For the uninitiated, stands are attached to a camera to get a stable, smooth shot which wouldn’t be the case if it is shot handheld. Hire any video production in Los Angeles or anywhere in the world, you will notice that they are well equipped with a range of stands and gears that are suitable for all sort of shoots. There are tripods, monopods, Stead cams, and other useful gears. So, let’s learn more about these types of equipment.
Tripods:
Ever wondered what are those three-legged creatures clinging on to the bottom of the camera, well these are known as tripods and are quite commonly used by professionals and amateurs alike. These are generally used to film static shots aka still shots and also used for both motion and still photography to prevent camera movement and provide stability. Tripods come in all sorts of prices, from really cheap quality tripods costing less than $50, through to expensive tripods costing in excess of $1,000.
Monopods:
As compared to tripods, monopods cannot support the camera independently but is still a great alternative for covering sports, wildlife, street and other sorts of shoots. Monopods are perfect for taking the weight of a heavy lens/camera to prevent aches and pains from a long rigorous shooting schedule. You will come across sports photographers with their long lenses and may also notice that they are often being supported by a monopod. It is also more versatile in the movement since it has only one leg, not three, and they are much quicker and easier to set up than their three-legged counterpart.
Stedicams:
Now, these particular stands are extensively used in filmmaking or when shooting fast-paced action sequences. Steadicams enable the camera to move smoothly through a scene or while tracking a subject. The smooth motion in video enables the lens to focus on a subject and that too accurately. This plays a crucial role in improving action sequences in videos such as sports broadcasts, making the action easier to follow.
Steadicams are easier to operate on a path clear of obstacles but their weight can make them hard to use in certain situations. To Operate a Steadicam can be physically demanding as the videographer may have up to 70 pounds of video equipment to move around the scene. There also lightweight cheap Steadicams available in the market which is quite popular amongst filmmakers on a shoestring budget.
Camera Dolly:
These are extensively used in filmmaking or shooting a television series. The camera is mounted on a dolly and then the camera operator usually rides it on the attached rail. The dolly can travel on tracks that go straight or curve and can often run as far as you can lay the track. One can even mount a tripod and jib to the dolly. When you set a combination of all this equipment, you will get the ability to compose a wide array of cinematic shots. When you use it effectively, it has the tendency to create drama in seemingly placid shots.