ABSTRACT
Now that you've selected your camera and your recording medium, you're going to need something to support the camera: a tripod, dolly, crane, or Steadicam. Don't think you can depend on hand holding. (For more of my diatribe against hand-holding, see Chapter 35.) Just as with filters and accessories, the camera rental house will have tripods, and sometimes they are part of a package. In that case you'll have little choice. But if you do have a choice, here are some things to consider: Is the tripod strong enough to support the camera? Cameras vary a lot in weight. It's important that you have a sturdy tripod. Otherwise your camera will wobble, and that only works if you're trying to convey the point of view of a character who is either seasick or drunk. Otherwise you want the camera to be steady as a rock. I like to get a tripod that might be a little too beefy for my camera, especially a light camera. I like the feel of a very solid platform under me. Part of the reason is that I tend to use my whole body when I'm operating a fluid head (I'll get to heads almost immediately, so hold on), and I want a platform that stands up to the weight of my body.
