Camera Supports

Camera supports is the name given to the family of devices uses to prop a camera for a desired position. This group mainly consists of devices such as tripods and monopods, as well as a few lesser-used items.

Perhaps the most standard camera support is the tripod, which is simply a camera mount supported by three rods or “legs.” It is arguably the most widely-used of the camera supports as it is a very fundamental way of establishing a stable, elevated foundation upon which a camera can rest. The legs of the tripod often have an adjustable length, so as to make it even easier to adjust the altitude of the camera’s position.

The monopod is a much less stable way of supporting the camera but it compensates with much greater flexibility in the way the camera can be angled and positioned. It takes practice to use this device adequately.

There are also miniature and table tripods, which have a much more restricted range of height. On the other hand, their small size means that they can fit easier into cramped spaces, and their lightness makes it possible to better improvise awkward camera angles and positions as needed.

Other less orthodox methods of supporting a camera include camera clamps and beanbags. Camera clamps are simply C-clamps that have a camera mount attached to them. They are therefore quite useful when one needs to position a camera in a very hard to reach area, where clamps are applicable. Beanbags are sometimes used as camera supports, often when one wants to position the camera on the floor or on other low-altitude sites.

The most expensive and professional camera support is the camera stand, which is often used for studio work. The camera stand often consists of a tall pole upon which an adjustable set of “arms” is attached. From the arms, the camera as well as lights and other photography riggings can be hung and adjusted as needed.

Camera supports are essential to professional photography, where precision in positioning and angling a camera is a key component. Simply holding the camera still is very important in itself, to ensure that the picture does not suffer from motion blur. To maximize on the flexibility of the camera’s positioning, the camera mount that is attached to most camera supports hinges on a round ball, giving the camera mount an almost gyroscopic range of angles and positions.