Camcorder Accessories

What is a “tripod”, and why would I want one for my camcorder

One of the most common accessories you would ever buy whether it’s for a camcorder or a still is a called a tripod. It’s something that holds the camera stable on three legs. That’s where the term tripod comes from. In the camcorder world, they’re not as popular as they should be. Most people think that it’s small, it’s light, it’s easy to carry. But small, light, is easy to carry, but it’s not easy to hold. So, if you really want a nice steady shot, if you really want something that looks very professional, you might want to consider carrying a tripod with you. Look for something small and light that you’ll take with you.

How do I choose a tripod for my camcorder

Well if you’re in the market for a tripod, you’re in the market for a video tripod, and there’s a specific distinction between the two. The tripod you bought for your still camera, even though your video camera will mount on it, really wasn’t designed for video. It doesn’t move fluidly, it doesn’t move smoothly. Camera tripods are designed to take a still and move on to the next one. So, you really want to look for a video tripod, something that allows you to move the camera smoothly when its mounted onto the tripod so no jerking ruins your video. Also, you want to think about the weight. Is it something that is going to be set up in the office? You might find something that is very sturdy but never moves no matter what happens. If you’re going to have to take it with you, how practical is it? So, it is all a matter of weight and performance. Please, don’t go using still camera tripods for your video camera.

What is a “monopod”, and why would I use one with my camcorder

One of your accessory choices is going to be a monopod. Monopods are really small, lightweight, and they’re really just kind of like a pogo stick with a camera mounted on the top of it. They really come in handy, in terms of keeping a camera steady, when it’s something you have to hold for a long time. Maybe not as practical, in terms of shooting, as a tripod would be, but a monopod is better than nothing in many circumstances. Remember that even a lightweight camera tends to feel heavier and heavier if you have to keep holding it for longer and longer periods of time. A monopod really can save the day when it comes to getting a nice, steady shot.

How do I choose a monopod for my camcorder

One of the key features to any tripod, especially a monopod, is a thing called “quick release.” That means that the camera comes off and on very quickly and easily from the monopod; you don’t have to spend a lot of time screwing it and unscrewing it from the tripod or the monopod itself. That comes in handy. When you are trying to shoot live events you have to be everywhere at once. Sometimes you need a monopod, sometimes you don’t, but you have to be able to swing on a dime and change on a dime in order to get the shot. If you’re going to get a monopod or a tripod, quick release is a must.

What is a “camcorder light”, and why would I need one

A lot of camcorders these days have built in video lights. You can also buy accessory lights, but none of them tend to be very bright. They’re really just out there to fill things in. One of the things that makes a big difference when shooting any video is at least getting a little light on the subjects eyes. Kind of filling out their faces, it’s more flattering that way. If you’ve got a camcorder with a built in video light, you might consider using it even outdoors in the shade. If you don’t have a light, it’s a good thing to have in your bag. We all tend to think of lights as something you need in the dark. But you know what, you also need to think about lights when it’s bright out. The shading and the way shadows fall across peoples faces can really take away from the experience of the viewer. So think about a light, have it in your bag. If it’s built in, think about considering using it. The only down side to a built in light, the more light you use, the more battery that go’s down. Sometimes an accessory light is a little more handy because they tend to run on their own battery source.

Is the built-in light on a camcorder strong enough

Camcorders with a built-in light work pretty well in low light situations. Built in lights give it that extra boost. But don’t expect the built in light to light up an entire room. They’re really just low wattage lights, that you point directly at the subject. And they can also tend to give you more of a “flashlight effect”, where the built in light is just something that’s just pointed directly at something. If you’re going to be using a built-in light, let your subject know that you’re going to be doing it, so that they’re not looking like a deer in the headlights. And then also think about maybe trying to shade it a little bit, so that it’s not startling, and drawing as built in lights can be.

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Tags: Camcorders, Monopod, Tim Smith, Tripod