Tripod for cameras and mic?

[Ken]

Hi. I just purchased the Rode VideoMic (thanks to some
recommendations on this newsgroup!). It works very well with my
Panasonic PV-GS250. The mic does pick up some camera noise when I use
the hot shoe mount, but I see the mic can be mounted on any tripod.

Can someone recommend a tripod for the mic and one for the camera?
I'll be using the mic for two main purposes. First, I'll be video-
taping some family interviews. In this case, I'll have the mic tripod
next to the camera that will be filming the video. The second use
will be similar. When my son has shows at school (kindergarten and
on), I'd like to put the mic close to the stage and plug it into my
second video camera which is a cheap and light Canon ZR500. I figure
in that case, I'll use that camera with the Rode as my sound
recorder. I'd have the Rode on one tripod and next to that, I'd have
the ZR500 on a second tripod. I'd shoot the video to keep with my PV-
GS250. I'd then use my Adobe Premiere to pull the Rode sound and PV-
GS250 video together.

So I figure a cheap tripod would do the trick for the Rode, but I also
don't want a piece of junk that will just break the first time I use
it. For my PV-GS250, I'd like something a bit nicer that will let me
do fluid pans. Since that camera is under 3 pounds with a battery, I
don't need anything heavy duty. For my ZR500 (also well under 3lbs.
with a battery), I'm not as concerned about the panning, since that is
more likely to be used, as I said, as a glorified sound recorder.

So based on that, what recommendations would you make for the:

Rode Mic
PV-GS250
Canon ZR500

Thanks!

Ken

[Richard Crowley]

"Ken" wrote ...

> Hi. I just purchased the Rode VideoMic (thanks to some
> recommendations on this newsgroup!). It works very well with my
> Panasonic PV-GS250. The mic does pick up some camera noise when I use
> the hot shoe mount, but I see the mic can be mounted on any tripod.
>
> Can someone recommend a tripod for the mic

Microphones are typically mounted on mic stands, not
tripods. It is easier to get the proper accessories, etc,
and it is easier to position the microphone. I would start
out with one of those folding mic stands that comes with
a mini-boom like they sell to rock bands at Guitar Center
and similar music stores.

> and one for the camera?

I really like my Amvona AT-9901T (bought on eBay) with a
Manfrotto/Bogen 519 fluid head. But then you didn't state
any budget?

[Ray S]

Look about on Ebay for deals on Bogen/Manfretto fluid heads.