The Foundation of Better Video (Less Frustration, Better Results)
Equipment Purchasing Essentials Series
I'm starting this series with the most overlooked piece of video equipment: the tripod. But I need to be more specific here – the video tripod.
Think of tripods like screwdrivers. There are two main types: photo and video, just like Phillips and flathead screwdrivers. Have you ever tried to remove a Phillips screw with only a flathead? It can be done, but it's not going to be easy or pretty.
Shooting video with a photo tripod is exactly the same frustrating experience.
The tricky thing is that the important differences between photo and video tripods can be easily missed, especially if you don't know what you're looking for. From across the room, they look nearly identical. Even trickier? Many tripods are marketed as "video tripods" without actually having the features that make video shooting easier.
Why Your Team Actually Needs a Video Tripod
Here's what a proper video tripod gives your organization:
Quality – Makes camera moves smooth and professional, plus ensures consistency when different team members are shooting
Speed – Easier to move and adjust your camera setup between shots
Efficiency – Frees up hands for small teams to manage other tasks during filming
Quantity – Less fatigue on your team means you can capture more footage
The Features That Actually Matter
Video tripods have specific elements designed to make shooting easier and to enhance your footage. Sure, there are advanced features for professionals, but those will push you past $1000 – total overkill for most internal teams.
Most teams are juggling multiple responsibilities during a shoot. The key is to find features that make your setup portable, quick to deploy, and simple to use.
Must-Have Features:
Leveling bowl base – Gets your shot leveled quickly, even on uneven ground (not the same as a ball head)
Fluid head – Makes pans and tilts look professional instead of jerky
Eye height – Your subjects will appreciate you not shooting up their nose, look for 64" or higher
Quick-release plate – Makes it easy to grab the camera for handheld shots, and a locking one prevents expensive camera falls
Easily adjustable legs – Because you don't have time for complicated setups
Balance ability – Lets the tripod support your camera's weight properly
Features to Think Twice About:
Center post – An extendable center post makes any tripod less stable. The strongest point is where the three legs meet. I'd only recommend this if you need a smaller tripod or if you'll only occasionally use it at maximum height. These also rarely have leveling bowl bases, which means longer setup times and more frustration – that's why a leveling bowl is top of our must-have list.
Floor spreaders – These add stability for heavy camera setups, but most internal teams don't have cameras that need this. They add weight, setup time, and only work well on flat floors. Anywhere else, they're a hassle.
Three Tripods Worth Considering
These aren't ranked – each one excels in different situations:
Best for: Departments prioritizing portability
This packs impressive features into a compact design that's actually easy to carry around.
Ideal when you have:
One-person shooting crews
Smaller cameras or phones
Lower volume of panning and tilting movements
The compromise: It does have a center post, though the head includes a small leveling base to help offset this limitation. At full height with heavy cameras, it becomes precarious.
Best for: Teams wanting more professional camera movements
This is a significant step up in stability and smooth operation. While there are similar options at lower price points, I recommend this one for its one-step height adjustment feature and quality carrying case. That one-step leg adjustment is worth the extra money for the time and agility it provides.
Ideal when you have:
DSLR cameras with larger lenses
Need for more professional-looking camera movements
Two-person crews or one strong person with a cart
The compromise: Added stability means more weight and length. It doesn't go as low as some options, and the leg adjustments can be noisy.
Best for: Teams with bigger budgets and more demanding needs
This offers a lot of versatility. The tubular leg design allows you to capture lower shots and is adaptable to any terrain. The larger fluid head makes movements smoother, but carbon fiber construction keeps it manageable to transport.
Ideal when you have:
Mirrorless cameras or larger
Need for professional camera movements
Working in uneven ground, especially outdoors
One-person crew that can handle the setup
The compromise: Its compactness means a lower max height.
Full transparency: The equipment links in this series are Amazon affiliate links, so I earn a small commission if you purchase through them. It doesn't cost you anything extra, and it allows me to know this was helpful content.
Next in the series: Audio equipment that makes the difference between "homemade" and "professional"
Ready to create professional videos that truly connect with your audience? While this guide helps you navigate equipment decisions for in-house projects, Four 3rds Creative specializes in strategic video content that delivers measurable results. Sometimes the best tool is partnering with experienced professionals who understand the full scope of impactful storytelling.