Good cam/fluid tripod for beginner
- Thread starter JetMonkey
- Start date
This is essentially the same tripod I've used for the past 5+ years... It's sturdy and the fluid head is really smooth: http://amzn.to/17bjHsa
I've got a camera with a few extras for sale that would be great for someone just getting into filmmaking: http://www.indietalk.com/showthread.php?t=47016
I've got a camera with a few extras for sale that would be great for someone just getting into filmmaking: http://www.indietalk.com/showthread.php?t=47016
Hi JetMonkey - I like the twin handles on the Ravelli or Fancier AVTP tripod (same unit, two different brand names). I own this tripod, and it will give your son smooth pans and tilts for not a lot of money.
It is difficult to recommend a camera without a price level, but assuming you want to stay below $2000 and want 'cinematic' shallow depth of field, here is what I would recommend at various price levels.
$2000 and below camcorder: $1899 Sony VG30 - large sensor interchangeable lens camcorder with a power zoom lens. Here is what this camera can do (please watch at 1080p):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDpq2aFC8PU
$2000 and below still/video camera: $1300 Panasonic GH3 with 14-140 manual zoom or 14-42 and 45-175 power zoom lenses. This is a camcorder-like still/video hybrid camera with high bit rate recording, 1080/60p for slow motion and an easy to use auto mode. The GH3 produces very high quality images like these:
http://vimeo.com/59543338
$1000 and below: a new Nikon D5200 or, if you don't mind buying used, a Panasonic GH2. In either case I would add the Tascam DR-60D for a decent preamp. These cameras are the best on the list for avoiding shot-ruining moire (shimmering colors on patterned objects).
The D5200 is relatively new, but here is an example of the image quality it can produce (please watch in 1080p):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6Xnbc7UJPQ
Here is what the GH2 can do with the free firmware upgrade that increases its bit rate:
http://vimeo.com/40844162
All of these cameras are easy to use in auto mode - and will grow with your son as his skills increase.
Hope this is helpful,
Bill
It is difficult to recommend a camera without a price level, but assuming you want to stay below $2000 and want 'cinematic' shallow depth of field, here is what I would recommend at various price levels.
$2000 and below camcorder: $1899 Sony VG30 - large sensor interchangeable lens camcorder with a power zoom lens. Here is what this camera can do (please watch at 1080p):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDpq2aFC8PU
$2000 and below still/video camera: $1300 Panasonic GH3 with 14-140 manual zoom or 14-42 and 45-175 power zoom lenses. This is a camcorder-like still/video hybrid camera with high bit rate recording, 1080/60p for slow motion and an easy to use auto mode. The GH3 produces very high quality images like these:
http://vimeo.com/59543338
$1000 and below: a new Nikon D5200 or, if you don't mind buying used, a Panasonic GH2. In either case I would add the Tascam DR-60D for a decent preamp. These cameras are the best on the list for avoiding shot-ruining moire (shimmering colors on patterned objects).
The D5200 is relatively new, but here is an example of the image quality it can produce (please watch in 1080p):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6Xnbc7UJPQ
Here is what the GH2 can do with the free firmware upgrade that increases its bit rate:
http://vimeo.com/40844162
All of these cameras are easy to use in auto mode - and will grow with your son as his skills increase.
Hope this is helpful,
Bill
I got this one, looks pretty similar to that suggested by Will Vincent, other than weight capacity, I love it (but understand that I'm an A.D., not pro D.P.):
http://www.amazon.com/Ravelli-AVTP-Professional-Camera-Tripod/dp/B00139W0XM/ref=pd_cp_p_1
http://www.amazon.com/Ravelli-AVTP-Professional-Camera-Tripod/dp/B00139W0XM/ref=pd_cp_p_1