Are tripods for camcorders different than for still cameras?

[radhak]

I have a $60 tripod Sunpak 6600 that I used for my still camera.

Yesterday when I tried it with my camcorder (Vixia HF200) to record some kids' dance/play, I found it tough going - it does not pan easy, does not allow easy zooming (because it is too stiff changing the angle zooming in), and changing the height is a pain if you are also recording at the same time.

So what's a recommended tripod for camcorders?

 

[imported_Irse]

I don't understand the zooming part. I don't change the height when I am recording. If I need to change heights, I don't put it on a tripod. I haven't seen anyone try to change the height of their tripod while they are recording although I guess you could do it if you had a center column that extends.

 

[radhak]

When zoomed out, if the center of screen is at mid-body of the performers (to make the complete head-to-toe visible), when you zoom in the camera needs to be nudged upwards to make the face at the center of the screen (else you end up with looking at the belt-buckle in close up). This tripod needs readjustment (loosen a wing-nut and re-tighten) to do this, but I am guessing a 'video' camcorder would do it easier.

 

[corkyg]

Try a different pan head. The tripod is only a 3 legged support. Change the pan head to a video pan head.

 

[radhak]

Thanks corky, that's a good suggestion - and I think I could this Grifiti Nootle for my purposes. May not help for the change in height, but as Irse has pointed out maybe I don't need that feature much.

Interestingly, the head on my own tripod seems - by looks - to be just like that Nootle. But it just does not work well. And I see that's a concern of most reviewers - the smooth panning/tilting does not work for all such. Hopefully this should solve the issue.

 

[imported_Irse]

Thanks corky, that's a good suggestion - and I think I could this Grifiti Nootle for my purposes. May not help for the change in height, but as Irse has pointed out maybe I don't need that feature much.

Interestingly, the head on my own tripod seems - by looks - to be just like that Nootle. But it just does not work well. And I see that's a concern of most reviewers - the smooth panning/tilting does not work for all such. Hopefully this should solve the issue.

That looks like a good one.