VIDEO CAMERA

20th September, 2023

DR.SUNIL KUMAR DAS
Camera Mounting Equipment
Need of Camera Mounting Equipment
• All ENG/EFP cameras and consumer camcorders are designed to be carried with your
hands or on your shoulder.
• But whenever possible, one should try to mount the camera on a camera support, such
as a tripod.

Basic Camera Mounts

 The handheld and shoulder-mounted camera
 The Monopod
 The Tripod
 The Studio Pedestal

The Handheld and Shoulder-mounted Camera

• If the camera is light enough, the most flexible camera mount is our arms or shoulder.
• We can lift and lower the camera, tilt it up or down, swing it around, and walk or run
with it.
• Why then bother us with Tripod?

Need of a Camera Support

• First, we will be able to operate the camera much longer without getting fatigued than
when carrying it.
• Even a small camcorder can get awfully heavy when shooting over a period of several
hours.
• Second, more importantly, by using some kind of camera support it prevents
unmotivated camera motion-swinging and weaving it back and forth.
• Unless motivated/planned, as in some commercials and MTV shows, wild and rapid
camera movements draws too much attention to the shots.
• It is one of the sure signs of Amateur Camera.
• Third, even if one is exceptionally well coordinated, the tripod makes for smoother
moves.
• However, there are some techniques that professional camera operators have
developed to keep the handheld or shoulder-mounted camera as steady as possible.
The Monopod and Tripod
• Even a relatively light ENG/EFP camera becomes heavy during long shoots.
• If we use a portable camera support, such as a monopod or tripod, it will not only get
the camera off your back, but also it keeps us away from making unnecessary or
distracting camera movements.

The Monopod
• The monopod is a single pole, or a single “pod” onto which you can mount a camera.

• But while using a monopod, we still need to balance the camera on the single pole as
we do on our shoulder.
• But, at least we are relieved of the camera’s weight.
• The advantage of such a camera support is that it is easy to carry and can be set up in
less than a minute.
• Such monopods are by no means perfect, but they offer a welcome relief.
• Some monopod supports have a fold-out extension with which, by stepping on it, you
steady the single pole sufficiently so that you can work the camera with both hands.

The Monopod with fold-out Extension

 The Monopod with Support

Tripod and Tripod Dolly

• The Tripod is used extensively for all types of field work.
• Whether we use a heavy tripod for the support of a studio camera or a
light one for a field camera or camcorder, all tripods work on a similar
principle.
Tripod and Tripod Dolly

• Tripod is used extensively for all types of field work.

• Whether we use a heavy tripod for the support of a studio camera or a light
one for a field camera or camcorder, all tripods work on a similar principle.
 Common Principle
• They have three collapsible legs that can be individually extended so that the camera
is level, even on an irregular surface such as a Steep Driveway, Benches or Stairs.
• The tips of legs are equipped with spikes and rubber cups that keep the tripod from
slipping.

Tripod with Built-in Spreader

Most Tripods can be adjusted to a specific camera height (usually from 16 to 60 inches) and
have a built-in spreader that prevents the tripod legs from spreading and collapsing under a
heavy load.

Tripod with Built-in Spreader

• For tripods that do not have a built-in spreader, there are types of spreaders that you
can place on the ground and then fasten the three tips of the tripod to each corner.
• These spreaders can be adjusted to accommodate a small or large triangular base.
• The disadvantage of a separate spreader is that you can use it only when the ground is
relatively level.
Tripod with Levelling Ball
 When setting up a tripod, we must take particular care that, and with it the camera, is
level.
 Such a set-up is especially difficult when we need to work on steps or uneven ground.
 Tripod with Separate Spreader

Tripod Mounted on Spreader

The spreader supplies additional stability for the tripod and prevents it from collapsing under
a heavy load.

Tripod with Levelling Ball

• When setting up a tripod, we must take particular care that, and with it the camera, is
level.
• Such a set-up is especially difficult when we need to work on steps or uneven ground.

Tripod on Steps
 Tripod with Levelling Ball
 Fortunately, most high-quality tripods have provisions to accept a ball-like levelling
platform, called a levelling ball.
 It allows levelling adjustments without having to adjust the length of each leg.
Levelling Ball

Tripod with Levelling Ball

 Most pan-and-tilt heads have a built-in air bubble that indicates when the camera is
level.
Tripod with Dolly Base
 We can also place the tripod on a three-caster dolly, which is a simply a spreader with
wheels.
 Because the tripod and the dolly are collapsible, they are ideal camera mount for field
operations.
 Tripod Dollies are used even in studios equipped with studio converted ENG/EFP
cameras.
 The dolly base should be adjustable so that you can maneuver it through various-sized
doors.

Tripod with Dolly Base

 Collapsible Tripod with Dolly Base
The tripod can be mounted on a dolly, which permits quick
repositioning of the camera. This is called a Tripod Dolly.