Liquid tripods for video cameras?

Stefen · 21st November 2003

Hi, Would like to find out if these tripods exist in Singapore? I checked with Cathay Photo, and they have mentioned that they have stopped bringing these tripods in.

I would need a tripod that can film while I walk (In the mountainous region) so comments are greatly appreciated!

Noir · 21st November 2003

By mentioning liquid tripod, I presume what u are looking at is a fluid head for your tripod? There are various factors that need to be considered when getting a video support, not unlike a stills tripod. How heavy is your camera? What is your budget? What weight are u comfortable with, considering u intend to do some trekking with it?

Stefen · 22nd November 2003

we are just using a normal video camera (looking at panasonic GS-30 and GS-70), and the scenarios will be in pakistan, tibet and nepal with altitudes ranging from 4000 -8000 metres.

The terrain is thus going to be tough, and we will want to minimise weight as much as we can.

This was mentioned to us by a professional camera man, where there could be an interesting angle to capture; but I had no prior knowledge of these kinds of tripods.

Noir · 22nd November 2003

The company I work for uses Manfrotto video tripods for our mini DV camera setups. They are kits each consisting of a 442 Carbon One Tripod with fluid head and a bag. They are light to carry around, providing decently smooth pan and tilt movements, for the price, and should be sufficient for the 2 camera models u mentioned. There are a few head options available so the best way to decide will be to give the company below a call and pop down with your cameras to try them out.

The company carrying the Manfrotto video tripod range is
Transmarco H.Warta PTE Ltd
60B Martin Road #08-06
230967 Trademart Singapore
SINGAPORE
Phone: (65) 67341 884

There are other tripod brands and make available, some of which I've used before and others which I have not. I am only recommending something which I have had prior experience with and that, in my opinion, will suit your need.

Stefen · 22nd November 2003

Thanks for the reply. I will call this company shortly....

yowch · 26th November 2003

For GS30 and GS70 range, you'll probably not need a fluid head, as the head itself will probably be heavier than your camera! I use the MX350, almost double the weight of the GS30 and I am using the Slik U9000 tripod costing about $60-$80. No complaints from my clients ever.

About using cams at high altitude, please do the following:
1. Prevent condensation lock-up by getting your camera out and letting it cool to the same temperature as the environment. This is not the lens condensation, but the condensation on the tape which will kill the record/playback head. The condensation sensor inside the cam will prevent this by locking up the camera.
2. Bring LOTS of spare batteries, as Lithium ion batteries can only provide half as much power in low temperatures. Alternatively, carry your batteries in a warm bag, and take them out only when you need to use.

Get a cam with optical stabiliser, and you'll probably not need a tripod unless you zoom (4x or more). I recommend the MX500, about $2000 currently and uses larger batteries (lasts longer).

21st November 2003	#1
Stefen Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Beijing Posts: 445	Liquid tripods for video cameras? Hi, Would like to find out if these tripods exist in Singapore? I checked with Cathay Photo, and they have mentioned that they have stopped bringing these tripods in. I would need a tripod that can film while I walk (In the mountainous region) so comments are greatly appreciated! __________________ www.stefenchow.com

22nd November 2003	#3
Stefen Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Beijing Posts: 445	we are just using a normal video camera (looking at panasonic GS-30 and GS-70), and the scenarios will be in pakistan, tibet and nepal with altitudes ranging from 4000 -8000 metres. The terrain is thus going to be tough, and we will want to minimise weight as much as we can. This was mentioned to us by a professional camera man, where there could be an interesting angle to capture; but I had no prior knowledge of these kinds of tripods. __________________ www.stefenchow.com

22nd November 2003	#4
Noir Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 321	The company I work for uses Manfrotto video tripods for our mini DV camera setups. They are kits each consisting of a 442 Carbon One Tripod with fluid head and a bag. They are light to carry around, providing decently smooth pan and tilt movements, for the price, and should be sufficient for the 2 camera models u mentioned. There are a few head options available so the best way to decide will be to give the company below a call and pop down with your cameras to try them out. The company carrying the Manfrotto video tripod range is Transmarco H.Warta PTE Ltd 60B Martin Road #08-06 230967 Trademart Singapore SINGAPORE Phone: (65) 67341 884 There are other tripod brands and make available, some of which I've used before and others which I have not. I am only recommending something which I have had prior experience with and that, in my opinion, will suit your need. Last edited by Noir; 22nd November 2003 at 02:15 AM.

22nd November 2003	#5
Stefen Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Beijing Posts: 445	Thanks for the reply. I will call this company shortly.... __________________ www.stefenchow.com

26th November 2003	#6
yowch Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Singapore, Redhill Posts: 1,063	For GS30 and GS70 range, you'll probably not need a fluid head, as the head itself will probably be heavier than your camera! I use the MX350, almost double the weight of the GS30 and I am using the Slik U9000 tripod costing about $60-$80. No complaints from my clients ever. About using cams at high altitude, please do the following: 1. Prevent condensation lock-up by getting your camera out and letting it cool to the same temperature as the environment. This is not the lens condensation, but the condensation on the tape which will kill the record/playback head. The condensation sensor inside the cam will prevent this by locking up the camera. 2. Bring LOTS of spare batteries, as Lithium ion batteries can only provide half as much power in low temperatures. Alternatively, carry your batteries in a warm bag, and take them out only when you need to use. Get a cam with optical stabiliser, and you'll probably not need a tripod unless you zoom (4x or more). I recommend the MX500, about $2000 currently and uses larger batteries (lasts longer).