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Integrated tripods?
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Jul 23, 2014 13:32:02   #
JohninRockville Loc: Rockville, Indiana
 
Has anyone give a thought to enhancing the lowly tripod with electronics that could link up with the camera, enabling controls on the tripod to operate some basic camera functions?
Wouldn't it be cool to adjust the focus and trigger the camera with a switch or alternate control that was part of the lever/arm with which you can adjust the angle??? I normally fumble for focus with one hand, while changing the camera angle or trying to grasp the dangling switch with the other while trying to see what's happening through the viewfinder.
I'm surprised that with all the bells & whistles on new cameras that no one has extended some to the instrument that supports the camera. It would even be neater if there were a small viewscreen on the tripod so your eye wasn't glued to the viewfinder.

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Jul 23, 2014 13:41:49   #
lightcatcher Loc: Farmington, NM (4 corners)
 
Not a good idea pocketbook wise. A $600.00 tripod going to $2000.00 LOL.

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Jul 23, 2014 13:46:13   #
Fishnwish
 
It could be cool! Honestly though, don't post your idea in forums. Draw it up and patent it.

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Jul 23, 2014 13:53:24   #
tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio
 
I seen a remote monitor that that could do some basic stuff like focus and shutter release which could really be handy for macro shots at ground level.

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Jul 23, 2014 13:55:21   #
RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA
 
JohninRockville wrote:
Has anyone give a thought to enhancing the lowly tripod with electronics that could link up with the camera, enabling controls on the tripod to operate some basic camera functions?
Wouldn't it be cool to adjust the focus and trigger the camera with a switch or alternate control that was part of the lever/arm with which you can adjust the angle??? I normally fumble for focus with one hand, while changing the camera angle or trying to grasp the dangling switch with the other while trying to see what's happening through the viewfinder.
I'm surprised that with all the bells & whistles on new cameras that no one has extended some to the instrument that supports the camera. It would even be neater if there were a small viewscreen on the tripod so your eye wasn't glued to the viewfinder.
Has anyone give a thought to enhancing the lowly t... (show quote)


I'd rather be a photographer than a drone operator.

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Jul 23, 2014 14:11:03   #
wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska
 
I have used a remote shutter release with a gunstock that holds a camera (old 35mm stuff and the old shutter release that came with the gunstock did not work) and it worked. Just push 1/2 way down and it autofocused and then all the way to trip the shutter. Just tape the release where it is handy on your tripod. If your camera has live view you are set. - Dave

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Jul 23, 2014 14:25:24   #
JohninRockville Loc: Rockville, Indiana
 
RWR - you're probably not aware of the fact that many international photographic contest winners used remote triggers and electronic sensors to capture their subjects. The end products are what generally counts, regardless of how the image was captured.

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Jul 23, 2014 14:49:42   #
RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA
 
JohninRockville wrote:
RWR - you're probably not aware of the fact that many international photographic contest winners used remote triggers and electronic sensors to capture their subjects. The end products are what generally counts, regardless of how the image was captured.


No offense intended. I merely voiced my opinion of the concept.

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Jul 24, 2014 00:45:01   #
JohninRockville Loc: Rockville, Indiana
 
RWR wrote:
No offense intended. I merely voiced my opinion of the concept.


I hear you, and sort of agree but must concede that some stunning photos have been the result of elaborate set-ups in which the subject takes it's own picture. Fortunately some of these images are creatures rarely seen by humans.
Actually - the technique depends on the subject. Nocturnal animals require automated systems due to limitations to our senses and reaction time.
At 70 my coordination is not as good as it used to be and appreciate anything that enables me to get the best image with the least fumbling. When manual focus is essential at times that leaves only one hand to move the camera/frame the image and shoot.

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Jul 24, 2014 01:49:19   #
f8lee Loc: New Mexico
 
JohninRockville wrote:
Has anyone give a thought to enhancing the lowly tripod with electronics that could link up with the camera, enabling controls on the tripod to operate some basic camera functions?
Wouldn't it be cool to adjust the focus and trigger the camera with a switch or alternate control that was part of the lever/arm with which you can adjust the angle??? I normally fumble for focus with one hand, while changing the camera angle or trying to grasp the dangling switch with the other while trying to see what's happening through the viewfinder.
I'm surprised that with all the bells & whistles on new cameras that no one has extended some to the instrument that supports the camera. It would even be neater if there were a small viewscreen on the tripod so your eye wasn't glued to the viewfinder.
Has anyone give a thought to enhancing the lowly t... (show quote)


Not an original idea, actually - in the movie and video world these have existed in one form or another for years. But the manual crank operated jibs cost thousands (and they need to be mounted on the "sticks". Think of the engineering involved in building a precision motor that can handle at least a few pounds of weight with 2 or 3 axis maneuverability - something like the mounts on some amateur telescopes but necessarily much more robust.

So, would it be nifty to have - certainly! Will one be available for less than a king's ransom? Unlikely.

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Jul 24, 2014 02:27:58   #
JohninRockville Loc: Rockville, Indiana
 
f8lee wrote:
Not an original idea, actually - in the movie and video world these have existed in one form or another for years. But the manual crank operated jibs cost thousands (and they need to be mounted on the "sticks". Think of the engineering involved in building a precision motor that can handle at least a few pounds of weight with 2 or 3 axis maneuverability - something like the mounts on some amateur telescopes but necessarily much more robust.

So, would it be nifty to have - certainly! Will one be available for less than a king's ransom? Unlikely.
Not an original idea, actually - in the movie and ... (show quote)


None of the controls I've suggested requires a motor - one can certainly pan manually but a button to trigger the camera on the main adjustment arm of the tripod would be relatively simple. We're talking about a camera that shoots a single frame, not a movie camera that requires a slow, steady movement in panning or following action, and the telescope requires a motor drive to follow the movement of stars across the sky.

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Jul 24, 2014 04:41:03   #
DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX
 
A CamRanger with a MP360 & PT-Hub is interesting. I have the CamRanger and I like it. The MP-360/PT-Hub will mount on your tripod and you can rotate it 15 degrees up and down as well as 360 degrees around. You can operate it from your iPad or smart device.

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Jul 24, 2014 05:04:19   #
crimesc324 Loc: West Palm Beach, Florida
 
JohninRockville wrote:
Has anyone give a thought to enhancing the lowly tripod with electronics that could link up with the camera, enabling controls on the tripod to operate some basic camera functions?
Wouldn't it be cool to adjust the focus and trigger the camera with a switch or alternate control that was part of the lever/arm with which you can adjust the angle??? I normally fumble for focus with one hand, while changing the camera angle or trying to grasp the dangling switch with the other while trying to see what's happening through the viewfinder.
I'm surprised that with all the bells & whistles on new cameras that no one has extended some to the instrument that supports the camera. It would even be neater if there were a small viewscreen on the tripod so your eye wasn't glued to the viewfinder.
Has anyone give a thought to enhancing the lowly t... (show quote)


tethering your camera to a computer, laptop or tablet, allows you to focus, shoot and change settings but not tilt and pan

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Jul 24, 2014 06:03:32   #
lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode
 
JohninRockville wrote:
Has anyone give a thought to enhancing the lowly tripod with electronics that could link up with the camera, enabling controls on the tripod to operate some basic camera functions?
Wouldn't it be cool to adjust the focus and trigger the camera with a switch or alternate control that was part of the lever/arm with which you can adjust the angle??? I normally fumble for focus with one hand, while changing the camera angle or trying to grasp the dangling switch with the other while trying to see what's happening through the viewfinder.
I'm surprised that with all the bells & whistles on new cameras that no one has extended some to the instrument that supports the camera. It would even be neater if there were a small viewscreen on the tripod so your eye wasn't glued to the viewfinder.
Has anyone give a thought to enhancing the lowly t... (show quote)


I'm gonna wait until they develop the laser generated, eyeball controlled, Head Up Display.

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Jul 24, 2014 06:11:05   #
DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX
 
You can tilt and pan with an MP-360 and a PT-HUB.
crimesc324 wrote:
tethering your camera to a computer, laptop or tablet, allows you to focus, shoot and change settings but not tilt and pan

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