Digital camera accessories

[LAPIII]

There are so I basically just want it to be about as tall as I am, I'm 5'9'.  There are so very many features that are good too, some descriptions can be found here http://www.digicamhelp.com/accessories/tripods/tripod-features.php

So tell me about things I should want like triple tilt head, construction of carbon, and snap lock

[bdery]

Hi LAPIII and welcome!

What to look for in a tripod varies a lot with the use you intend for it. The type of camera you own will also have an impact.

Some givens:

1-make sure it has a snap-lock (sometimes called quick-release). In short, this means you screw a plate in the tripod mount of your camera, and quickly attach the plate to the tripod.

2-a larger plate is a good thing in general, especially if your camera is large, since more of it will rest on the plate and the balance will be better.

3-telescopic legs are almost universal, but they'ree an important feature. Larger legs generally give a better balance even if they're hollow. Rubber feet are a good thing, they give a good grip and are less likely to damage a nice floor than metal feet.

For the rest, it really varies. If you intend to carry your tripod on hikes, for instance, a lighter tripod is a good idea (if your camera is heavy, though, you have to take this into account). A heavier tripod will be more stable, all other things being equal.

In general, ball heads are considered more advanced. However, if you intend to shoot a lot of panoramas (and maybe stitch pictures together) then a head that moves vertically and horizontally independantly is better.  Some heads come with bubble levels, that's reeally useful.

For portraits, make sure the tripod head can be oriented vertically. Also, again for a heavy camera, you have to make sure that the locking mechanism is sturdy enough to bear the weigth of the camera. Otherise, it could tilt forward.

The heigth of a tripod is a matter of taste and style. You don't need a tripod as tall as you are, it depends on what feels confortable. For instance, if your camera has a swivel screen, you can have a waist-level tripod and swivel the LCD.

As a note, I personally purchased a tripod in a hardware store, it's actually a laser/bubble level tripod with a standard screw mount. It cost me a fraction of the price of a comparable tripod with the same features (as purchased in a camera shop). Mine is sturdy and well made, but that might not be the case with every model. It could be worth looking into, however.