Tripod/fluid head shopping for the HMC40

N

nyvideo

Active member
I haven't seen a thread here (HMC40 area) dedicated to this so I thought I'd ask for some feedback from others who've purchased or are interested in this camera.

Reading through the dvxuser > Hardware > Tripods thread, I've realized the importance of using a high quality one. I'm now willing to invest more than my initial expectation of less than $500 for a tripod and fluid head for my HMC40. But I want that to be a wise investment.

The HMC40's light weight makes the decision confusing. I've seen some of the high quality names in tripods selling a complete system for a $1K or so. But, some of these are designed to support no more than 2 kg (4.4 lbs).

The basic HMC40 is ~3 lbs. So my questions to those who've purchased this camera are:

Did you spend money on a tripod and head that are just designed to support such a light weight?
Did you regret it or was it the perfect choice?
What happens when you add microphones? XLR adapter? External monitor?
Is a tripod system designed to support only 4.4 lbs. too light?
What happens when the wind picks up or the waves are pushing you around in 2 feet of water?


Feedback welcomed.

With gratitude,
nyvideo
 
There is a dividing line in the lower end of tripod heads and that is whether or not it is a true fluid head. A fluid head will give you smoother panning, and is especially important when you start and stop your movement.

I'm not sure in the other lines, but in Manfrotto, the 503 is the entry level head that is a true fluid head. Most of the actual fluid heads will be rated for more weight than what you need for a HMC40, but within reason, that will be a non-issue.

Grant
 
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