eBay consultation

[ljosaa]

Hello! I'm looking to buy a tripod for my Panasonic DVX100AE and on eBay I came across a British store that sells all kinds of camera accessories. Has any of you bought any of these? I know that the price isn't too high but it's about the price of the opteka 70' tripod that is sold in America which is also cheap but great value. These look to be good value. What do you guys think? As a first tripod and maybe monopod. Does any of you guys use monopods as a steadycam thing? I know it's not optimal but it seems that with the right skill you would be able to maybe some pretty smooth movements. Thanks.

Adam

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=009&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=190119448634&rd=1&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=009&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=190119448616&rd=1&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=009&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=190119450585&rd=1&rd=1

[Noel Evans]

To be completely honest with you. All rubbish.

[ljosaa]

OK. That's what I expected to hear. I just want a simple tripod for shooting basic stuff like nature and maybe some small short films but nothing special and I'm not looking to spend 500$ to 1000$ for a tripod. I heard the opteka ones are good value but the only place I can find them is on eBay from America. I live in Denmark. Does anyone know a place to buy them in Europe?

[Grug]

I'd get something more like a Manfrotto 055cl, it's what I use. Only a basic tripod, but it's not too heavy and It's very solidly made.

If you're only doing basic stuff, a used Manfrotto 055c might do well for you, it's not as good as the 'cl' but it should serve your purposes.


Here's one:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MANFROTTO-055C-Tripod-with-MN029-Head_W0QQitemZ250123612095QQihZ015QQcategoryZ3325Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[ljosaa]

This tripod on the auction has a 3/8 screw on the head. Does that work with the DVX? Just want to make sure because the guy from the auction didn't know.

[Diggah]

Spend the most you can afford on a tripod. You won't regret it. I spent <does quick conversion> £260 / $520 on a Manfrotto set up and it doesn't even compare to my previous cheaper one. The build quality and smoothness of movements are incredible. Although it was a lot of money I am very glad I spent it and I know this one will last for a long time too.

[ljosaa]

thanks for the tip. Could someone please answer my question about the screw on the tripod head. Is it the correct size for the DVX100A?

[dc12at0n]

thanks for the tip. Could someone please answer my question about the screw on the tripod head. Is it the correct size for the DVX100A?

hey ljosaa,

im pretty sure its compatible. i would assume that all tripod quick releases have a universal screw for both video cameras and still cameras.

btw, you won't get anything out of those tripods you listed except for a static shot with no smooth pans or tilts. also, do not trust the legs on those things. they will collapse when you least expect it. your dvx deserves more than that.

[ljosaa]

I'm looking at some of the Manfrotto models. Like 055C like a user here recommended.