Camera Tripods

The Executive Summary by Peter Gitundu

If you look underneath most cameras you will find that there are one or two holes. These holes are there in case you want to put your camera on a tripod. Depending on what camera you have, which usually depends weather it is big enough to be supported by a camera tripod. Camera tripods usually come in handy when you want to take a photo and you also want to be included in it. Basically most cameras come with an option of setting the camera in a way you have time to run and set yourself in the picture. This is when a tripod comes in handy because you have to place the camera somewhere and the spider looking three legged tripod will do just that.

When setting the camera on the tripod you will basically have to screw it tight and then open the three legs and extend them wide apart. You can also pull the legs to the height you want. Most of the times, you will find that camera tripods provide the perfect base for holding your camera still and balanced. If you want the tripod sturdier it is better if you get the heavier kind. This way it has less chances of shaking or toppling over in case there is a gust of wind.

You will also find the camera tripods being used by photographers in studios or reporters who are setting up for some kind of press conference. You can also use it when taking long distance photos or when taking shots and you have to stand for a longtime.

Camera Tripods – Ways to Reduce Camera Shake

The Summary about Camera Tripods by David L Whittle

One of the causes of disappointing photos is camera shake. The result of camera shake is an image which is blurred or not sharp enough.

The solution to this problem is to use a camera tripod. Using a camera tripod is essential to create a steady platform for your camera. If you do not have a tripod you are effectively halving the number of picture-taking opportunities that you come across where an absolutely steady camera is necessary.  A tripod is used when taking close-up, landscapes, low-light situations, slow shutter speeds, long exposures and panoramic pictures

If you are serious about photography a camera tripod is a must. Apart from eliminating camera shake and increasing sharpness, a tripod will also slow you down and get you to think more about framing, composition and creativity. The downside to all this, of course, is that tripods are bulky, awkward and a pain to carry around especially if you are using a DSLR with all the equipment required for your particular type of photography such as lighting equipment.

Shopping for a tripod can be very confusing with all the number of tripods to choose from. As with many other things in life, you get what you for and this applies to camera tripods as well. Prices can vary quite a lot between the cheapest and the dearest tripods.

The general consensus amongst the experts is that if you intend serious photography then go for the best you can afford. Good quality cameras tripods will last a lifetime if well looked after, and are therefore cheaper in the long run.

Some points to consider are that cheaper tripods will not take much abuse, and would need replacing at intervals, and might have problems with the heavier DSLRs plus their equipment.

If you are using the tripod out in the field then a tripod needs to be heavy and solid enough to stand weight, rougher treatment and external factors like wind and vibration. Also consider that there are ways to minimize shaking and vibration by leaning your weight on the tripod (if exposure less than 1 sec.), or hanging a heavy camera bag between the legs.

A further but important addition in the pursuit for that sharpest of photos is a cable or remote release which comes with many cameras. In each case you are away from the camera and will not contribute to camera shake.

To sum up there are many aspects to using a camera tripod and the object of the exercise is all about getting clear, sharp photographs. The choice of tripods is enough to confuse anybody but continue to research tripods, as the most expensive is not necessarily the best, decide what your particular needs are then get a tripod which suits you at a price you can afford.

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