Video tripods and fluid heads vs photo tripods 

Noo Jordan don't go!

5:36 "Honey, I shrunk Chris"

Best combination I’ve found is sturdy video legs, the short half-ball leveler featured in the video, and swapping photo ball heads or video heads as appropriate. Somewhat heavy for photography but lets me have one set of legs for both. Great video, thanks!

As a hobbyist, I use a solid, high quality still photography tripod with a leveling base for both still photography and video. Professionals use video legs because time is money and video legs speed setup and knockdown. I use a $150 Manfrotto MVH500AH video head when I want a video shot to include a pan or tilt. I don’t need the precision, repeatability and major expense of a true pan and tilt fluid head. Nor do I want to lug around the additional weight and bulk. I don’t even bring the Manfrotto head unless my plans call for a pan or tilt shot.

You missed the coolest part of the Sachtler legs! Having the length locks be at the hinge makes things so much easier.

I expect Jordan to do a Photography video next week!

I think DPReview made a great choice to hire you guys. I enjoy your work a lot. And I'm looking forward to new videos of you guys all the time. Thanks for the great work!

This is exactly what I needed right now as a dadtographer for my daughters soccer games. Pictures in the summer and video for indoor games.

Fluid head and L bracket on the camera springs to mind, not a video man so just joining in the conversation really.

I've only ever used photo tripods, so this was actually really interesting to learn what makes the video tripods worth the extra heft and dedicated features for those video shooters. Great video fellas!

I don't know how popular (or not) 3 Legged Thing is in Canada and USA but recently they released tripod "Mike" that have levelling half ball base, and fluid video head with Arca plate, so I gues you could use L bracket for vertical shots, half a ball for getting horizon straight and pan and tilt with fluid head. That would pretty much cover photography needs and if tripod is stable and head works smooth that could be a good video tripod or a good hybrid tripod - taking into account that hybrid is not necessary the best in any field but its good enough in both for most DSLR or mirrorless cameras.

Living in a big city, my whole set up is based on getting the best quality at the lowest weight and size - driving is not an option. The Manfrotto Be Free coupled with the Fuji XT3 ticks the box nicely.

I've always (1970 to present) used video tripods (for all but my hiking trips). I like the pan, tilt control and fine adjustment for photos and video of the extended handle... For hiking I carry a small and compact ball head photo tripod.

Just thinking of the old wooden sticks back in the 70's with an Arri Super 16 on top ,a gym workout every day.

I actually have completely changed my tripod setup(s). I should make a vide on it as well... Man, I need to get back shooting RU-vid videos. But, I have two tripods. One large beefy one, good for corporate shoots. And another tripod with a levelling base and a small "fluid head", which makes it perfect for travel. Not the best head, but its okay for basic movements or stationary shots. I've gotten rid of the ball head as with hybrid cameras, Id rather have one head than having two separate heads for different things. Not a big issue having a small "fluid head" for photo use... and if you want vertical shots, just get an L-Bracket

I've used a dozen or more different "budget" photography tripods - 5 if which I've owned, the others were not mine - and the best one I've ever used was my first $150+ tripod. I bought it from a local store, it didn't have a brand name on it, all aluminum, and the head it came with was not a fluid head but it was so smooth that I was spoiled by it before I could experience $200+ ball heads (without tripod). It served me for years, and I absolutely loved it. Until it was stolen when the person I was dating invited friends from out of town. I haven't found anything near the same price and at the same performance. I used that tripod for everything - video and photo. I'm still heartbroken all these years later. 💔

Criminy. This is almost criminally informative. Thank you, DPReview homies.

We’ve used the large FotoPro EGL-94 with a Gimbal head for both for years. The Eagle (EGL) 9’s are the bigger carbon fiber (1.5” dia) legs, but can still carry it and the gimbal head for 30 milesa a day. They do make smaller 1” and below carbon fiber also. We only have the 9-series FotoPro’s. The 9series are good for up to 66 lbs, but works smoothly and precisely for even small mirrorless work-in and out of the studio. Great for photo and video sports and wildlife also. I love the Sachtler Flowtech leg release, but had problems with two 75’s on the same trip last summer.

A leveling base is also quite useful for stills if you take many pictures and stitch them together to make a panorama

Great video. I’ve been recording more and more video these days with my Z6 and the question of a “do it all” tripod has crossed my mind. I’ve come to the same conclusions that you have: lightweight stills tripods for photography and big heavy tripod with a nice fluid head for video. The compromise for me is an old carbon Mandrotto photography tripod with either a Benro S6 or an older Manfrotto 3063 for when I need to travel light for video and bring along a ball head for photography. Yes, I’m playing the game of leveling the tripod with the leg lengths using this tripod but it is something that I’ve come to enjoy doing.

That was truly an eye-opening video! Thanks so much guys :D

I wish I would have discovered both of you earlier, I made so many mistakes buying the wrong equipment 🧐 but live and learn 😄. Love the pictures quality out of the S1H. Thank you guys!

Outstanding, supremely helpful video. Thanks utterly much!

Gimble mounted on a photography tripod. With apps you can track or program any movement and it levels itself.

Typically a stills photographer but have outfitted one of my Gitzo Series 3 systematic tripods with a leveling base (which is really just a video bowl) from RRS and I can, with a lever based clamp they have for it, switch between a ball head (Markins Q20) to a Fluid head. Have also set up the fluid head with a 501PL plate with Arca-Swiss bracket if I need it. Also use the leveling base for landscape and architectural work so the base on the tripod is always level. Not perfect but pretty good since I am using a Sony A7x body for video. Not quite the big setup you showed for video but provides a lot of flexibility. Also doing more of my photo tripod work with a fluid head they way Hudson Henry recommends.

This video was bang on what I was looking for. Thanks for taking the time to make this 📸 ✌️

ProMedia Gear 501 to arca Swiss adapter plate + arca Swiss L-bracket on my photo camera used with my sachtler fsb8 video head. Best of both worlds. Landscape and portrait shots are no problem with that setup then I’m ready to rock for video as well 👍🏼

This is a super useful video. I'm using a cheaper hybrid style one with a fluid head, but I often get little camera jitters that I only notice in post when it's too late (and we all know stabilization warps footage weirdly). Will look into a better video tripod.

Eye watering prices. As someone with mobility issues I guess I need to factor in the cost of hiring a Sherpa to carry the tripod, carbon fibre or not :-) Thanks for the warning, great vid guys.

That resistance gear knob has such a satisfying sound.

Have had the Manfrotto Beefree for over 2 years, it works great for photo and is good for video but not great when you do pans. Since I use it mostly for photo and when doing video, almost never pans it's an acceptable compromise for the price.

What type of tripod would you recommend for a gimbal head?

Great review!

I have an Olympus EM1 and I find that I rarely use my tripod now because the Image Stabilization is so good.

Great video, thanks!

3LT has come out with a photo/video hybrid product, I hear it works pretty well?

@DPR what do you guys make of the e-image GH06 video tripod? I'm considering getting one over the Sachtler Ace

I used to love the big wooden legs years ago when we were filming. I know, heavy and a pain, but there was something very reassuring about them. In recent times, I haven't had a film tripod for myself, just a photo one. But I picked up a low-end video tripod the other week. Okay, so not super-wonderful, but even this cheapo set with a basic fluid head are a joy compared to my photo tripod. I mean, I am not going to get super-smooth pans, but resetting the camera angle is super easy and quick - and that is worthwhile in itself.

I have a Manfrotto BeFree Live, and it's wonderful.

Anyone have any experience with the Benro Aero 7 tripod? Feels like a solid tripod but was doing some shooting in the cold and the tilts/pans seemed pretty jittery. I was actually kind of surprised. The fluid head seemed good at first. Need to do some more testing but may end up returning. Still not sure what I’d get around that price range.

Any thoughts on the new iFootage K7 and TC-9

Incredible. This is quintessential tripod video.

legit laughing out loud in the first 20 seconds. That's pretty good.

Get a cage for the camera. I like it better than tilting the camera over because when vertical the turn and pan are on the same plane.

Thank you for this informative video. But after watching this video I have determined that I will continue to hand hold my camera for use in my photography. Don’t like having to drag along a tripod. Here in New York City a tripod takes away from being portable and light weight. Though I would consider a monopod.

Interesting video. What is your view on the setup used by Hudson Henry who swears by the fluid head for both video and still photography? He seems to make it work both ways without spending thousands of dollars. Thanks!

3:42 Vertical shooting can be easily fixed by L-bracket and in most cases it gives better weight distribution, less jitter. Unfortunately original ones from Manfrotto are quite expensive (you can buy a tripod for that price) since they are targeted for high end users. Best budget way is to go with 3rd party ones.

With the image stabilisation of Panasonic and Olympus cameras these days I find that I don't need a tripod for smooth pans and tilts, handheld works just as well. So a photo tripod for hybrid work would be the most ideal. It does signify a larger problem with camera accessories now that most cameras are excellent hybrids. In order to do run-and-gun photo and video work as we often do, you'll need a load of accessories and equipment to get the best results both photo and video wise. I'm still looking for the ultimate hybrid setup.

I use a leveling ball and a manfrotto 500ah for stills and video. Works excellent for me.

Nice video. My solution is currently a $35 tripod (Amazon warehouse deal Manfrotto compact light tripod). A true budget buster for how much I make from my channel currently. ;D When fully extended, there can be some vibration, but all I do are locked off shots and no pans. In a second or two the small mirrorless cameras I use stabilize enough.

I have the nikon p1000 and I've been enjoying the zoom feature for the moon and planets but im struggling to find a decent tripod with a good headnon it. Any recommendations?

Me using a Sachtler head for nearly 30 years now for long lens wildlife shooting. This head had seen 3 continents from winter arctic to sand desert conditions. I shot on film, I shot on generations of DSLRs, now I shoot mirrorless. The Head is basically new, 100% fit for purpose. BTW: the head is mounted on a Sachtler tripod, the sturdy version in carbon fibre. It is produced up to today unchanged. I never needed a spare part, ... .This piece of gear is new as well after nearly 30 years, by far more durable than the very best photo tripods (i.e. sand is no issue for Sachtler, nor is salt water.) BTW lighter than Gitzo #5 with handles by far less weight. Just the price has doubled or tripled, I do not remember the exact price paid. This gear lasts for ever, lot of maturity gathered in use of professional film teams around the world.

Hey guys great video I liked it a lot of good information. If you should decide to get the mid-level manfrotto tripod swap out the mid-level spreader for floor spreader the mid-level in my opinion is not great at all.

I'll be watching to see what you guys recommend for wildlife tripods & gimbal heads, swappable with a ball head set, if y'all ever gets around to it. 🤠📷🦅👍

I am confused about using a hybrid tripod to go with a hybrid camera. I was thinking with a fluid head and a fairly decent tripod, that the tripod would be good enough. But it appears you are saying, "not really?" Is there a good video fluid head that you can tilt at a 90 degree for a vertical photo?

What is your opinion on using Manfrotto 055 XPRO 3 Legs Section with Manfrotto Fluid Head MVH 502 AH for both still and Video Photography with Mirror less Cameras.

I'ld like a head that you can set up buffered stops on to limit the left/right swing to something like 135 or 160 degrees. I shoot a lot of auto and motorcycle track video and it's irritating when you overshoot the curves and have to swing back. But then I'ld like the same ability on a zoom lens for the same reason.

Spit out my coffee ...Jordans digitized face. Lol!!!!

I think it’s important to realise that your needs as am amateur may not be the same as the needs of a professional, just as your budget is hardly the same. So I'd never even dream of a $2500 tripod. On the other hand there’s no point in being too cheap: I’ve never personally tried the BeFree Live, but I’ve seen footage taken with it, and it always looks jerky - the panning simply isn’t smooth enough, even for amateur work in my opinion. But you can get a better video head that isn’t too expensive, like the Manfrotto RC128. If it’s not something you use on a daily basis, you don’t need one of those levelling heads - adjusting the legs will do. It’s so much less expensive, and with a bit of practice it can be done fairly quickly. Speaking of stable platforms, I own the Manfrotto #161 mrk 2B. I bought it 20 years ago, and I was CHOCKED at the SIZE when I received it! It'll go much higher than you’ll ever need (2.67m), and it is STURDY! It might not, however, be your first choice for a hike in the hills, as it weighs ... not a ton, but “only” 7.8 kg, plus head. (Manfrotto lists it as 9kg, but unless there are big sample variations, that is an exaggeration). I still love the rigidity of my 161, but I eventually bought a much lighter 55pro3. I went with the aluminium version, because I didn’t think saving 20% of the weight with carbon legs was worth double the price. And I even got a bargain on a kit with a magnesium ball head. I think I'm doing fairly well with what I have, and if I want better pictures and better footage, as I frequently do, I know it's not the equipment I have to blame, but rather the poor skills of the photographer.

I've got Manfrotto BeFree Live and Advanced for photography. They are both cheap, compact and light and I use 'em interchangeably. Tho I must say BeFree Live fluid head is not as fluid as one might think. You definitely need some practice. And not so many fluid heads have leveling option. You specifically have to look for that if you need it.

From now on Jordan should eat a few oreos before getting on camera :)

I use a LEOFOTO Ranger LS-324CEX Carbon fibre tripod with levelling base And the Leofoto BV-10M fluid video head. I have an L-Bracket for vertical photography. Perfect for video and photgraphy. Cost me £450 total.

Thank you for saying "no". There isn't a magic product to do everything. Identify your specific need, model the gear around it - I have a different kit for stills vs. motion. That's life.

Will the Sachtler work with my GoPro Hero8? Seriously, Chris, most excellent video - thanks.

Was Jordan hiding behind the very orange box in the background?

If I have a stable enough tripod leg, couldn't I just attach a fluid head to it for video? I use a 3 legged thing Ray for photography and was thinking of grabbing a Manfrotto flat base fluid head to pop on there for some video shots.

Very informative

I have had the Sachtler FSB6 head for years. Smooth as smooth as silk. The FSB6 cant be beat for video or stills astro photography. Heaps of birders are using the FSB6 with long lenses.

What‘s HEAD with Manfrotto 545B??

I use the INNOREL VT80 Video Tripod System with photography and video heads yeah it's a video trypod at hart but it's interchangable head with the ball leveling system built in I prefer it for the single point tightening for all 3 sections I just swap between the small rig mini ball head a fluid video head or my gymbal head depending on what I'm going to be doing that day

I just ordered a ball head tripod for my new a7iii and then this video shows up on my timeline 👌👌🤣🤣😊😊

I love photography 😎

9:28 Love Chris using these two expensive tripods as armrests.

I use a travel sirui tripod, weighted with a camera bag the the smallest sirui video fluid head with a leveler. It looks stupid but it's compact and it works.

Excellent ! i haven't think about that ! But indeed, video tripod !! But Manfroto video tripod alternative, all in carbon ? I mean for also do hicking ! hehe

Sturdy photography tripod with videohead and photohead. Quite easy to carry since it is still pretty light with mirrorless and couple lenses.

Some ball heads - for example those from Novoflex - can be mounted “upside down”. This means that the ball head doubles as a levelling base for any tripod. Novoflex also make a tilt attachment that fits on top with an arca fitting. That means one can switch from a ball head to a levelled pan and tilt configuration in literally a few seconds.

Took me years or research and trial and error to solve this issue Manfrotto 755CX3 SmallRig 2406 between the leg and head for quick swap Manfrotto XPro ball head / 500AH each with a smallrig 2406 quick release plate Pro media gear PM501 for the 500AH Custom SLR pro plate mini on the camera

I actually stop caring and using MONOPOD instead... sirui P-204SR with VA-5 fluid head.. already 3 years in, kinda junk really but yeah watching this videos makes me stop wanting that Manfrotto MT190 or MT055 😁😁

I admit I tried to find the magic combination and I ended up with a collection of photo tripods with Poor Video Type heads on them and Vise Versa going the other way with Video Tripods. I have just finished cleaning up that mess. I now have a nice set of photography tripods all Arca Swiss heads and like wise even my smallest Video Tripods with decent Fluid to Extreme Fluid or Gear Type resistant mounts. Everyone, including my wallet are both happy now!

My wallet is thankful that I’m not a videographer. 👍🏻

It's very difficult to find affordable solid and weighty tripods, it seems that everyone and their uncle thinks that all tripods should be lightweight flimsy things because we all stomp up mountains. I've got a budget knock off version of the video tripod similar to the one shown and it's excellent for my studio work, I use it for photo as well as video for my main channel because it's solid. The only real pet peeve is that you don't have a singular centre column to move up and down to find tune the height, that addition would make it perfect for me. For photography, decent vertical heads at an affordable price - if you don't want a cheapy Amazon ball head - are tough to find as well. Thanks for the video 😁👍

Good report and analysis. I have two light weight aluminum tripods, both under $150 with fluid heads that are fine for my Panasonic G cameras doing video and a Panasonic camcorder. I rarely need or want a tripod for photography. I hang a 5 lb weight from the center of the tripod to give stability. As a hobbyist a $1000+ tripod is not gonna happen.

Yes, I want the best of both worlds and I only want to spend $500. Have a Cannon D80. What could you suggest?

Wish you had spent more time on the pricey gimbal head options and why they are bot suited to video

Just curious why doesn't DPreview upload in 4K?

Dear Jordan, I forgive you... Please, come back....:)

It's really all about the Head given the tripods are stable enough. Cost and size (weight) Will determine what to use as the expensive video heads are the most burden to bring. -Photo Heads are for static images like long duration photography. (lightest weight) -Cheap Video Heads works for video but movements can be notchy, abrupt, and not super controllable. (medium weight) -Expensive Video Heads on a strong tripod have no notch, incredibly smooth, and controllable. (heaviest weight) I know all these as a fact because I've had plenty of commercial jobs using all of them proving this to be true.

Pixelated Jordan might be my favorite thing right now

At 6:20, that's Jordan walking by, right?

Ur shooting outside but no background sounds?

Guys you should give a try to yunteng vct 625 and other Tripod from this Chinese brand it you can find it on amazon USA it is just amazon for the price

Three way heads?

This was actually shot in June...Canada.

I wish I knew the brand of the shitty tripod that I have and first started with. (I of course have others by now!) It's one of those multi-use tripods, has a video pan-handle AND it does have a flippy-plate so you can still do vertical photography with it if you want.

“Don’t get me started Instagrammers” 😂

Why you still use FullHD?? It's 2020 and FullHD was released 2007? Not sure but it's more than 10 years since then! UHD started 2013?

I dislike my BeFree live. But an L bracket for vertical shots does save a lot of issues if you need to take photos on a video tripod.

Jordan sounds bad and looks pixelated. Has the Corona Virus reached Canada?

In my country India there is a company called digitek which makes tripods. The ball head aluminum tripod which I've just ordered - digitek professional DTR 520 BH, gives many functions and adjustments including table top adjustment and low level macro adjustment, converting into monipod, extra rod for height etc. The price is around 80 USD. For the same functionality is be paying almost double or triple for items from companies like Manfrotto, 3 legged things, siuiri, gitzo etc. Don't think it's available outside as all videos about it are by Indians. Let's see, hope it's a bang for a buck.😊😊