Beef Up Your Tripod

[David@Leo's Camera]

We just got our demo HVX this morning! It arrived earlier than expected so I hope this bodes well for our first inventory shipment.
One thing I haven't seen much discussion about - and forgive me if this HAS been covered - is tripods.
It seems that a lot of potential HVX users are upgrading from the DVX. The bare bones DVX w/ D54s battery is approx. 4.5 lbs., while the HVX w/ D54s is approx. 6.5 lbs.
If your current tripod is not up to supporting this weight an upgrade may be neccessary. A number of clients who have pre-ordered the HVX with us have been asking me to quote them on less expensive tripods for budgetary reasons. I tested the camera on a Manfrotto/Bogen 755b with 501 video head. Although this combo is technically rated to support about 13 lbs, I found the level of flex in the legs to be unacceptable, while the head's tilting action was very jerky with that much weight.
In my opinion the very minimum head required for smooth action would be the 503 but obviously a true fluid head would be preferable. A tripod with tandem legs, 100mm bowl and the ability to add spreaders would also be the way to go.
Anyway, that's just an opinion formed from a quickie test in the store. It's always good to future-proof yourself and if you put some money into a good tripod sysetm it will pay you back 10 times. Bottom line: don't skimp on the tripod - it will probably outlast your next four cameras!:thumbsup:

 

[Jim Arthurs]

I tested the camera on a Manfrotto/Bogen 755b with 501 video head. Although this combo is technically rated to support about 13 lbs, I found the level of flex in the legs to be unacceptable, while the head's tilting action was very jerky with that much weight.

My past experience with the 501 is that it will be jerky no matter the weight of the camera... diagonal moves are almost impossible with it, IMO...

I hear you about a better combo... good advice...

Jim Arturs

 

[Cees Mutsaers]

Maybe you can propose some good alternative tripods with a true fluid head which you think is on pair with the HVX?
Also some price indication would be nice.

We just got our demo HVX this morning! It arrived earlier than expected so I hope this bodes well for our first inventory shipment.
One thing I haven't seen much discussion about - and forgive me if this HAS been covered - is tripods.
It seems that a lot of potential HVX users are upgrading from the DVX. The bare bones DVX w/ D54s battery is approx. 4.5 lbs., while the HVX w/ D54s is approx. 6.5 lbs.
If your current tripod is not up to supporting this weight an upgrade may be neccessary. A number of clients who have pre-ordered the HVX with us have been asking me to quote them on less expensive tripods for budgetary reasons. I tested the camera on a Manfrotto/Bogen 755b with 501 video head. Although this combo is technically rated to support about 13 lbs, I found the level of flex in the legs to be unacceptable, while the head's tilting action was very jerky with that much weight.
In my opinion the very minimum head required for smooth action would be the 503 but obviously a true fluid head would be preferable. A tripod with tandem legs, 100mm bowl and the ability to add spreaders would also be the way to go.
Anyway, that's just an opinion formed from a quickie test in the store. It's always good to future-proof yourself and if you put some money into a good tripod sysetm it will pay you back 10 times. Bottom line: don't skimp on the tripod - it will probably outlast your next four cameras!:thumbsup:

 

[tak1108]

I ordered the Vinten Pro6 and a used Pro130 for this camera and the XL1.

 

[OliverM]

I thought way ahead. A refurbished Sachtler video 18. My DVX has been sitting on this awesome throne since it arrived. Now I just need that damned HVX...

 

[lpcvideo1]

Great thread!

 

[Justyn]

That 501 head with the legs that come with it is garbage even on my XL1. When I had one I had to add some dumb weight just to get any soft movement. I'll have to check on the model number of the one I currently own, but I got it off ebay for 500 bucks and it's a 1500 large tripod. I presonally want a big heavy.. smooth tripod and the Bogen is just that. It's feature touch is awesome and I like having two handles and a mid level spreader and it can fold completely flat for some pretty low angle stuff. I'll check tomorrow on the model number. It's an older tripod and head but it rocks.

 

[Justyn]

That 501 head with the legs that come with it is garbage even on my XL1. When I had one I had to add some dumb weight just to get any soft movement. I'll have to check on the model number of the one I currently own, but I got it off ebay for 500 bucks and it's a 1500 large tripod. I presonally want a big heavy.. smooth tripod and the Bogen is just that. It's feature touch is awesome and I like having two handles and a mid level spreader and it can fold completely flat for some pretty low angle stuff. I'll check tomorrow on the model number. It's an older tripod and head but it rocks.

 

[David@Leo's Camera]

Maybe you can propose some good alternative tripods with a true fluid head which you think is on pair with the HVX?
Also some price indication would be nice.

For the money I think Miller tripods offers some of the best value. For the just the camera with minimum accessories you could get into a DS10 system with single stage aluminum twin legs and bag for under $1500 CDN. If you plan to use Mattebox and filters, cine rigs etc, the DS25 system would be able to support that kind of weight for a little over $2200 CDN.
A comparable system to the DS10 from Manfrotto/Bogen would be the 516 fluid head w/ 515 MVB legs for just under $1400. The 316 fluid head and 532 legs would be a nice upgrade for a heavier camera for just over $2500.

 

[David_M_Payne]

If cost is a factor, Barbara at AVS recomended the Bogen 3046/3426-3433 tripod in black or silver with the Bogen 3460 503 head for under $600.00 for the head and sticks with a carying case.

David

 

[Jim Arthurs]

For the money I think Miller tripods offers some of the best value. For the just the camera with minimum accessories you could get into a DS10 system with single stage aluminum twin legs and bag for under $1500 CDN.

I loved the feel of the Miller DS20 head, and the light weight combo with the carbon sticks. I now must wait until NAB so I can test the Cartoni Focus that people have raved about as well... I would rather spend a bit more and get something that will go from HVX to "RED" and service them both.

Jim Arthurs

 

[mochouinard]

For the money I think Miller tripods offers some of the best value. For the just the camera with minimum accessories you could get into a DS10 system with single stage aluminum twin legs and bag for under $1500 CDN. If you plan to use Mattebox and filters, cine rigs etc, the DS25 system would be able to support that kind of weight for a little over $2200 CDN.
A comparable system to the DS10 from Manfrotto/Bogen would be the 516 fluid head w/ 515 MVB legs for just under $1400. The 316 fluid head and 532 legs would be a nice upgrade for a heavier camera for just over $2500.

Forget it david, Im not going to shell out another few k$ for a tripod (YET

 

[leightonimages]

Tripod Screws

Tripod Screws

In my previous camera (Panasonic 915) there was a base plate- on the HVX it seems like one screw hole and one hole for a pin - I have a Miller head with a quick release plate that wants to use two screws - is there special hardware for working with the HVX? Thanks.

 

[David@Leo's Camera]

In my previous camera (Panasonic 915) there was a base plate- on the HVX it seems like one screw hole and one hole for a pin - I have a Miller head with a quick release plate that wants to use two screws - is there special hardware for working with the HVX? Thanks.

The HVX has a 1/4" thread hole and one for the locator pin. Which Miller head do you have? If it has both a 1/4" and a 3/8" screw, just remove the 3/8" one.

 

[cre8tive]

I'm using the Sachtler DV 4 II (two stage) tripod system with my DVX 100A. It is a great package for right around $1K.

When I upgrade to the HVX200, I think I will like the sticks even more, as the weight of the DVX borders on being too light for the Sachtler head, IMHO.

Cre8tive

 

[penfever]

There was a lot of buzz over the new Cartoni Focus a little while back - anyone care to chime in who's used it?

 

[leightonimages]

The HVX has a 1/4" thread hole and one for the locator pin. Which Miller head do you have? If it has both a 1/4" and a 3/8" screw, just remove the 3/8" one.

I have the DS20 head - if I go with only one screw the plate comes loose - with two screws it could not move - do other users just use one screw?

 

[harlan]

I haven't used the Cartoni focus, but I do use Cartoni systems for all of my 2/3" HD cameras. The Cartoni C-20s & C-40s heads are downright fantastic. I send them out into the field everyday without any complaints or ever having a problem with them. Assuming the Cartoni Focus is built with the same level of quality as the C-20s & C40s then it'll be a great system for the HVX200.


hope that helps

 

[jazzx]

Just got my Cartoni Focus head yesterday along with a one-stage tripod and a bag. It is patiently waiting for the HVX to sit on it,...I've done some small tests with other cameras and I absolutely love it, top quality stuff...

I was about to order the Sachtler DV6 head and changed my mind at the last minute after reading, asking and then realizing that a 75mm bowl was not such a good idea and that the head though good, was overpriced for what it was providing, I'm with 100mm now and can use a wider range of stuff like small jibs.

 

[David@Leo's Camera]

I have the DS20 head - if I go with only one screw the plate comes loose - with two screws it could not move - do other users just use one screw?

Does your plate have the locator pin intact? It is usually attached to the 1/4" screw. If not, contact your Miller dealer and get them to sort you out!