Digital Video - September 2008 - (Page 16)

INSTANT EXPERT BY NED SOLTZ THE PRICE IS RIGHT VALUE PICKS FOR GOOD HEADS AND SOLID LEGS. ITEM/ CONTACT COMPANY MSRP WHAT IT IS SPECS 560B Manfrotto $149 fluid-head monopod. www.bogenimaging.com Okay, it isn’t a tripod, but a versatile monopod with retractable feet and a mini fluid head. Weighing only 1.5lb., it’s ideal for steadying on-the-run shots. The 560B supports up to 17lb. Many shooters depend on monopods, and these Manfrotto offerings are sturdy and offer surprisingly good pans for a reasonable price. 503 HDV Manfrotto $350 (head only) Superb value for cameras up to 17lb. www.bogenimaging.com Legs will add anywhere from $200 to $800, so plan on spending $600 to $950 for package. The 503 HDV is designed for budget-minded shooters who want reasonable quality. Dial-in drag. Three-step counterbalance. Sliding mounting plate. Note that the controls are entirely left-handed. FSB-6 Sachtler $1,350 to $1,800 A precise setup. www.sachtler.com This snap-and-go side-load model accepts payloads up to 13lb. and makes for easy mounting and removal of camera. Multi-step drag and counterbalance make for smooth, adjustable pans, and the movement starts and stops clean with no jumps or bounces. In this brand — as in all others, for that matter — consider the extra cost for carbon fiber legs. Your back will thank you. What do you get when you combine the superb FSB-6 head with a spreader tripod, an extension tube and a modular design? You get the SOOM. Available in several configurations, it creates a monopod by removing the tube or gives great extension by raising the tube. Its modular design allows a variety of styles and price ranges of sticks and heads. Vinten is a long-time favorite of many users, and the Vision 3 is a tried-andtested unit. Its uniqueness is in the interchangeable spring (purchase separately for $50), which is selected to correspond to camera weight. With a 75mm bowl and nine continuously variable stages of tilt-and-pan drag, the Vision 3 is precise and sturdy. Consider carbon fiber legs; these devices can be very heavy. Introduced at NAB 2008, the Zero Gravity created quite a buzz. No more need to adjust position, tilt, or loosen or tighten head. Just point the camera and the head does the rest. This is one of the most unique camera support products to have appeared in years. Mount on sticks or mount on a crane for even greater versatility. Even if you already have a good tripod, buy this one! Always test out a tripod and head before buying — with your own camera, if possible. And when you test, don’t forget about this mid-priced offering. Supporting up to 20lb., its unique features include a static counterbalancing system and a dynamic fluid-drag control. Also features quick-release for easy mounting and unmounting of camera. SOOM Sachtler $3,495 Swiss Army knife of supports. www.sachtler.com Vision 3 Vinten $1,700 and up A solid performer. www.vinten.com $499 head only;$699 with T100 tripod Zero Gravity VariZoom The promising new kid on the block. www.varizoom.com DS 20 Miller $1,549 and up A quality, precision instrument. www.miller.com.au HiDV 1 Cartoni $1,200 and up Sized just right. www.cartoni.com Designed for today’s generation of small cameras, the HiDV 1 supports up to 11lb. Its 75mm bowl allows mounting on a wide range of lighter-weight sticks (still, heed my advice about carbon fiber). Its counterbalance is precise, allowing for easy control of fluid pan movements. F102 Focus Cartoni $1,450 and up A bit better. The Focus head expands on the features of the HiDV 1, most notably supporting cameras up to 22lb. Both Cartoni head offerings are quite compact and make for easy transport and field use. www.cartoni.com Libec manufactures a full range of tripods, from entry-level models to larger professional units. This offering supports 17lb. of payload. All of Libec’s products represent excellent value and pan smoothly — one of the most important tests of a head’s worth. Quick mount is standard. LS38M Libec $792 A solid value. www.libecsales.com 16 dv september 2008 www.dv.com http://www.bogenimaging.com http://www.bogenimaging.com http://www.sachtler.com http://www.sachtler.com http://www.vinten.com http://www.varizoom.com http://www.miller.com.au http://www.cartoni.com http://www.cartoni.com http://www.libecsales.com http://www.dv.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Digital Video - September 2008

Digital Video - September 2008 Contents Discproducer PP-100 Frameforge 3D Studio 2 First Cuts Expodisc Bird's-Eye View Instant Expert Inside Outsource Red in Combat Tools & Technology My Studio DV101 Production Diary

Digital Video - September 2008

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