LA1: Tripods

Tripods

Tripods can be essential when taking photos or filming, for different reasons. The main purpose for a tripod is to make sure your camera is steady, therefore your footage turns out smooth.

Tripods have several different components and depending on the tripod each one can come in a different size.

The release plate at the top of the tripod functions so that the screw can screw into the camera being used, then the plate is locked back into the head.

The ball head consists of an enclosed ball with a tightening knob, which when looses the ball can be repositioned. When the camera is in its correct position, the knob is tightened so the ball and camera remain still.

Both the centre column twist lock and multi angle leg lock are used to lock that specific component in place, so that the tripod is stable.

The centre column can be extended to change the height of the tripod, if not locked/mounted.  A lot of centre columns have a friction collar that keeps them in place until they are needed to extend. The centre column is the main component to the tripod since it allows the user to get higher/lower shots.

The legs are the other main component since without them the tripod wouldn’t stand. Furthermore, the leg locks are a locking mechanism to prevent the legs from retracting or extending further. The two most common types of leg lock are the flip lock or the twist lock. At the end of each leg there is a foot, and depending on the tripod the foot may be as simple as a rubber bumper enabling the tripod some grip so it doesn't move.

Lastly the hook at the end of the tripod is there so you can add more weight to your tripod, making it more stable.