tripod that can support two video cameras

[badams]

Can anyone tell me what is a good tripod to get that can support two video cameras (Canon XL1S and Canon XH A1), total weight for both cameras will be around 10 pounds.

I'm looking at this head so I can attach both cameras:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5407-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_3153B_3153B_Double_Head_Support.ht ml

I had originally thought about two tripods, but the area I will be using it isn't big enough for two, it's barely big enough for one.

Price isn't too much of an issue as long as it isn't anything outrageous like 1k.

ps. I know the forum is for still cameras, but figured you all would know of a tripod that I am needing.

Thanks

[beezwax]

I use the Bogen 3190 and Manfrotto has an arm that attaches to the tripod neck... I use to have my DSR 370 and 1 PD 170 attached to it...

[FlyingPhotog]

You makin' stereo video?

The problem I see is, for video cameras, you still need to mount two fluid heads which will add considerably to the total weight.

[beezwax]

You makin' stereo video?

The problem I see is, for video cameras, you still need to mount two fluid heads which will add considerably to the total weight.


most videographers attach 2 cameras to a single tripod... 1 (A roll) and 1 (B roll), A Roll being a static WA shot that doesn't move and B Roll on a fluid head for tight shots to follow the subjects

[FlyingPhotog]

most videographers attach 2 cameras to a single tripod... 1 (A roll) and 1 (B roll), A Roll being a static WA shot that doesn't move and B Roll on a fluid head for tight shots to follow the subjects

Wow, that's cool...

However in the 25+ years I've worked in TV, I've never seen that done...

Guess I've just been workin' the wrong gigs. ;)

http://www.pbase.com/flyingphotog/scenes_from_the_road

[badams]

I'm hoping to use this setup at work (I work for a college) and will be filming our graduation ceremony in May. I say hope as I have to get the second camera approved, but they should go for it as I need it because I always have to cut out something during filming to change tapes.

I'm hoping with this setup I can have the second tape ready to go when the first tape runs out.

As for having them fluid, I don't really need that as it will be pointed at the stage and won't be moving.

[beezwax]

Wow, that's cool...

However in the 25+ years I've worked in TV, I've never seen that done...

Guess I've just been workin' the wrong gigs. ;)

http://www.pbase.com/flyingphotog/scenes_from_the_road


oh neato... I worked for KHOU here in Houston as a backup camera operator... of course we both know that studio and field work isn't quite the same as shooting a HS or College Graduation.

I use to be part of a crew that worked with a guy named Scotty Kilmer, he has a 15 minute segment on saturday mornings about fixing cars and answering emails... I wish I had stayed in that field... 2 years after I left there he won an Academy Award... BASTIDS!!! lol

oh.. and I didn't mean to come across as knowing more than you... SO THERE!!! :lol:

but what do I know... I'm just a wedding videographer :p

[FlyingPhotog]

oh neato... I worked for KHOU here in Houston as a backup camera operator... of course we both know that studio and field work isn't quite the same as shooting a HS or College Graduation.

I use to be part of a crew that worked with a guy named Scotty Kilmer, he has a 15 minute segment on saturday mornings about fixing cars and answering emails... I wish I had stayed in that field... 2 years after I left there he won an Academy Award... BASTIDS!!! lol

oh.. and I didn't mean to come across as knowing more than you... SO THERE!!! :lol:

but what do I know... I'm just a wedding videographer :p

No worries...

Like I said, in 25+ years, I've never seen two cameras on one tripod or ped.

It's actually kind of a clever idea. Although, being the mercenary freelance SOB that I am, I'd rather see a second shooter get some work... :)

Good Luck with your shoot...

[RPCrowe]

I have a spreader bar which was an Amvona product (however I couldn't find one on their web store). The bar will allow the mounting of two
(actually, you can mount four) cameras and/or additional tripod heads. The bar itself can be mounted to a heavy duty tripod head. I have an old Davis and Sanford tripod which could support a VW Bug but, weighs as much as the Bug which I will use with this spreader bar. It includes an older but very heavy duty fluid head.

I will often use it with two camera bodies with long lenses by bore sighting the two lenses so they are pointed in approximately the same spot off in the distance. I will then tape cable shutter releases for each camera to the fluid head handle. A 70-200mm zoom combined with a 400mm prime makes a nice duo when used in this fashion.

A much simpler, cheaper and lighter in weight setup would be to use a bar of 1/4 inch by 2-inch aluminum stock, the length of which would be determined by the width of your two cameras.

Manfrotto sells a ready made Gitzo platform for about $73.

http://www.bogenimaging.us/Jahia/product_main_page/site/bius/lang/en_US/cache/bypass?actualPathCategoryKey=1CAT:AAA1:2CAT:BBB1:3 CAT:C141:4CAT:D222&curMarketId=NONE&curBrandId=NONE&kindOfProductCollectionRequest=productList&isCleanList=true

Drill a hole through the center to enable you to attach it to a tripod screw (you can use any type of nut for this fastening - however a cap nut is probably the best choice) and drill 1/4 inch holes at appropriate places for the tripod mounting sockets in your camera.

Use a 1/4 x 20 screw along with a wing nut to secure each camera. Screw the screw through the wing nut, then through the hole in the aluminum stock and finally into the camera tripod socket. Don't screw it into the socket with any great force because that may hurt the camera. Then tighten the assembly by tightening the wing nut against the aluminum stock.

You may want to glue some thin cork or rubber under where the cameras are attached and where the bar is attached to the tripod head. This will prevent any scratches and will probably give a more secure mounting.

This entire setup probably weighs less than a pound and costs only a couple of bucks in materials.

Bore sight it off in the distance and adjust the elevation and rotation with whatever tripod head you are using. Make sure the tripod and head can support the weight of the setup. I usually don't like to exceed 50% of the manufacturers recommended maximum weight.

The drawback to these setups is that you can only use the cameras in the horizontal position. However, I suspect that you could jury rig one to support the cameras in the vertical position if needed.