Tip #3222 - Camera Equipment
Printer Friendly Version | E-Mail This Tip
Q:
What is a tripod used for when using a camera? How about a monopod? Please
tell me all about them!
A:
Good question! This actually lands under the category of "Digital
Photography," so this tip will give you all a double dose of photo
tips today. You can't complain about that, can you?! Now, this one may
seem a little more basic to some of you, but if you're just getting started
with taking pictures or even if you're a seasoned photographer, it's good
to know what type of equipment you can use to help you out. Alright, here
we go, so listen up!
A tripod is probably
the most well known piece of camera equipment. It is a three-legged stand
that is used to keep the camera steady and to elevate it in whichever
way you need to get your shot. Tripods are used for all sorts of cameras,
including regular 35mm cameras, digital cameras, video cameras or camcorders
and even television cameras. They can be used for both still and motion
pictures as well.
There are several
different tripod models available today. The most common (and inexpensive)
is one made of aluminum tubing, which usually comes with an attached head
and rubber feet. These usually allow the head (which is the area that
actually holds the camera) to be flipped sideways on a 90 degree angle,
which often helps with still pictures when trying to take a portrait instead
of a landscape picture. This type also works well for camcorders.
Now, the more advanced
(and expensive) tripods have "swappable" heads for different
shot situations. The heads are also known as fluid heads, which make it
easier to move the head around on the tripod. They also come with optional
spiked feet, which come in handy for rougher ground areas. The more advanced
tripods also have several other features, most of which would be helpful
for professional photographers of the like.
There are also wooden
tripods, which are known for better stability and a smaller tripod called
the tablepod. This one sits on a tabletop and it is mostly used for any
situations where a regular tripod would be too unrealistic to carry around.
Every tripod works in the same general manner, but depending on what type
of shots you're looking to take with your camera, it's important for you
to get the right kind.
On the other hand,
some photographers prefer to use a monopod, which is a one-legged stand.
This particular type is known for its convenience with the setup and the
tearing down process. Obviously, since this one only has one leg, the
photographer is required to hold the camera in place while they take their
shots. This may remind you of just holding the camera by yourself, but
with the monopod in place, it does take some of the weight strain off
of the photographer, so it's a lot easier to take the pictures. In this
way, the monopod offers up the same stabilization as a tripod.
Well, there you have
it. If someone on your Christmas list this year is an aspiring photographer
or even an advanced one, you may want to think about getting them either
a tripod or a monopod. They'll be taking pictures like a pro in no time!
~ Erin
Want To Comment On This Tip? Click Here! We'd love to hear from you :-)
Like These Tips? Get 'Em Free In Your E-mail
