Self Leveling Camera Mount: I just got back from a camping trip on a lake where I did quite a bit of video. People had horses in the water and often the action started without warning.

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Self Leveling Camera Mount

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Sep 12, 2013 19:30:42 #

LoisCroft Loc: Jonesborough, Tennessee

I just got back from a camping trip on a lake where I did quite a bit of video. People had horses in the water and often the action started without warning. I was trying to capture it on video, but by the time I could level the camera on the tripod by fiddling with the legs and the bubble level, (very important because you can see the horizon), it would be too late and I would miss the action. I have quite a bit of footage with sometimes dramatically tilted horizons.
I am looking for a tripod that would self level and do it quickly. And of course, cost is a big consideration.

Any suggestions?

Sep 12, 2013 19:37:21 #

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I don't know of a self-leveling tripod at all, but the one I use is the next best thing. Its the Manfrotto 058B Triault, it sets up all 3 legs simultaneously with the press of one lever. The top has a spirit level so you just hold the leg lever and adjust until the bubble is centered and release the lever, all 3 legs will lock in that position. Each legs has a second lever to adjust that respective leg individually should you have to "fine-tune" the level after mounting the camera.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=554073&is=REG&A=details&Q=

Sep 12, 2013 19:48:38 #

LoisCroft Loc: Jonesborough, Tennessee

Thank you. That sounds good. I often only have a couple of seconds before the action has stopped and was thinking along the lines of a gyroscope or my dad suggested gimble rings. Ill look into this tripod, Im sure it would be a big improvement!

Sep 12, 2013 19:52:31 #

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

LoisCroft wrote:

I just got back from a camping trip on a lake wher... (show quote)

If the lighting is good, I'd forget about the tripod and hand-hold. It's better than getting the shot after the action has ended.

I think a self-leveling tripod would depend a great deal on the camera/lens combo. The head would need something to tell it when level was achieved. That sounds like a product to make someone rich.

Sep 12, 2013 19:56:10 #

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Self-leveling is possible, but it would seem to rely on the item on top - the camera. What we need is for Nikon to introduce a self-leveling camera. Here's a link to a self-leveling device.

http://www.cpopowertools.com/dewalt-dw087k-self-leveling-horizontal-and-vertical-line-laser-kit/dewndw087k,default,pd.html?ref=pricegrabber&zmam=31282435&zmas=47&zmac=334&zmap=dewndw087k

Sep 12, 2013 20:12:23 #

Bill Houghton Loc: New York area

Not to be to forward here, but have you looked in the RC (Radio Control) FPV (first person view). It's has come quite away from U Control. I know you can Gyro controlled camera mounts for you RC equipment. Go to Hobby King and punch in FPV. There is also a site for those that wish to build there own equipment and devices. If you want to know more just PM me.

You can also try RC Groups.

Another name: Head Tracking Gear.

Sep 12, 2013 20:26:56 #

Bill Houghton Loc: New York area

Here you go, this one is for you. LOL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSpDA1Qv7wg

Sep 12, 2013 20:50:11 #

LoisCroft Loc: Jonesborough, Tennessee

Awesome, Thanks everyone for your ideas! Plenty to consider before the next shoot!

Sep 12, 2013 21:19:23 #

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Google Velbon travel tripods. They have several that should meet your specs. ;)

Sep 13, 2013 04:42:11 #

TucsonCoyote Loc: Tucson AZ

Here you go !
Note the price though ! lol
http://www.google.com/search?q=acadalus+self-leveling+tripod+head&bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&bvm=bv.52164340,d.cGE,pv.xjs.s.en_US.CQsooEYev9Y.O&biw=1850&bih=977&dpr=1&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=ucwyUrm2CMGLjALS3oHwBA#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=Jad_H_33tL8S8M%3A%3BZdpO2sZ5Q_-vhM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.wired.com%252Fgadgetlab%252F2010%252F04%252Facadalus-the-5000-self-leveling-tripod-head%252F%3B660%3B448" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.wired.com%252Fimages_blogs%252Fgadgetlab%252F2010%252F04%252Facadalus.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.wired.com%252Fgadgetlab%252F2010%252F04%252Facadalus-the-5000-self-leveling-tripod-head%252F%3B660%3B448

Sep 13, 2013 07:11:47 #

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

TucsonCoyote wrote:

Here you go ! br Note the price though ! lol br ht... (show quote)

And it levels "within seconds", how many seconds they refuse to say. 3 may be OK, 20 is slower than a manual tripod. $5000 and no speed specs listed, has to make you wonder.
But it is automatic, and I had never heard of one that did that before, nice find.

Sep 13, 2013 07:12:30 #