The main point about the tripod is that you should use it as often as possible. It is the most noticable difference between amateurish and reasonable work. Not to say that there isn't a very worthy place for handheld camera though!

Using the Tripod
The tripod plate fits onto the bottom of the camera and stays there for most of the time. Check that the tripod legs and head are locked off. You lift the camera by its handle and slide the front of the plate forwards into the grooves on the tripod head. Keep a firm grip on the camera and press the red button on the left of the tripod head whilst sliding the camera forwards until the plate reaches the front of the tripod. Still holding the camera lock off the slider on the right of the tripodhead to stop the camera from sliding back and forth. Check that the tripod and camera are firmly locked together and that the tripod is not in danger of being knocked over.

Keep hold of the camera from the top. Underneath the tripod head is a twisting vertical grip. If you loosen it the camera will move in it's bowl allowing you to level it by using the bubble level on the top of the head. Tighten it fully before letting go of the camera.

By adjusting the tripod head you can pan and tilt with variable friction to help you control smoothness and speed. Explore the various movements and static positions that the tripod will enable you to achieve.

Tripod Info
The base can be spread out further to splay the legs. This The legs can be removed from the base for use on soft ground.

Be sure that you have the right plate on the camera for the tripod in the bag. You will probably be using the R5 tripod with a DVC15 camera.

The tripod fits into its bag with the head at the padded end.

Always hold the camera firmly when putting it on and taking it off of the tripod. Double check that you have locked the plate in position.

When moving the tripod with the camera on top, hold both the camera and the tripod, and under no circumstances lift the camera allowing it to take the weight of the tripod.

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Intro - Camera - Controls - Zoom - Tripod - Shot Categories - Movements - Sequences - Composition - Audio - Better Sound - The Procedure

HDV Video Production - HDV Video Zone - DV Cameras