Advice on buying a Tripod

[Positively Negative]

Hey guys,
i finally decided to sit down and focus on the basics of photography and get away from the 'Auto' function
I have managed to take some nice pics on Manual mode but generally if i cannot get my cam on a flat surface the pics come out blurry.This is usual right ? Due to the exposure and shutter speed?
Well anyways i have a fuji s2000hd and to take some shots without a handy flat rock surface or garden chair ,i need a Tripod next.Can anyone recommend some decent tripods or even generic ones.

cheers

 

[Synaesthesia]

Yes generally slow shutter speeds without a tripod will be blurry. For starters, how about one of those "gorillapods". They're cheap and very versatile. I saw an el-cheapo in my camera shop for R100.

 

[Positively Negative]

Yes generally slow shutter speeds without a tripod will be blurry. For starters, how about one of those "gorillapods". They're cheap and very versatile. I saw an el-cheapo in my camera shop for R100.

sounds perfect! i don't need anything too advanced but anything is better than my shaky hands
Do most tripods have the same mould... i mean for the camera to tune onto.
Can i ask where you saw that El cheapo one

These here look decent, but i just need to make sure my Fuji will be compatible ?
http://www.cameraland.co.za/cameraland-products/tripods-stands/velbon-tripods-stands.html

 

[Synaesthesia]

Saw it in the Kodak shop in Menlyn.

There's one thing I know for sure: all tripods and cameras are compatible (well, nearly all) - they use a screw mount, so yeah should work fine on yours.

 

[Thump3r]

When you are ready to get a tripod, here are some things to consider ...

Height
You should remember to get one that is tall enough ...
I am 1.8m tall and most tripods at max height makes me have to hunch to look through the viewfinder.
Having to hunch over to look through the viewfinder also plays havoc with your back ...
It also messes with your focus ... looking through the viewfinder at an angle means that you are not looking at the subject via the focus points.

Load-bearing capacity
Depending on what type of photography you are planning to do, think about the load-bearing capacity of the tripod ...
If you put a big zoom lens on the camera, make sure that the tripod isn't going to topple over ...

I got a Manfrotto with independent legs ... So I can drop it down to also floor level for some Macro stuff.

It is very pricy but it is an investment ... and I not have to get a tripod for a very long time to come ...

 

[Juggy]

I bought an el cheapo Velbon with fluid head for R550 from Photographic Repairs in CPT and I'm pretty happy with it so far.

 

[bwana]

I have a strong aversion to tripods but I do use a gorilla pod (do yourself a favour and get the original one and not an imitation) as well as bean bags like The Pod which are brilliant.

 

[AstroTurf]

I bought a cheapie from Game for R250.

It is about 1.8 meters at maximum and about 35cm at lowest height.

If I am taking shots with long exposure I simply put the timer on so that I can focus, click and take my hands away so that the camera can settle before it snaps.

Perfect for amateurish home shots. It also helps when zoomed in or when I want to take family pics with myself in them.