Digital camera accessories

[Martynbez]

Hi all,

First post as i need a little help. I have just got a Fujifilm s5500 and was after a tripod. Could some one advise or point me in the right direction of a good make and a resonable price?!

thanks in advance!

[ShutterbugGail]

Hi Martynbez,

Welcome to the Q&A Board!

As I'm sure you know, there are many types of tripods with many different features. The prices range from inexpensive to very expensive. One of the things that would help us help is if you could tell us how you'll use the tripod. For example, will you mainly use it for macro shots, action shots, will you be taking it along on hiking trips, etc?

Let us know and we'll get back to you.

Related reading ~ Types of tripods:

http://www.digicamhelp.com/tripods/types-of-tripods.htm

[Martynbez]

Thanks for the Welcome!

Will be many action shot and standing shots of cars, i would be very mobile as moving quick between cars.

hope this helps!

[ShutterbugGail]

OK. Give us some time and we'll get back to you later today. In the mean time, if you're not familiar with some of the many features available for tripods, take a peek here:

http://www.digicamhelp.com/tripods/index.htm

[Martynbez]

thanks for the link i will have a read and look forward to your to any information you can get for me!  

[ShutterbugGail]

There are literally hundreds of tripods and tripod configurations, so I think the best way to start is to determine the features you need. Then start looking at various models and select one in your price range. I highly recommend that if possible, you visit a local camera shop or two to get a feel for the build and quality of tripods.

While you don't necessarily need a tripod that cost hundreds of dollars, don't go too cheap either. You want assurance that your camera, which is slightly less than one pound with batteries, reliably stays attached to the tripod mount as you move quickly between cars.

Don't rule out a monopod. Though it's not quite a steady or versatile as a tripod and you need to practice until comfortable using it, it's much steadier than hand-holding a digital camera, there is no set-up like a tripod, it is easy to maneuver and it is sometimes fits into spaces and is allowed in places where tripods are not.

An example of a monopod that may meet your needs is the Sunpak Ezee-Pod Monopod with 3-Way Panhead and Quick Release.

As to tripods, these main features would be useful for the type of photography you mention.

- sturdy but lightweight

- quick-release mount to quickly remove and attach the camera. Useful for the times you want to take a hand-held shot.

- tripod head – low cost and some intermediate priced tripods have heads built onto them. If this is the type you buy, look for one with a good quality head. Make sure the head doesn't easily get stuck. Look for a tripod with a "fluid" head.

Also, when looking for a tripod, don't rule out ones designed for video cameras that can be tilted up and down and panned right and left.

Some brands to look at are:

Sunpack
Slik
Bogen - Manfrotto
Gitzo

Hope this helps a bit. If you have further questions let us know.

[Martynbez]

thank you so much for your help!

think i may pop to a local shop first and then go on the hunt for a bargin!