"halfway decent" and "under $500" are mutually exclusive. You will need at least $1,000 to get a decent tripod.

Yes.

A Manfrotto 503 head is good to start with. You can buy it with some legs for around 500/600 dollars, if you got more money buy better legs. See B&H for deals and prices.

good tripod
 

Check out the Libec line. They have good prices at B&H. 3 year warranty as well. I had one and had a problem with a part coming loose, they overnighted me a new part right away, no charge.

Otherwise you will be looking at a Bogen combo for around $600.

Miller is good as well, though much more than $500.

Dan Weber

I have a Libec LS-55 setup which includes the sticks and a fluid head, It's a great set up for upgrading equipment, counter balance on this is abit too strong but if you had an AB mounted batter or a matte box this holds it perfectly.
My question is, is the Slide plate included good as or better then the specific JVC one?

I have a Libec LS-55 setup which includes the sticks and a fluid head, It's a great set up for upgrading equipment, counter balance on this is abit too strong but if you had an AB mounted batter or a matte box this holds it perfectly.
My question is, is the Slide plate included good as or better then the specific JVC one?

Looks like their out of the Libec in my price range. Would this work for a starter?

Bogen / Manfrotto 3046 Tripod Legs (Black) with 3460 (503) Pro Video Fluid Head - Supports 13.2 lbs

Good for the money:
http://www.evsonline.com/merchant2/m...ode=503351MVB2

Quick Release Plate - HD100?
 

I'm looking to get a larger plate for my HD100/Bogen 503. I've seen JVC's at a whopping $279.00. Seems a bit high. Would the 501PLONG from Bogen for the 503 head work just as well? It's only $70 or so.

Thanks.

The European catalogue (Manfrotto branded) shows the 501PLONG plate as being compatible with the plate supplied with the 503 head.

Beware the even longer 357PLONG as this is compatible with the 316 and 516 heads.

I ordered that plate to use my HD101 with the 503 head. With the big batteries it became too back heavy and the heads plate doesn't slide forward enought. The JVCs plate is too expensive and I think this will be a good option. My only concern is if the long plate won't let me put the camera on the shoulder. I'll have it next week and I'll post about it.

Tripod For HD100
 

The HD100 is an excessively heavy camera, can a normal tripod handle it for say a VX2000 or do you need a different tripod? What tripod works with this camera? I'm on a VERY limited budget and I need to get a t-pod under 200 dollars that won't break when the camera is mounted on it, something pretty tall too, any recommendations?

For 200$ maybe MANFROTTO from Italy can give you a good tripod. Also I know a very good tripod from Vinten model Pro-5DP, but it cost 500$.

Manfrotto, Vinten and Sachtler are owned by the same company.

Manfrotto? Thank you very much. Can someone give me some specifics about any other cheap HD100 compatible tripod! Please!? I know many if not most of you are working with tripods, what can you use in the 200-10 dollar price range? It's crucial that I get this information. The more specific the better, what 200-20 dollar tripod will work with the HD100 without collapsing or tipping over? Can someone please, give me this info!? Thanks for the manfrotto tip, is there anything else? What are most of you using?

Hd100 Tripod Please Help!
 

Manfrotto? Thank you very much. Can someone give me some specifics about any other cheap HD100 compatible tripod! Please!? I know many if not most of you are working with tripods, what can you use in the 200-10 dollar price range? It's crucial that I get this information. The more specific the better, what 200-20 dollar tripod will work with the HD100 without collapsing or tipping over? Can someone please, give me this info!? Thanks for the manfrotto tip, is there anything else? What are most of you using?

When you say "tripod", you mean tripod AND head, right? If so, this is probably the best that you can do for $200...

Davis & Sanford Pro Vista (cap. 18 pounds)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

Honestly, you need a tripod in the range of $1400 to $2000. I am not recommending a $200 tripod because I think it is what you need, I am recommending it because it is what you are asking for. I think you will be very unhappy with a $200 tripod. I consider $500 the barest minimum but I don't want one of those either.

Nick