tripod adapters

P

powerdog

Veteran
There's a wide price range in adapters tripod made by Panny, Sony, and JVC that fit the 370. Are they exactly the same in specs and build quality?
 
Yeah, for the most part all the plates the same, so just get the cheapest one that's available. The Sony one is $190, but they didn't have it in stock when I was buying the camera so I got the JVC plate for $270. Panny's plate seems to be made out of a solid chunk of metal judging by pictures, but at $445 it's hard to justify...

I'm guessing the biggest factor is build quality, but unless you're using heavy gear or have the camera flying around on a jib, I don't think you should be worrying about the construction of the plate.
 
Keep in mind that the Sony VCT-U14 might have a bit of slop in it compared to the Panasonic SHAN plate. Call Mike at WHPlatts and he might have some better options for you.
 
I've actually found 4 options on the B&H website. That includes two different Sonys, priced at $190 and $300. Also, customer reviews of all 4 are about equally positive. I'm inclined to buy the cheaper Sony and return it if the fit isn't good. If it ever broke, I'd still save $65 buying another vs buying one Panny,
 
Keep in mind that the Sony VCT-U14 might have a bit of slop in it compared to the Panasonic SHAN plate
Click to expand...
Well, you get what you pay for, right?
My JVC plate also works just fine and it seems the only difference between it and the Panny plate is that more of the JVC plate is made of plastic, specifically the release lever area, while the frame and mount are metal. It's a very hard plastic, but it doesn't seem like an area that takes much wear anyway.
 
powerdog said:
I've actually found 4 options on the B&H website. That includes two different Sonys, priced at $190 and $300. Also, customer reviews of all 4 are about equally positive. I'm inclined to buy the cheaper Sony and return it if the fit isn't good. If it ever broke, I'd still save $65 buying another vs buying one Panny,
Click to expand...

It isn't that it is going to break - it just isn't right for use with Panasonic cameras for some reason. I've had the misfortune of using the U14 on three Panasonic cameras: HDX900; HPX300 and VariCam 2700 and it was sloppy (left to right shifting) on all of them. The more expensive Sony (the $300 one) didn't exhibit the same slop. Don't really know why this is, but it is. The Panasonic plate is excellent.
 
I did a little searching on eBay. Most of these adapters are available used, but there are also some new ones shipped from Hong Kong at about half price. I wonder if those are the real deal or cheap imitations.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top