Cameras and video cameras are mounted to the tripod head.
A tripod is used for stability when working with an optical device such as a camera or video camera. Tripods come in all sizes, from small table top to large models mounted on wheels. As the name suggests, tripods have three legs. The legs of the tripod are adjustable, and wider legs create a stable base for the tripod. Two-way and three-way tripods refer to the user-adjustable positions of the tripod head. The tripod head is located at the top of the tripod. In order to use a tripod you must first mount your camera or video camera to the connection screw on the tripod head. Once attached, you adjust your camera by moving the tripod head.
Still Photography
In photography, tripods commonly capture still shots, when a steady camera can be the difference between a blurry shot and a great photo. Some photographers also use tripods for high zoom, motion shots. Typically any high level of zoom can make a shot unsteady. A tripod helps to eliminate the shakes and jiggles that occur when a camera is hand held.
Shooting Video
When shooting video, the use of tripods is very helpful for achieving a steady, smooth shot. Choosing the right tripod can have an effect on the quality of the image you are able to produce, by eliminating unwanted motion which results in shaky video. Mounting a video camera on a tripod eliminates the need to support heavy video cameras and gives you more time to focus on positioning and framing your shot.
The Two-Way Tripod Head
Standard pan-tilt head, two-way tripods are designed to move in two directions, pan and tilt. Panning is a left to right, horizontal motion, while tilting is an up and down, vertical motion. There are separate controls for panning and tilting the tripod head. Handle controls are loosened or tightened to control the movement on each axis.
The Three-Way Tripod
Three-way tripods are designed to move in three directions, pan, tilt and also sideways tilt. The sideways tilt allows the camera to rotate 90 degrees between a horizontal, landscape view and a vertical, portrait view. A locking hinged platform attachment on the head of the tripod allows this rotation. The addition of the horizontal and vertical tilt gives the user greater control over their shot.
Choice
The choice of using a three-way or two-way tripod has a lot to do with the application. If you are using a video camera you will not find any conventional need to tilt your camera between portrait and landscape view. For video use, a two-way tripod is a good choice. However if you are a photographer you may find the three-way tilt feature to be a useful one. Not only can you fully rotate your camera 90 degrees, you can also choose to go for effect and position the camera somewhere in between for an interesting and unique perspective. For photography a three-way tripod gives you more options on angles for your photography.
Tags: video camera, your camera, head tripod, tripod head, tripod head, camera video