Our church is considering bying some new tripods/heads to use with our GL-1's and I have seen a lot of discussion and done some research on these head models. But I have not been able to find out what type of mechanism (if any) is on these models for leveling the camera. Any knowledge out there?

I have a 501 and there is no "leveling mechanism", but there is a little bubble level. You have to level it by adjusting the tripod legs. Perhaps the head can be mounted on a tripod with a ball leveling mechanism? Don't know. I now primarily us a Miller DS-5 which has a ball leveler. This is a HUGE improvement when you setup, especially when working outdoors on uneven surfaces. Never takes more than a couple seconds to get level. It's a tedious excercise using my 501 with 3221 legs.

I am glad to see that about the 3221 legs. We have been using a 3130 with the 3221 that belongs to one of my camera guys - the legs are a pain.

Manfrotto makes the 438 (Bogen 3502) (http://www.manfrotto.com/product/templates/itemalone.php3?itemid=746) a 75mm compact leveler that works with the 501/503 (I have the 503). It works great and is well worth the $90 it cost me.

I not sure if all the DVinfo sponsors sell it, but B&H Photo does.

The Bogen 438 (US Cat # 3502) seems interesting. With a ball mechanism it should be faster to level than its more expensive brother, the 3416. The 3416 uses 3 brass thumb screws. It is a royal pain adjusting in the cold, and you could lose some skin attempting to rotate them too quickly. But either way, it's a lot less stressful than raising or lowering the legs to level the tripod. Time is of the essence in some situations, like shooting on a dock, where you are likely to be resting on 3 wooden boards, none of which are level with the other. Then the boat or animal life gets away. Another lost shot.

Thanks for all the input. We have decided to go with the 3001 legs with the 501 head (we just are not at a point in our production that I can justify the difference for the 503 - I already feel like I am spoiling my camera crew by getting 501's instead of more 3130's!). In looking for the levelling assistance devices as mentioned by Nathan, I only found this one:

Bogen / Manfrotto 556B Leveling Center Column - for 3001 Pro Tripod

It is about $90. Does anyone have any experience with this device?

Bogen now offers the MDEVE tripods which incorporate levelers and are specifically designed for small vidcams. I haven't seen one in person but they seem like a good idea and are a bit cheaper than buying a leveler separately. Go to B&H and look for models 756B, 755B, and 754.

Laurie, you don't need the overkill of the 503. Even the 501 is more than enough for the GL1.