Help picking a new Tripod and Microphone

rlee

rlee

Member
Hey NS,

Im looking to upgrade my tripod as my current Manfrotto 055XPROB has broken on me. It lasted me a while but now im looking for a more permanent tripod which should hopefully last me a lot longer. Having this tripod though, I have learnt what I need from my new one.

I do a lot of traveling and freelance work on my own and I often found that the 005X was too heavy so I'm looking into Carbon Fiber to drop the weight. I found at events I've had to carry a tripod for long periods of time so a lighter tripod is key. Not too big and clunky as well so I can easily travel with them.

So the two tripods I've been looking into right now have been the Miller Solo DV 2 Stage and Really Right Stuff TVC -33 and 33s.





Looking around both seem to be highly regarded, but im wondering if there are any significant differences I need to know such as if one is better for video than the other, one is more sturdy, etc. The Miller solo is a wee bit larger and heavier but will that be significant? I have the Manfrotto 701 fluid head right now and if I researched correctly should work fine on both until I can upgrade that too.

If anyone has any experience with either or could help my choice that would be great, or are there any other tripods I should maybe look into? Price wise, they are on my limit.

Onto microphones, I really have little experience with them. I've borrowed a Zoom H4n before and than was good. Most my work at the moment is events and I've had to do a few interviews (using borrowed H4n) before and have more coming up, indoor and out. Personal work as well I found that im really lacking good sound to take my work to the next level.

The mics I have looked into, just because ive heard of people using them are the Rode VideoMic Pro, Rode NTG-2 and H4n.

From what I hear the VideoMic pro is good for run and gun but sometimes is better just to use as a B-Roll Mic/ Backup as other mics are far better. As for the other 2, I honestly dont know much other than people recommending them, but I still dont know much. Any other mics that would suit me well?

Sorry thats a lot of info to read but I hope you can help out.

Thanks
 
I'm not sure if i can help much with tripods (I have a 190xprob) but probably with audio and mics. I'd say get a rode videomic and a zoom h4n if you can afford that. If you currently have absolutely NO external mic or audio recorder you can get a cheap one like this audio technica that I have. The rode videomics are obviously much better if you can afford them. I don't know as far as other brand mics though.What would you be recording the audio into? a DSLR? If you don't already have it be sure to get magic lantern to control audio levels.

(http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR-6550-Condenser-Shotgun-Microphone/dp/B002GYPS3M/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1346758229&sr=8-7&keywords=audio+technica+mic)

 
Rode videomic pro
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/744768-REG/Rode_VIDEOMIC_PRO_VideoMic_Pro_Compact_Shotgun.html

and i just use a Cam Caddie Scorpion or opteka x grip. They both get the job done. no more help for me from there

cam caddie:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/580698-REG/Dot_Line_CC_100_CC_100_Cam_Caddie_Scorpian.html

Opteka:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...il&Q=&sku=692449&is=REG&si=rev#costumerReview

but if i do use a tripod i use something like this(i could not find the exact one i use but its something like this and its from the same brand)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...ord_MAGNUMXG_MagnumXG_Tripod_W_FX12_Head.html

 
Thanks. Im using a 7D so unfortunately cant get magic lantern, preferably I will be recording straight into the DSLR but I have plenty of experience syncing up audio in post so that would not be the end of the world.

My budget would easily allow for a Rode VideoMic, but would the audio be good enough for interviews per say or just as a general good improvement from the terrible in camera mic?

^ btreger - thanks for the suggestions on the grips but a tripod is what I need. I'm not rushing around like mad or moving with the cam where a handle may be more suitable. As for the tripod, I'm pretty confident a $99 one is not what im after...
 
It's a bummer the 7d doesn't have magic lantern but I believe the newest firmware has manual audio levels. As far as the rode videomic goes, yes it would definitely work well for interviews. it isn't like the internal built in mic that just records everything, its much better and has a more directional pickup pattern. This blog I follow called oliviatech (and cheesycam) uses rode videomic pros almost exclusively into h4ns and 5ds and whatnot. Their audio is really great. I'd say definitely buy a videomic or videomic pro if your budget allows it.

 
Thanks for that, was really helpful. Rode VideoMic seems good then. One thing I've noticed a lot is people recording their mics through the H4n. If the H4n is a mic itself whats the benefit of doing this? I presume its so you can see your audio levels and such and adjust accordingly or having 2 audio supplies?

The 055 was an OK tripod, but mine is now broken so would like to spend money on a tripod that will last me a whole lot longer as well as one that is light and sturdy like I stated in the original post.

Any more help on the tripod front?
 
Miller solo legs, no question about it. You 701 head will be okay for now but a satchler cine dslr head would be a nice upgrade too.
 
Thanks! That gives me more confidence. Why would you recommend the Miller Solo's so much over the RRS? I know Dan Carr has the RRS and loves it. Also, I would like to be able to use the ball head (leveling base) feature they both would provide so leveling is far easier using the 701. I presume i would need to buy something like the RRS Leveling base:

http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=TA-3-LB&type=4&eq=TA3LB-001&desc=TA-3-LB%3a-Versa-3-LB-with-Platform

Would this work on the Miller Solo or would I need to buy a different one. I cant seem to find anything like this from Miller.

Yes il need to upgrade to a new head, but as of right now im limited to only legs. Playing it job by job - do one, upgrade my gear, do another, upgrade again. So slowly but surely

 
Not sure about the adapter you speak of, but i dont know much about RRS i just know miller legs are fucking solid, they on my future purchase list.
 
Alright got ya. Miller sounds pretty good then.

What im talking about is currently with my tripod I have to adjust all the legs to different height/ angles to be able to get the head level if on uneven ground. Takes a while and is just plain annoying. With the ball head leveling base, I can just unlock the head, level it to wear it needs to be and lock it up. Simple as that.

I Hope that makes more sense. If not skip to 3.54 of this video and its clearly shown by Philip Bloom what I mean.

https://vimeo.com/45687478

 
I mean, i know what a ball head it. I think you just need an adapter to make the ball head legs work with the flatbase 701 head.
 
Oh OK sorry, didn't get that. Would any 75mm adapter work? Do you have any suggestions on a good one?
 
RRS makes some quality stuff for sure, but its also aimed at photography. Gitzo legs tend to flex under the demands of video; that doesn't make them bad. It just means they're built for still photography. Also, be careful about gear recommendations from blogs. Most blogs are just creative advertisements.

To adapt a 701 head, you need a 75mm half-ball. Manfrotto makes one.
 
The H4n is a better quality audio recorder than a DSLR. It has less hiss and better preamp. You can get it if you feel the quality straight into the camera isnt good enough, but I'd get a rode and then test it out straight into the camera first.
 
OK great, thats the sort of stuff I was wondering. I knew the RRS seemed more photo oriented but seemed like it could also work well for video. Thoughts on the Miller? Thats the direction i think im leaning towards now.

I look into that manfrotto, thanks. Would most half-balls then work on the MIller if they are 75mm?

^ I think I understand then with the audio. Looking though wiki to understand preamps and AGC more, its still a bit confusing but im getting there. Seems like the best option is to get a rode videomic now unless anyone else has any other options they think are better for me to look at. Im willing and need to learn more about audio... Slowly but surely.

Thanks
 
if you are just getting audio of skiing and random shit the rode videomic will be fine. if you ever need to get more serious, an external recorder and a wireless lav mic would be a good setup. every talks down on the zoom but ive used it many times with no complaint
 
I'm not so sure about that... but it doesn't matter really anyways. DSLR with magic lantern/no agc much easier anyways.
 
I think Miller makes the best outdoor legs for video. They're light, compact, and stable enough for long focal lengths with large sensors. As for the half ball, it's a universal system. As long as you're pairing a 75mm half ball to 75mm bowl legs, it will work. Higher end companies like Miller abd Gitzo make adapters, but they're stupidly overpriced. If there's one thing Manfrotto does right, it's adapters.
 
Great, thanks! Looks like Miller is the way to go and manfrotto half ball. Will look into that.

As for mics, general better audio is needed for all that stuff as well as the odd interview il have to do. The Rode Vid seems like its the way to go as well and if I end up needing more profesional audio I know what to look for.

Thanks all
 
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