Tripod question (for digital camera)

[DragnDrop]

I'm now the proud owner of a second digital camera. It's an Olympus C740 Ultra Zoom which my daughter bought herself for Christmas but couldn't get the hang of. Too bad ;) I bought it from her and she's now looking at a Cannon A75 which we're hoping is a good easy camera for her to figure out.

I've got a couple of questions about tripods. The C740 has 10X optical and 3X digital zoom, which makes a steady hand mandatory. I've experimented with resting the camera on a table or against a wall. This works well enough, no fuzzy shaky pictures but I'm not always going to have a table or wall handy. Some of the tripods I've looked at seem darned awkward, the size of them make me wonder if they're useful in herp photography. Most of my herp picture closeups will be indoors, with the critters in temporary containers like critter keepers. Would it be worthwhile to get a table-top tripod? Are there any (dis)advantages to table-top models, or would a floor model be the way to go?

[Bartman]

I use a tripod that is like a foot high. Im not sure if thats what is a table top tripod, but it works great for me. Id personally rather be hands free and I still get very clear shots. The camera seems to be able to take a clear shot whether im shaky or not.

[Big Mike]

Table top tripods are pretty cheap. You can pick one up and see if it works for you. Most standard tripods have adjustable legs so you could use them on the floor or on something else. Some pro models have a reversible pole so that the camera can be mounted between the tripod legs...but that's going to be expensive.

To get the full effect of using a tripod, don't touch the camera while shooting. Get a remote if you can...or use the self timer. Most blurry pictures are caused by camera shake from slight vibrations from our hands.

b.t.w. Don't bother with digital zoom. Just shoot at full size & quality and crop the images on the computer.

[BAZ]

If you want a good table top tripod then go to a proper photography store like Henrys and you will find a sturdy one there. Like Big Mike said... better to use a timer or a remote when using a tripod to get the full benefit.

[Jeff_Favelle]

I have this tripod and it ROCKS. So cheap, so you can beat the crap out of it and not really worry.


http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=11842&vpn=TRIPOD&manufacture=Others

[C.ADAMANTEUS]

I use an extendable tri pod, but it takes better pictures when NOT extended. I only extend when out doors
Rick

[DragnDrop]

Thanks for the replies and tips. I'll get one this week so I can take some decent pictures :)

[little_dragon_]

you could try a pair of baby legs for your camera if you don't want to invest in an expensive tripod or if you have trouble with shakey pictures bump your iso to 800 and increase your shutter speed. Manfrotto makes great tripods. Ones with moveable ball heads will make it easier for difficult shots.

[Bristen]

Originally posted by Jeff_Favelle
I have this tripod and it ROCKS. So cheap, so you can beat the crap out of it and not really worry.


http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=11842&vpn=TRIPOD&manufacture=Others

Jeff did you purchase it directly from this particular web site? That sounds like a great deal to me, tempted to place an order today!

Let me know..

Thanks!
Bristen.

[gargoyle]

Good tripod for digital Optex OPT 155 $28.88 PM me if your interested, I've got a couple left over from xmas sales!

[Big Mike]

I just love it when companies splash a catchword on their products to suck in the uninformed.

Go for the 'non-digital' tripod...you will probably save 10%-25%.

[C.ADAMANTEUS]

I thought a tri pod was a tri pod. mine fits my 35mm, my digital, and a cam corder. they have a universal sized thread i believe.
Rick

[gargoyle]

Actually most "non digital" tripods are made much sturdier and heavier as they are generally intended for use with larger SLR cameras. Therefore the "non-digital" tripods are usually much more money for a good one! The optex tripod I mentioned does not state that it is "digital", it is just a lighter weight tripod!

[Jeff_Favelle]

Jeff did you purchase it directly from this particular web site? That sounds like a great deal to me, tempted to place an order today!

Yeah, I order from this place 2-3 times per week. Check out their prices on blank DVD's in the header banner and you'll see why. LOL! They had BenQ keyboards on sale last week for $3 each. I bought 4 of them. Crazy.

[Kyle Barker]

with my hiking i use the compact type.
Optex T25, 40 bucks.

no more rocks for me either :)