Looking for a good tripod for my camcorder

[seven_deuce offsuit]

I've been doing a little research on tripods so I can put my HV20 to good use and so far I'm leaning towards getting the Bogen/Manfrotto 3021 Pro, but I'm a little confused on whether I should get a 3-way or a ball head. I know for photography, the ball head is very versitile but can cause problems with landscape. I like the manuverability of the it, but would it make more sense to use it with a camcorder or should I just stick with a 3-way pan/tilt head? I'm willing to spend up to $250 on both tripod legs and the tripod head. I'm seeing some pretty great kits on http://www.bhphotovideo.com that come with everything, but I'm not sure as of now which ball or 3-way head I should get with the 3021.

If it helps, I'm usually shooting short films or family occasions.

[Epicurus8a]

I use a Bogen Manfrotto 700RC2/190XV. It works well for little cameras (5.5lbs or less).

http://www.opticsplanet.net/bogen-view-aluminium-kit-700rc2-190v.html

[SquirrelDip]

With a camcorder you'll do better with a video head (like this) - panning and tilting are more controlled. With a still camera you want full motion and then the ability to lock it in position.

Nice thing with the better tripods is that you can use multiple heads - get the video head initially and then keep an eye out for a deal on a ball head for your still camera.

[Epicurus8a]

get the video head initially and then keep an eye out for a deal on a ball head for your still camera.

Good idea!

[seven_deuce offsuit]

I also hear that in photography that the heavier the tripod is, the better. Is this also true with camcorders? I'm seeing great reviews on the Bogen 3021 Pro tripod legs and it weighs in to about 13 lb. Again though, I don't know if the circumstances are also true with camcorders. I'm usually shooting, not so much into photography but my guess is that this tripod is probably good for both. As far as the head goes, I'm just going to stick with a 3-way. Now that I think about it, it makes more sense to use one for a camcorder. The 700RC2 looks like a great head and I found a kit on the same website that come with the 3021 legs too. There's also 701RC2 model but it costs about $10 more. I wouldn't know what the differences are, but if anyone knows if it works THAT much better then I wouldn't mind spending an extra $10. Basically, what should I look for in a pan/tilt head besides good control? Does it make a difference if the camera is HDV or DV?

[SquirrelDip]

Yes, the weight makes a difference but you have to look at what you're using it for - if you're hiking then light is a priority... Construction is also important - a heavy tripod with shitty joints isn't going to be much good.

Good control is what you're looking for - of course, it should be rated to hold the weight.

@Epicurus8a: Almost went with the 190 (nice tripod) - went with the 055 as I wanted something taller.

[Epicurus8a]

The 701RC2 can handle up to 9lbs and is probably worth an extra $10. As SquirrelDip stated weight does make a difference. Personally, I prefer a lighter tripod because I travel a lot. Bogen even makes carbon fiber tripods for people who are truly paranoid about weight, but those tripods are really expensive.

Yes, the 055 is better if you need something taller.

[SquirrelDip]

Yes, the 055 is better if you need something taller.

I have an old $50 Velbon that I use if I'm travelling - it and my monopod...

[seven_deuce offsuit]

So in any other circumstance that I'm not traveling, hiking, or moving a lot should I stick with the heavier tripod?

[SquirrelDip]

That would be the general rule - unless you plan to purchase carbon fibre which is extremely rigid.

[Epicurus8a]

Yes, the 055 is better if you need something taller.

I have an old $50 Velbon that I use if I'm travelling - it and my monopod...

I had one of those, too. I also had a Cullman. When they both broke I bought the Bogen and haven't been happier.

[SquirrelDip]

For what it is my old Velbon isn't too bad - gotta be about 25 years old now. Still works as well as it did when it was new.

But I've never loaded it the same as the Manfrotto - my 70-200 weighs over 3 pounds (lens alone)...

[ozymango]

So in any other circumstance that I'm not traveling, hiking, or moving a lot should I stick with the heavier tripod?

I'd go for a lighter tripod and -- seriously -- get a couple of weights (like barbell weight, 3-lb discs) that you can then tie either to the legs of the tripod at the bottom, or what I do is suspend them from the center stem of the tripod, hanging down, just above the ground.

The advantages to this method is it keeps the center of gravity of the tripod very low, you can remove weights as needed (or add them as needed), and gives a very stable setup, especially with a heavier camera.

EDIT: As far as heads go, you can get a ball head with a panoramic base, meaning you can lock the ball in the socket but pan the entire socket assembly, and that might do you for a camcorder (for panning shots). Take a look at the Amvona brand tripod heads, you can get 'em in the $100 range (and up!), they're pretty solid.