Digital Video - January 2008 - (Page 15) BY NED SOLTZ INSTANT EXPERT TRIPODS & SUPPORTS TEN TRIPODS AND SUPPORTS FOR LOW TO MID-WEIGHT CAMERAS ITEM/ CONTACT COMPANY MSRP WHAT IT IS SPECS FSB-6 Sachtler $1,299 (and up, with sticks) 75mm bowl. Capacity of 2.213.2 lbs. www.sachtler.us $1,100 (complete) This head was the top choice of our writers and editors at NAB 2007. New side-angled plate for easy mounting/removal. Ten levels of counterbalance. Accessories include battery, which mounts between head and camera with power cable for most cameras. Really sweet unit. Just introduced at IBC 2007, this new offering has a side-mounted plate and three stages of adjustment. Tripod is mid-spreader. Lightweight yet durable. Definitely worth a look for your smaller camera. Pro-6 HDV Vinten Mid-weight system up to 13.2 lbs. www.vinten.com Bogen/Manfrotto $679 (with 351MVB2 tripod) 503HDV Updated version of the old standby 503 head. Capacity of 17.6 lbs. www.bogenimaging.us The Bogen 503 has been around for a long time and is an excellent entry-level choice for smaller cameras. New larger knobs and continuously adjustable drag. New position counterbalance. A real bargain and great performer. 560B Monopod Bogen/Manfrotto $150 Monopod with mini-fluid head. www.bogenimaging.us Ser.2 ProVideo Gitzo Head www.bogenimaging.us DS-20 Fluid Head $1099 (head only) This is one of my favorites. I often travel with a monopod and this one combines the legendary Bogen monopod with a small fluid head for great motion with smaller cameras. Should be in everyone’s gear bag. $233 (head only) Capacity of 11 lbs. Quick-release with fixed drag. Great economy model with Gitzo quality and workmanship. Pair it with carbon fiber legs for the ultimate lightweight unit. Fine for small cameras without additional accessories where economy is needed yet the most tripod for the money is demanded. Miller www.millertripods.com Focus Fluid Head Miller produces a wide range of excellent products. The DS-20 is 75mm bowl. Capacity to 22 lbs. positioned exactly at this midrange for today’s smaller cameras Sliding plate for balance. Variable with accessories. Quick-release plate and sliding balance plate dispan drag. tinguish it. Sturdy construction. Paired with Cartoni aluminum tripod, this head has a strong following in the smaller camera world. Its single spring counterweight makes balancing simple and reports from the field say it’s just a very comfortable unit to work with. Don’t neglect to give it a try when you’re in the market. Cartoni $799 (head only) 100mm bowl. Capacity to 22 lbs. Variable single-spring counterbalance. www.cartoni.com Backpack and camera suspension combination for cameras up to 10 lbs. with interchangeable weights to hold up large ENG cameras. Turtle-X Easyrig $1,200. Amazing stability and security when shooting on the run in difficult terrains and scenarios. Everything stows in the backpack when not in use. www.easyrig.se Cinesaddle Cinekinetic $335-$375 www.cinekinetic.com Beans are good for you; beanbags are great for your shots. In places where you cannot use a tripod or shoot handheld, just plop down a Smaller sizes available. Beanbag Cinesaddle. It conforms to where you set it and the camera is cradled camera support. nicely. It’s sturdy, water-resistant, and even has refill beans available. A great support accessory, particularly for outdoor or nature video. Handheld system with adjustable handles, places to mount anything you like, a shoulder mount, and shock absorbing support rod. We’ve already profiled this in a prior Instant Expert, but cannot represent the range of camera support options without mentioning DVMultiRig. It is infinitely versatile and can be configured in more ways than any contortion artist. The best product for smooth, stable hand-held shots. Solid construction. DV MultiRig Dvtec $485 www.dvtec.tv www.dv.com dv january 2008 15 http://www.sachtler.us http://www.vinten.com http://www.bogenimaging.us http://www.bogenimaging.us http://www.bogenimaging.us http://www.millertripods.com http://www.cartoni.com http://www.easyrig.se http://www.cinekinetic.com http://www.dvtec.tv http://www.dv.com
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