Digital Camera Tripod - Camera Tripod

An essential part of any photographers kit is a Camera Tripod which is a necessity for anyone who wants to take the best pictures possible. A Digital Camera Tripod is useful in order to minimise camera movement which can cause an image to blur.

Blurring is especially noticeable in photographs taken in low light conditions where the exposure time has to be extended. This occurs because the shutter on the camera stays open for that much longer and any slight movement during that period will result in blur or even a double image effect. Another instance where a tripod would be a necessity is where a telephoto lens is fitted to the camera and you are attempting to take a distance photograph. Any very tiny movement in the camera will be multiplied through the lens and the resulting picture more than likely unusable.

By supporting the camera on a camera tripod, any movement caused by hand shake, for example, is diminished. Although a camera tripod provides the best support, it is also possible to support the camera with other nearby objects such as fence railings, window sills and even on top of a car roof.

When it comes to choosing a Camera Tripod, you are likely to be spoilt for choice. There are literally hundreds of tripods to choose from. They range in quality from those made from composite materials such as carbon fiber to those manufactured from alloy and aluminium . Some tripods come equipped with quick release mounts and legs whereas others are fitted with threaded adjusters.

Different heights should be taken into consideration when purchasing a camera tripod. The maximum extended height should allow the user to comfortably use the camera when in a standing position. For close up photography, the minimum height that the tripod will go down to is an important consideration. The third height to consider is that of the tripod when it is fully collapsed as this will determine the portability and storage. The smaller that it collapses down to the easier it will be to carry around and also store away when not in use.

In the centre of the tripod is a column with a head onto which the camera is fitted. If you take a look on the base of your digital camera, you will likely find a threaded hole - this is the mounting hole for a tripod. The centre column can be adjusted for height and some tripods will have the ability to tilt the camera down for close up photography.

As already noted, the tripod head is the part that the camera attaches to. The head will allow the camera to swivel as well as move up and down. In technical terms, these movements are accomplished with two types of head which are either a pan and tilt head or a ball head.

The majority of tripod heads are the pan and tilt type. These heads have three different axes and each is controlled with its own locking mechanism which make them ideal for precise adjustment control of the visual field.

The ball head allows the adjustment of the three axes at the same time which makes them a lot easier to use. A tripod with a ball head is more expensive than it's pan and tilt cousin but for the increased movement of the camera that is possible, they are more than worth the additional cost.

If you need to confirm that the camera is perfectly level, some tripods also come equipped with a small spirit level to check levels. It is also possible to purchase a level as an accessory should you require one.