Camera Stabilizer Shopping List

Although modern camcorders are small and easy to carry around, you’ll probably find that most of your shots benefit from a tripod or other method of stabilization. Even the cheap $20 tripod that you got for free with your camcorder purchase is better than nothing for stationary shots. If you’re looking for a higher-quality tripod, here are some features that can make it worth the extra cash:

• Strong legs and bracing: Dual-stanchion legs and strong bracing greatly improve the stability of the camera.
• Lightweight: The best tripod in the world doesn’t do you any good if it’s so heavy that you never take it with you. Better tripods use high-tech materials like aircraft aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber to provide lightness without sacrificing strength.
• Bubble levels: Some tripods have bubble levels (like those carpenters use) to help ensure that the camera is level. Few things are more disorienting in a video shot than an image that is slightly skewed from level.
• Counterweights: Adjustable counterweights help you keep the tripod head and camera balanced even if you’re using a heavy telephoto lens or other camcorder accessory.
• Fluid heads: This is probably the most important feature of a highquality tripod. A fluid head enables you to pan the camera smoothly, eliminating the jerky panning motion associated with cheaper tripods.