Tripod Techniques?
 

Anyone have any suggestions on tripod techniques. I still cant control the camera as well when its on a tripod as oposed to holding it. Particualy when it comes to zooming in slow while panning at the same time. Any thoughts?

Sounds like you need a lanc controler

Alan

Practice Kevin practice using your EVF. You need a suitable tripod made for video work, and a while ago I found I didn't have enough drag on my Manfrotto 503 head.

Cheers.

Try using a rubberband. http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/tripod-st...bber-band.html

Kevin,
It also helps greatly if your tripod is good in the first place. Something like Sachtler or Vinten pans and balances MUCH better than say...Bogen. What kind of tripod are you using now?

Warren:

I'm actually using a Bogen. Its the only one ive used so I have nothing to compare it to. However, I dont hnks is the brand of tripod, its more about me not using the tripod correctly. Maybe using the Eye viewer may help, this way im standing behind the tripod instead of to the side of it. Any other thoughts?

Which model head are you using? If it's not a true fluid head, then that could be one big problem. Bogen is an ok brand. Definitely good for the price, but you can't beat Sachtler for quality.

1. A technique I often use is to tuck the pan bar under my arm. This allows me to control the tilt and pan with my body and it keeps my hands free to operate the zoom and other controls.

2. A longer pan bar can make for greater precision.

3. A LANC is not necessary at all, but it is an extremely common tool among shooters. Most people benefit from using them.

4. Play with the drag and see what works best for you.

5. Better tripod heads make smooth shots much easier to attain.

Alec Moreno
http://www.1Day1ShotProductions.com

Wanting to learn to use your tools to the best of your ability is an excellent way to improve your videos.

One thing about any tripod is that it can only work to it's full capacity if you set it up properly.

That starts with establishing your camera position at precisely the tripod head's center of gravity. Most tripod mounting plates have a number of mounting holes and a lot of room for adjustment. That center of gravity will also change depending on the weight of accessories like lens adaptors, batteries - even cables and wireless receivers - they all affect the balance point of any tripod.

After you find that balance point by experimentation, the next step is to set the drag and/or spring balance. Yes, better heads will have better adjustments available, but even a mid level Bogen will allow you to set enough drag so that when you tilt, the camera will remain in position when you take your hand away from the arm.

Similarly, setting the pan drag is a LOT easier when the camera is well balanced to start.

Removing all drag should let the camera pan with a very light touch, but setting a modest amount of drag will often smooth out a pan.

One trick I learned when starting was to use strips of white gaffers tape on adjustable areas, and once I had the balance right, I'd draw a line across adjustment points so I could reproduce the position and setting the next time I set up the rig.

Good luck.

I would say take deep breaths and practice, practice, practice on being as smooth as possible. Also, being as close to the camera itself as possible helps to keep things smooth.