Hi all,

Just opened the box to my XM2 about 20 mins ago. Obviously very excited although a little daunted by the fact I know zip about shooting video presently.

I have a question regarding tripods. I have conducted a search in the forum but can't find the answer to my particular question. What is the difference between fluid-head tripods and ball and socket type? How does one affect the shooting over the other, or is it a simple "fluid head are always better" type answer? It seems that tripods are technology all of their own and I'm trying to work out what type I need for the shooting I intend to do (family and wildlife - some would say the two are related).

Also, does anyone know an online retailer in the uk who sells the kind of tripod I should use with the XM2 (I don't want to spend the Earth if I can help it)?

Appreciate any help on this.

Thanks

Lloyd,

Fluid heads use fluid to dampen the movement of the head in the pan and tilt axis's. The result is much smoother starts and stops to any movement of the head. It's used in all mid level and up heads. While it's tempting to save some money in this area and not go for a good head, you'll probably end up regretting it in the future as your skills and projects progress.

Hi Rob,

Thanks for the response. I wondered if the dampened head restricted the speed at which I could pan? For example, say I was shooting some birds landing and taking off from a lake, would I be likely to have problems keeping up with the speed of the action?

Take your point regarding the price. If a fluid head is the way to go then that's what I'll go with.

Lloyd,

Dampening shouldn't restrict your speed, just make the starts and stops much smoother. The speed of a pan/tilt is restricted using the "drag" adjustments that are built into the heads. Very light drag = very fast movement with little effort.

Thanks muchly for the clarification. I just read another thread lower down regarding the Miller tripods, which helped me too. Looks as though I need something akin to the DS5 although I dread to imagine the cost. :)