is it the tripod's head -- or mine?

So would that 1030B/HD head be appropriate for a DVX?

Also, do you know why some people hated the Vintens?

Finally, it looks like in the DVX weight range, the options for REAL fluid heads (vs lubricated friction) are limited. Miller claims it offers the only one -- are there others?
 
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The 1030 would be a little overkill for a bare DVX but it would balance a DVX. The head is fairly big and pretty heavy though, compared to other heads designed for DV cameras. I think it weighs 8 or 10 lbs.

The Vintens, I guess it's just a personal perference. They just didn't like the feel. But again, other people are fine with them.

The Cartoni is a fluid head. There's also Sachtler, although some people claim the fluid modules aren't really fluid. I'm not sure what really is inside those modules. But Sachtler is a very well know, expensive brand and the high-end heads are very common.
 
Funny thing, Studio Monthly compared a bunch of high-end and mid-range tripod/head combos. One of the lowest rated was the real fluid head of the Miller...just not very smooth for them. I guess it's more the implementation than the particular technology that really counts.

Same article praised the Cartoni head's smoothness. Some users say that when the Cartoni lets you down, you move on to a Vinten or Sachtler.

I either have to get down to NYC, or assume that anything I might order in that range is light years ahead of what I"m using.

I'm curious about that O'Connor, too, because it must be really something to cost so much. I guess I could buy a nice new HVX for less -- if I had the dough!
 
If budget is an issue, I recommend the Bogen 516 or 519. Give them a test at your local dealer. I am no expert, but the 516 feels smooth when I use both handles. I regret not getting 2 stage legs to increase shot options for film making.
 
There really is no way to even compare a low cost tripod setup with the upper level sets. I own a 501 on a set of 525mvb stick and I friggen HATE it. it's a horrible tripod. Now, that's not always how I felt. Years ago, when I moved up from my cheap velbon to the 501 I was psyched, I loved it, but then I spoiled it all when I started working for a guy with 4 different $7-12k sachtler set ups. Now, anytime I have a shoot for broadcast, I have to rent one, or I feel like I suck. The difference is HUGE! With thh 501, to nail a very smooth pan takes like 5 tries, and you can forget about super low or high angle pans, with the sachler, I can nail every shot on the first try. Kind of funny though, to have a camera on a set of sticks worth 3 times what the camera is.
 
Lion, the low-end heads aren't really the topic here. But you can only go moderately high-end with a light camera. The Vinten Vision 3 will work w/a 5 lb. DVX. The next one up, the VV 6, starts at 9 lb. cameras. Seems that way across all brands.

Even if I wanted to, I'd have a hard time finding a $7000+ tripod that would be suitable for a DVX.
 
I know I know, but oh man, as excessive as it is, It is just great. blows the miller dv and the focus away, even without the necessary weight. and that low end sachler, without the adjustable drag is just a cruel joke.
 
Well, for that matter, when I was a kid (centuries ago) I was in a student film shot on a UCLA soundstage. Their Mitchell camera was mounted on a huge dolly that must still exist because it was totally indestructible. Probably weighed close to a ton. When the camera wasn't mounted, we used to give each other rides up & down on the head.

Now, I'd like to see about mounting my DVX on that thing!
 
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