You invest in a professional video camera because you want great video footage. But getting a great camera is only the first step. The second piece of gear that you absolutely need to shoot smooth, steady, professional-looking video is an excellent tripod!
Unfortunately, too many ministry leaders try to cut corners here by getting the "best" $50 or $100 tripod they can find at their local retail superstore. Soon they get discouraged with the poor quality of their video footage, not realizing that most of the problem lies in their cheap, consumer-grade tripod.
I don’t want this to happen to you. That’s why I’ve put together the 3 top reasons why you need to invest in a professional quality tripod:
1. Heavy legs for beautiful foot-age!
The purpose of a tripod is to steady your camera. All department-store tripods are simply too lightweight to firmly anchor your video camera. Often, the slightest touch, breeze, movement, or even someone walking nearby is all that it takes to move your video camera and ruin your footage. Zoom in, and the slightest movement is now magnified even more.
As a general rule, the heavier the tripod legs, the better. Heavy tripods protect cameras from vibration, wind buffeting, and other environmental factors that can shake your camera and ruin your video during shoots. And heavier cameras generally need even heavier, stronger legs.
You need strong and tight leg-locking mechanisms, good tripod feet, and overall good tripod design, which all add up to increased stability. The result for you and your ministry - great video!
2. Smooth moves!
To shoot smooth pans (horizontal movements) and tilts (vertical movements) and to do either one of these while zooming, you’ll need a tripod with a quality "fluid" (or extremely smooth moving) head on your heavy tripod legs. Virtually all professional "fluid" tripod heads are very advanced in design, are made of metal, and with proper care will last a lifetime.
3. Protection for your camera investment!
You will spend several thousands of dollars on a professional camera or two. Using a consumer-grade tripod puts your camera investment at risk. Low quality leg-locks, lightweight thin legs, and a cheap plastic tripod head could result in your video camera hitting the pavement or floor. Don’t risk it. As a general rule, plan to spend at least 25% of the cost of each video camera on a professional tripod. You’ll shoot better video and protect your investment.
Purchasing a professional tripod will be an investment you will never regret as you shoot great looking video footage that advances the kingdom of God!
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