Pg. 4
The Tripod:
Professional videographers will ALWAYS use a tripod if possible/ Using the “sticks” will make
your shots more steady, and will make movement of the camera much more smooth and fluid.
Panhandle
Provides leverage
for smooth moves.
Tilt Lock
Loosen to pivot
camera up or down.
Camera Mount
Slide camera plate into
the channel
Camera Release
Push and hold to slide
camera off tripod.
Pan Lock
Loosen to pivot
camera left or right
Panhandle Adjust
Loosen to tilt handle
to comfortable angle.
Pedestal
Slide shaft
up or down to
adjust height.
Leg Extension
Locks
Lift levers to
extend
length of legs
to raise camera
height
Leg Locks
Push button down
to spread legs for
better stability.
Ball Level Adjust
Loosen knob to tilt
Tripod Head so that
camera is level.
Pedestal Lock
Loosen to raise or
lower pedestal.
Pan Drag
Adjust smoothness
of left/right moves.
“Fluid Tripod Heads”
Better quality video tripods are
often called “fluid heads”.
The TILT DRAG and PAN
DRAG knobs on the tripod
add friction to the left/right and
up/down movements of the
camera.
The metal friction plates inside
the tripod head are dampened
by a thick fluid, which makes
the movements smoother.
These knobs should never be
overtightened; if you want to
prevent camera movement,
tighten the TILT LOCK and
PAN LOCK levers.
