Tripod

Hi all,

I recently bought a Kodak C875. It's nothing amazing, just a compact, but it's like the space shuttle compared to the absolute bottom end basic cameras I've always owned in the past. Many manual settings which I am gradually getting to grips with.

And I'm having a lot of fun doing so, now carry the camera in my pocket at all times, and I've taken a few shots that I'm personally quited pleased with. (Again, they aren't amazing on the grand scale, but the progress is keeping me enthusiastic )

Anyway, lots of sites seem to recommend getting a tripod, and my hands do seem to be pretty unsteady so I tend to agree. I'm thinking about a Velbon CX540 or CX640. So, a few questions. First, I just wanted to check I'm not crazy buying a tripod for such a cheap camera. Do people think it's worth while, or should I be stashing the money and using it to buy a better camera at some point in the (perhaps distant) future?

Any opinions on these tripods? I know they're cheap and cheerful, I guess my question is, will they be beneficial.

I'm actually slightly favouring the 540. I don't drive so I have to carry everything I want to use (either on foot, bike or public transport), so I think I'll benefit more from the reduced wait then I will gain from the slight increase in height. But again, I willing to listen if some says, "No, your being silly on that because..."

Thanks in advance,
Jim

Hi Jim, I can't really comment on those tripods in particular, maybe some of the other members can offer advice there.

What you have read so far about the necessity of a tripod is sound advice depending on the type of photography you like. I will say though, you will greatly reduce the blurry camera shake everyone tries to avoid to get tack sharp images.

Regardless if you use a £100 or £2000 camera, a tripod is going to help especially for those long exposures with slow shutter speeds. A tripod is going to be a vital part of your photographic kit!

In addition to getting a good sturdy tripod, I'd also suggest looking into getting a shutter release cord if your camera allows that capability. This will further reduce shake because you do not need to touch the camera to take the photo.

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Paul

www.phrphotography.com

Hi Jim,

As paul says you are better having a tripod, especially if you take landscapes, I have a Velbon CX-440 and they eliminate camera shake greatly.

Trevor

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Trevor

Camera: Pentax K10D
Lens: Pentax 18-55mm f3,5-5.6AL, Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 DG Macro,Keno 2x Converter,Extension Tubes.
Tripod: Velbon CX-440, Monopod.

Hi Jim,

I do a lot of landscape photography and have to lug around a heavy Manfroto tripod (not complaining about the weight because it sure sturdy). However, you may be able to get away with using a bean-bag of somesort. Something you can rest on a wall or rock (the beans will help mold around the shape and give you more support.

Also, I agree with Paul. you are also better off with a cable release. Mind you, if your camera does not support this, you could always use the self-timer option. This is always a great little backup.

MARK

Excellent tip there Mark.

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Paul

www.phrphotography.com

I'm not sure what kind of tripod I have (it's in the back of my car and it's cold outside) but it's cheap it's nasty and it's so light it shakes while I'm holding it. I have to use the timer to get a shake less shot and that's only if it's not windy. It does the job though and the above isn't complaints at least not for something I paid £15 for

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Bob's Bit of the Web
If you can't say it in words say it in colour

I would go for a tripod over any other accessory that you may be thinking of. And always use the self timer set at about 2 seconds, then get out into low light and start taking photos with slower shutter speeds, traffic flow at night can give some nice light trials. But most of all - have fun and experiment.

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Nikon User
Beacon Images - last updated 29th June

Ok the think to remember about tripods is, don’t turn them into monopods ! So don’t go for one with an extendable centre column. The next ting to consider is the tripod head, cheep tripods will come with an attached head, more expensive ones will not, so you will have to pay more. Try to get a tripod that you can hang a heavy weight (like your bag) underneath this will help stabilize even a cheep tripod. Oh and lastly don’t leave them unattended on a windy day

Alistair

PS Another consideration over and above a cable release, is to use mirror lock of your camera has this function