The Canon Vixia HV30 camcorder is a compact digital video recorder suitable for the avid amateur video filmmaker. Those wishing to make their movies look more professional should invest in a compatible tripod to provide a solid base for a steady image. Using the standard 1/4-inch mounting point the Vixia HV30 can be used with virtually any standard tripod. The main consideration you need to take note of is weight, with the Canon weighing just over half a kilogram.
Manfrotto 701HDV + 755XBK
Together the 701HDV head and the 755XBK tripod combine to make a professional quality, lightweight yet robust platform for camcorders. Inside the head, fluid cartridges offer smooth panning capability and an adjustable plate allows you to mount your camcorder so that it is perfectly balanced. The center column can be removed and contains a ball mount and level to ensure perfect horizontal alignment. Weighing 3.6 kg, this carbon fiber tripod and head extends to a maximum of 174.5 cm and has a minimum height of 31 cm. The heaviest camcorder it can support is 4 kg, well above the weight of the Canon HV30.
Camlink TP Carbon 28
This carbon fiber tripod is suitable for capturing wildlife or other fast action thanks to its three-way pan and tilt head with two handles enabling full control over both the vertical and horizontal plane. Should you need to move quickly, you can remove the head with its quick release feature and continue shooting. Spike feet provide a stable base for filming and, these can be retracted for indoor use. Overall weight of the tripod is 2.76 kg and it can be extended from 72 cm to a maximum height of 166.5 cm.
Giottos MTL9351B
Thanks to the center column that can be moved through 180 degrees, you can set your camcorder as low as 26 cm from the ground, lower than the folded height of the tripod itself, which is 63 cm. With the three-section legs extended to their maximum, and with the center column also extended, the Giottos MTL9351B stands at 165 cm. The aluminum construction means the tripod weighs 1.85 kg and will support up to 5 kg.
Tags: center column, Canon Vixia, carbon fiber, carbon fiber tripod, fiber tripod, Giottos MTL9351B