - Manfrotto 3169D - 3001D Tripod with 3130 Micro Fluid Video Head with Quick Release
Cartoni Laser UL/AL
System, with Laser Head, 1-Stage Ultra Light Aluminium Tripod with Mid-Level
Spreader & Soft Case, Supports 10 to 22 lbs.
Runs for around $2500.00
Description
Built of magnesium and aluminum alloy, the LASER is a very compact and
lightweight Fluid Head designed for portable DIGITAL CAMERAS weighing
up to 10 Kg. (22 lbs).
Featuring an infinitely variable counterbalance, the LASER provides for excellent performances at any tilt position from +90 to 90 degrees. The continuously variable fluid control system ensures consistent drag levels and smooth camera movements on both pan and tit modes.
The LASER comes equipped with
a 100 mm bowl base, telescopic pan bar and illuminated spirit level. (A
wide range of ENG tripods are available both in aluminum or carbon fiber
version with either single or double stage extension)
Cartoni Gamma CF 2 System, with Gamma Head, 2-Stage Carbon Fiber Tripod with On-Ground Spreader & Soft Case, Supports 15 to 35 lbs.
Runs around $5000.00
Description
Safe and reliable, the GAMMA support is specifically designed for ENG
configurations up to 16 Kg (35 lbs). Featuring an infinitely variable
counterbalance system with easy readable numerical reference, the GAMMA
provides excellent performances at any angle from+ 90 to 70 degrees. For
additional tilt matching the 90° angle, an ultra lightsliding plate
is available.
A host of advanced features
make this FLUID HEAD a bestseller in its range including infinitely adjustable
drag settings, camera quick release system and illuminated spirit level.
The GAMMA head interfaces with a wide range of 100 mm bowl tripods both
in aluminum or carbon fiber with either single or double stage extension.
Miller System VJ-20 ENG CFS Fluid Head with 2 Stage Sprinter Carbon Fiber Tripod 1305 - with Mid-Level Spreader - with Case
Runs around $4500.00
Description
VJ20! Sprinter! Mid Spreader! Action!.. XL-1 and DSR300 (typical) shooters
will gain the ultimate in ENG performance from the 1455 system: sprinter
2-Stage Carbon tripod; Mid Spreader for all terrains; 4-position pan/tilt
drag and dual counterbalance. The ultimate ENG package for for DV and
DVCAM shooters!
The Miller VJ20 delivers the strength and features of a 100mm ENG ball levelling fluid head into the lightweight ultra-portable arena of video journalism. Designed for VJ's using Canon XL1, Panasonic DVC-15 or Sony DSR250/370 Camcorders, the VJ20 offers 4-position, fluid action pan /tilt, plus dual counterbalance and sliding camera plate to suit a range of lenses and batteries. Payload capacity: 10 kg (22 lb)
Sprinter 2-Stage Carbon Tripod
(1305)
Bowl Diameter: 100mm
Weight: 2.9 kg (6.4 lb)
Payload capacity: 45 kg (99 lb)
Lock Type: Sprint-Loks
Maximum Height: 1530 mm (60.2 in)
Minimum Height: 420 mm (16.5 in)
Transport Length: 685 mm (27.0 in)
Tube Type: Carbon Fibre
Construction: 2-Stage
Sprinter/HD Mid Spreader (990)
Features:
Suits all Sprinter & HD tripods
Telescopic arm extensions
Infinitely adjustable centre hub
Fast spring clip spreader attach/detach
Weight: 0.4 kg (0.9 lb)
Folded Length: 325 mm (12.8 in)
Extended Length: 490 mm (19.3 in)
Attachment: Spring clip
Tube Type: Alloy
Spreader Type: 1
Features
Sprinter 2-Stage Carbon Fibre tripod
Mid level Spreader with infinite height adjustment
4-psotion Pan and Tilt drag with 100mm ball levelling
Dual counterbalance to suit both XL-1 and DSR300 camcorders
Miller System VJ-20 ENG CFS Fluid Head with 2 Stage Sprinter Carbon Fiber Tripod 1305 - On Ground Spreader - with Case
Runs around $4300.00
Description
The Ultimate ENG package for lightweight camcorders... Combine the lightning
speed, light weight and height range of 2-Stage Sprinter with the VJ20's
counterbalance, perfectly matched to XL-1 or DSR300 payloads and you have
the ultimate lightweight DV package when your business is ENG
The Miller VJ20 delivers the strength and features of a 100mm ENG ball levelling fluid head into the lightweight ultra-portable arena of video journalism. Designed for VJ's using Canon XL1, Panasonic DVC-15 or Sony DSR250/370 Camcorders, the VJ20 offers 4-position, fluid action pan /tilt, plus dual counterbalance and sliding camera plate to suit a range of lenses and batteries. Payload capacity: 10 kg (22 lb)
Sprinter 2-Stage Carbon Tripod
(1305)
Bowl Diameter: 100mm
Weight: 2.9 kg (6.4 lb)
Payload capacity: 45 kg (99 lb)
Lock Type: Sprint-Loks
Maximum Height: 1530 mm (60.2 in)
Minimum Height: 420 mm (16.5 in)
Transport Length: 685 mm (27.0 in)
Tube Type: Carbon Fibre
Construction: 2-Stage
Features
Sprinter 2-Stage Carbon Fibre tripod Ground Spreader
Inline carry handle and rugged soft case for carrying east
4-position Pan and Tilt with 100mm ball levelling
Dual counterbalance for XL-1 or DSR300 DV payloads
Giottos 3-Section
Professional Aluminum Video Tripod with Leveling Fluid Head, Sliding Camera
Plate with Q.R.
Runs around $210.00
Description
The BL 1150 is a three section tripod with a leveling fluid head, and
a 60" maximum height. The pan handle adjusts for angle and reverses
left to right. Includes a Sliding Camera plate with Quick release. The
Closed length is 30", while it weights 7.2 pounds. Has a built-in
level, leg spreaders, and lever leg locks.
OConnor DV-4 35LC Carbon Fiber Tripod With Ultimate DV Head
Runs around $4300.00
Description
These lightweight, rugged, quick deployment tripods feature instant set-up
on most terrain. This is achieved by having a ring, located under the
tripod top casting, which releases all three legs simultaneously. Each
leg can also be independently adjusted.
Carbon Fiber Quick Deployment Tripod with 100mm Ball Top Casting, Built-in Tiedown, Carbon Fiber Air Assist Column, Two Position Spreader and Spike Guards.
The Ultimate DV & DVS fluid heads offer the same features as our award-winning 2575B fluid head in a compact, lightweight package ideal for DVCam / DVCPro camcorder users. Our patented pan & tilt fluid drag system generates more true-fluid drag than many larger fluid heads, yet is infinitely and repeatably adjustable down to a 'zero' setting necessary for stable 'whip' movements. Counterbalancing is also infinitely adjustable, which enables 'tuning' of the head to precisely neutralize the camcorder's weight throughout the entire tilt range. No competing support products of any size can match the Ultimate DV & DVS features and level of performance for DVCam / DVCPro requirements.
We do not feel that function
should be sacrificed or limited. These are not stripped down or de-featured
versions of existing products. OConnor's DV & DVS fluid heads are
full-featured, and compatible with all OConnor accessories. They are designed
to meet the varied requirements and expectations of demanding professionals.
Features
These heads are full-featured, lightweight, and compact.
Perfect for DVCam, DVCPro, and other smaller format 3-CCD camcorders.
OConnor DVS-3 25L Carbon Fiber Tripod With Ultimate DVS Head
Runs around $4200.00
Description
Lightweight Carbon Fiber, Two Stage Tripod, horizontal lever locks for
quick, safe & secure leg adjustments. This lightweight tripod has
a range of 15" to 66" while maintaining an extremely stable
platform.
Carbon Fiber, Two Stage Tripod with Horizontal Lever Lock Legs, 100mm Ball Top Casting, MId-Leg Spreader and Spike Guards.
The Ultimate DV & DVS fluid heads offer the same features as our award-winning 2575B fluid head in a compact, lightweight package ideal for DVCam / DVCPro camcorder users. Our patented pan & tilt fluid drag system generates more true-fluid drag than many larger fluid heads, yet is infinitely and repeatably adjustable down to a 'zero' setting necessary for stable 'whip' movements. Counterbalancing is also infinitely adjustable, which enables 'tuning' of the head to precisely neutralize the camcorder's weight throughout the entire tilt range. No competing support products of any size can match the Ultimate DV & DVS features and level of performance for DVCam / DVCPro requirements.
We do not feel that function
should be sacrificed or limited. These are not stripped down or de-featured
versions of existing products. OConnor's DV & DVS fluid heads are
full-featured, and compatible with all OConnor accessories. They are designed
to meet the varied requirements and expectations of demanding professionals.
Features
These heads are full-featured, lightweight, and compact.
Perfect for DVCam, DVCPro, and other smaller format 3-CCD camcorders.
Bescor TH-660 Pro High Performance Video Tripod with Quick Release Fluid Head & Spreaders, Supports 15 lbs
Runs around $200.00
Features
Professional High Performance
Aircraft Aluminum Channels
Two-Way Fluid Pan Head
Removable Quick Shoe Release
Mid-Level Adjustable Spreader
Bottom Adjustable Support Spreader
Buble Level Indicator
270 Degree Vertical Tilt Control
Ball Claw Head Clamp
Allows Head To Tilt 45 Degrees in any Direction
Weighs 9 Lbs with Bottom Spreader
Maximum Height 58.25"
Sachtler System Video 15 SB SL MCF Carbon Fiber Tripod System with Video 15 SB Fluid Head, 2-Stage Tripod, Mid Level Spreader, Rubber Feet and Padded Bag, Supports 35.2 lbs
Runs around $6200.00
Sachtler System Video
15 SB ENG 2 MCF Carbon Fiber Tripod System with Video 15 SB Fluid Head,
2-Stage Tripod, Mid Level Spreader, Rubber Feet, and Padded Bag, Supports
35.2 lbs
Runs around
$5900.00
Sachtler System Video 18 P SL MCF Carbon Fiber Tripod System with Video 18 Plus Fluid Head, 2-Stage Tripod, Mid Level Spreader & Padded Bag, Supports 44 lbs.
Runs around $7100.00
Slik DV Master Pro
Tripod with 2-Way Fluid Pan Head (Supports up to 12.75 lbs.)
Runs around $1000.00
Written by
G. Parsons copyright © 2005 711net.com
