Question about camera tripods?

Question

My neighbour has asked me to record him preaching at a church service on 22nd June, using his camcorder. At home, I have a tripod which is mainly for cameras that take still pictures rather than camcorders. I was wondering if I could use my tripod, but I remember that the camcorders I used at college were big, which means that my tripod would be too small for them. I don't think my tripod would stand the weight of those camcorders. My question is, can tripods that are mainly used for still cameras be used for camcorders as well?

Also, does anyone know the difference between DVD-R, DVD-RAM and DVD-RW? I know DVD-R can only be recorded on to once, but I'm not sure about the other ones.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Generally speaking, yes, any tripod WILL work interchangeably with cameras and camcorders. The threadings are the same. The only real factor, as you have said is the weight. It's true, tripods specifically designated for video camcorders do support heavier weights, but as long as your camcorders aren't too heavy, it should be fine. Most consumer photo tripods, (the ones you'd get at Best Buy for $30 or something) can support up to 4lbs or so. If its a little heavier, like 5 or 6, you should be ok...but you're taking a chance. I sometimes use a camera tripod for my prosumer camcorder, but that's because its only a 4lb camera. Other than that, the only true distinction between a photo and video tripod is that video tripods have what you call "fluid heads" allowing for flawless, smooth panning and tilting.

If you camcorder is real heavy, like 10 lbs, I'd avoid the photo tripods. For one, that is way over the max load. Two, with such a large camcorder, and such a small tripod head plate, the center of gravity will be poorly distributed, especially if you have the front of the camcorder sticking out 12 inches in the front or something. Video Tripods are designed to balance the weight. If its within your budget, here is a tripod that I particularly like:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/24...

...it has an excellent head for smooth pans. It also comes with free attachable dolly wheels!

Regarding your second question about DVDs:

-DVD-Rs are not rewriteable. Once you finalize them, that's it. However, they are useful as they play on any DVD player.

-DVD-RWs are rewritteble. They can be un-finalized and reused. However, not all DVD players can play DVD-RWs. I have one that does, but you'll have to check your specific model. They will, however, play on the computer.

-DVD-RAMS can also be rewritten. Supposedly, they are designed for easy computer editing, but I have not noticed any such distinction. I have edited on DVD-RWs and -Rs using my Ulead Studio, and it works fine. Also, I can't say I've heard of any DVD player that plays RAMs.

good luck!

Answer 2

Generally, no.  You need a more stable tripod for video.

Answer 3

If you lock the camera down so that it's always pointing at the pulpit you'll probably be ok.  You may need to experiment a bit, but you've got 2 weeks to find out :-)

DVD-RW can be overwritten, but you have to erase the entire disk first.  DVD-RAM is another type of rewritable DVD, similar to a hard drive or floppy disk.