Tripod advice

Bucket · 15 Dec 2011 at 17:57

Hi all,

I'm going to be helping a friend shoot a few video bits and pieces soon and the camera view has to obviously be stable and consistent and it's a top down view.

I've only got a really naff Tripod that doesn't quite go so that it's on a 90 degree angle, it's off and is irritating.

Anyone got any recommendations to a really cheap Tripod that can achieve what I'm after or any better advice? I might be just being a loon but I can't get the angle I desire!

(The person will be laying down, face up and I need to shoot directly down towards that)

Thanks!

Raymond Lin · 15 Dec 2011 at 18:42

Or just use a monopod. Manfrotto 561BHDV-1.

But way out of your budget I expect.

As for tripod, you'll need one with a removable centre column that can put thread through the middle to get that 90c angle.

Bucket · 15 Dec 2011 at 18:59

Yeah it's just a quick one thing that it's needed for so that is quite pricey.

Any sort of 'DIY' solution that you can think of?

-|ScottFree|- · 16 Dec 2011 at 02:32

Buy a gorilla pod and wrap its legs around something like a mic stand. Everyone should own a gorilla pod if they use video. They are just so versatile when you want a different perspective.

Gaffer · 16 Dec 2011 at 05:08

Bucket said:
I've only got a really naff Tripod that doesn't quite go so that it's on a 90 degree angle, it's off and is irritating.

There was a portrait photographer talking at my local camera club the other evening, who recommended shooting models on inclined surfaces, head down.

Helps to extend the neck, and means that mavity is helping to "lift" everything. So, for your shot, I would consider lying the model on a sheet of 8'x4' that is elevated at the far end enough to compensate by the same amount that your tripod falls short of the 90 degree angle.

Andrew