The Key to Flawless Shots: Using a Tripod Correctly in Video Blogging

How To Use a Tripod for Vlogging

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

As you grow into a serious vlogger, a tripod will become an essential piece of equipment. You can get by for a long time setting your camera up on a stack of books, or an upside-down laundry hamper, but not forever. While these setups are great for a beginner, an intermediate vlogger will start to find them limiting. Even if you are an amazingly creative person who can create any camera setup without a tripod there will come a point where you will decide your creative energy is better spent on your video content.

This article will explain how to use a tripod and then introduce you to four different types.

Part 1: How To Set a Tripod for Vlogging

1. Setting Up Your Tripod

Step 1 – Pull out all three legs of your tripod and make sure it is standing stably. There will be tensioners on the legs which you can release in order to adjust your height. Once your legs are extended to the height you want continue adjusting them until your tripod is level. Some tripods have a built in bubble level, but if yours does not you can use a separate bubble level or make a guestimate.

Make sure when you are setting up your tripod that you point one of its legs towards your subject. This will give you room to stand behind your camera, in-between the other two legs. If you have one leg pointed directly behind your camera then you may trip over it. Or, you may knock over and damage your camera.

Step 2 – On the top of your tripod there will be a plate with a small hole and a screw. Remove this plate using either a clip or lever, depending on your tripod. Once your plate is detached screw it into the bottom of your camera. It should be tight, but not too tight or you risk damaging your camera.

Step 3 – Attach your plate, which now has your camera mounted to it, back onto your tripod.

Your tripod comes with a ‘head’. Your tripod’s head is what your camera is mounted on top of. There are several different types of tripod heads and mounts which are all useful for different things.

Ball Heads and Pan/Tilt Heads are the two most common types of tripod heads. Ball Heads allow you to adjust your camera’s position quite a bit before you start shooting. They are not good for adding in camera movements while you are filming, however, because you need to lock them in place. Pan/Tilt heads are great for creating camera movement. Most Pan/Tilt heads have a handle which you can use to make a smooth panning motion.

Part 2: Why Do You Need a Tripod: Benefits of Using Tripod

Why can’t you just hold a camera in your hand while shooting vlog entries for your YouTube channel? Honestly, you can, but the camera may shake a lot and your footage might end up being unusable. Putting a camera on a tripod reduces the probability of camera shake to the minimum and that is just the tip of the iceberg.

A huge amount of vlogs can be described as sit down videos, in which the host of the video sits in front of a camera and talks to the audience. Holding a camera while talking or trying to present a product to the viewers is next to impossible, so in order to avoid having to deal with a camera, you can simply put it on a tripod, find the best angle, and push the record button.

On the go videos, are recorded at exterior locations, and a lot of YouTubers choose to shoot these types of videos handheld, but this approach makes it difficult to maintain the same shot composition for long. A Monopod, Gorillapod or just a simple selfie stick can make your job much easier because they stabilize the camera. In addition, shooting smooth panning shots without a tripod is as difficult as it sounds.

Part 3: A Few Things You’ll Need to Consider Before You Buy a Tripod

There are thousands of different tripod models you can use for vlogging, but which model you’re going to choose depends mostly on the type of vlog you want to make. If you are planning on shooting all of your videos in the studio-like conditions, then portability isn’t such an important feature, while quite the opposite is true if you intend on filming all of your footage on outdoor locations.

However, there are certain traits you have to consider when choosing a tripod you’re going to use while recording your vlog entries.

Sturdiness: There is absolutely no point in spending money on a tripod that breaks easily. Although if your plan is to shoot vlogs at home or in a studio, then buying a cheaper plastic tripod isn’t such a bad option, since the clamps and joints won’t have to endure a lot of wear and tear. Consider buying a more durable tripod if you are going to be traveling a lot while working on your vlogs.

The Type of Camera: A number of factors can contribute to the weight of a camera, including battery grips or lenses, so before you buy a tripod make sure that it can support the weight of the camera you want to use to record your videos.

The Maximum Height: Most vloggers don’t really have to worry about how tall their tripod is, because they are not on their feet in any of the shots featured in the video. Vloggers working on DIY videos, cooking tutorials or any other type of vlog that involves movement and action should pay attention to this trait.

Photo or Video Tripods: Do you want to take beautiful panning shots? If the answer is yes then you should get a video tripod that enables you to move the camera smoothly in any direction. Photo tripods are a great option for static shots that don’t involve a lot of camera movement.

Mobility: The heavier a tripod is, the more stability it can provide, but carrying a tripod that weighs over 10 pounds to shoot sports or adventure vlogs can be a tiring endeavor. Although portability is a factor, it shouldn’t prevent you from buying a high-quality tripod that will ensure your footage is perfectly smooth and stable.

Part 4: 4 Types of Tripods

Full-Sized Tripods: are very sturdy, and as a result can be fairly heavy. Although you can take them a lot of places they are not convenient to carry for extended periods of time. They are the most reliable way to ensure you have absolutely no camera shake.

Compact Tripods: appear to be the same size as Full-Sized tripods, but they are actually much lighter. You can get the same height with a Compact Tripod as a Full-Sized tripod and it will be much easier to travel with. However, Compact Tripods are not as stable. If you are shooting for an extended period of time you may need to weigh your Compact Tripod down with sandbags to keep it steady.

Gorillapods: have flexible legs which can be wrapped around posts, fences, or anything else you may want to mount your camera on. They are also lightweight enough that you can carry them around while you shoot. If you bend it right you can essentially use your Gorillapod as a heavy-duty selfie-stick for your camera.

Table-Top Tripods: are very small and easy to travel with. You can leave one in your camera bag or your glove box. Table-Top Tripods are meant to be set up on top of desks or other stable surfaces and may not be ideal for heavier cameras.

Part 5: The 5 Best Tripods For YouTube Vlogging

Even if you know everything there is to know about tripods, the selection process can be daunting. That’s why we’ve shortlisted the top 5 tripods on the market, in an effort to make finding the right tripod for your vlog videos as quick an easy as it can possibly be. Let’s have a look.

1. CamRah Smartphone Tripod

Price: $24.99

An increasing number of Smartphones features powerful cameras that can record videos at high resolutions. Unfortunately, most iPhones and Android devices are lightweight, which makes it difficult to hold them perfectly still while shooting a video. CamRah Smartphone Tripod offers a perfect solution to this problem because it is easy to pack and you can carry it wherever you go, without needing the extra space.

It weighs just 0.6lbs and it is 10.8 inches tall. The tripod has a maximum load of 11lbs which means that besides Smartphones, you can also mount action cameras, webcams, or even smaller DSLR cameras onto it. The flexible legs made from high-density foam offer stability even when the CamRah Tripod is placed on an uneven surface.

Pros:

Easily portable
Affordable
Jaws technology provides an extra strong grip of the camera

Cons:

The tripod’s legs can’t be extended
Can’t be used with professional cameras

2. Manfrotto Mini Travel Tripod

Price: $34.99

Yet another great option for shooting vlogs with a Smartphone. The Manfrotto Mini Travel Tripod kit is also an excellent choice for all vloggers who shoot their videos with compact cameras. The tripod weighs just 0.51lbs and it is 5.31 inches tall, which makes it a perfect travel companion. However, it can’t support cameras heavier than 2.2lbs, so you have to carefully choose the camera you want to put on this tripod.

The tripod’s rotatable head features a lock button that enables you to fix the camera at a certain position and to shoot a video from an angle you selected. You can’t extend the legs on this tripod so shooting high angle shots is not an option.

Pros:

Small and durable
Allows you to mount almost any Smartphone model
Compatible with compact cameras

Cons:

Limits your shot selection
Tripod’s legs can’t be extended

3. Joby Gorilla Pod

Price: $22.50

This tripod is a superstar in the vlogging community because it is flexible, easy to set up and it fits into a pocket. Joby Gorilla Pod’s legs are segmented, so you can freely choose an angle from which you want to shoot, without having to worry about the camera’s stability. You can use this tripod on flat and uneven surfaces equally effectively.

Joby Gorilla weighs just 1lbs and its maximum height 11.6 inches, which makes it perfectly suited for talking heads videos. Using this tripod while you are on the go is also an option if you have a camera that weighs less than 3lbs.

Pros:

Highly adjustable
Sturdy and Lightweight
Made from stainless steel

Cons:

Can’t be used for panning shots
Legs can be extended for just one inch

4. Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod

Price: $64.49

If you love shooting your vlogs at night or if you simply want a tripod you can use in the studio an outdoor conditions, then Manfrotto’s Compact Action Tripod is one the best options you have at your disposal. The ergonomic head features a mounting plate that is easy to use and which provides a perfect grip of a camera.

This tripod is designed to be used with consumer-level DSLR cameras, but you can use it to shoot videos with almost all types of cameras. The Compact Action Tripod has a maximum height of 51.57 inches, and it can’t hold cameras heavier than 3.30lbs.

Pros:

Suitable for both photography and video
Great for outdoor use
Allows you to take a wide variety of shots

Cons:

Can’t support a lot of weight
Not perfectly suited for professional-level cameras

5. Magnus VT-4000 Fluid Head Tripod

Price: $159.95

Experienced vloggers who record their videos with professional cameras, will enjoy using the Magnus VT-4000 Fluid Head Tripod. The 59-inch tall tripod can support as much as 8.8lbs of weight, and it is designed to help you create perfectly stable shots. The superb panning and tilting option enable you to move your camera freely while recording smooth shots, free of camera shakes.

The quick release mounting plate is compatible with a wide range of cameras, so you can experiment and work with several different cameras while using the same tripod. You can hardly make a mistake if you choose to buy this tripod because you’ll be able to use it to record vlogs at interior and exterior locations.

Pros:

Easily adjustable to any surface
Perfect for high angle shots
Heavy-duty locks

Cons:

Weighs 7.9lbs
Not the best choice for action and adventure vlogs

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

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Your Guide to Top 6 Free, Online Video Downloads

We all are aware that recently YouTube has launched a new way to engage and attract more and more audiences with a shorter version of videos which are known as YouTube shorts. It is a video of 60 or fewer seconds which allows creators to create an eye-catchy video to maximize the views. Like other video platforms, YouTube shorts also doesn’t allow downloading options. This means however good content you find on YouTube shorts you can’t download through the app. So there has been a huge demand for YouTube shorts downloaders and one such way is to use third-party website services.

If you are looking forward to knowing about ways to download YouTube shorts and how do they work. Keep reading.

Note: We resolutely oppose all forms of copyright-infringing downloads. This tutorial is only for downloading YouTube videos/audio materials from your own channel.

Part 1: Top 6 YouTube Shorts Downloaders in 2024

There is some YouTube shorts downloader online that allows you to download YouTube shorts for free. Here is the list of the best YouTube shorts download the app below:

1.shorts.savetube.me

This is one of the best YouTube shorts downloader online one could ever think of using. It is free and secure to use. Also, it has a feature of YouTube shorts to mp4 converter easily. This tool can be used for devices such as android, iPhone, and laptops too.

2.Shortsnoob.com

This tool allows you to download YouTube shorts in their HD original quality. You don’t need to sign-up or login here at all. Also, you can use this website on devices such as PC, tablets, mobiles, laptops, etc.

One good thing about this YouTube shorts downloader online is that it claims to provide an original quality video than other websites.

### 3.Heatfeed.com

It is an all-in-one solution for YouTube shorts video download. Here it provides fast downloading, secured, HD video quality, and with easy to use interface. Also one could use this website with devices such as laptops, mac, PC, android, etc.

4.Shortsloader.com

It is among the top YouTube shorts downloader online. Here we can download any YouTube shorts with a single click and very easy steps. Along with that, it is known as YouTube shorts to mp4 converter too.

5.Tricksndtips.com

Herewith this tool the purpose to download YouTube shorts would get solved in a few minutes only. It has a very easy interface and delivers the best quality videos.

6.Y2mate.me

This online video downloader is known for providing high-quality YouTube shorts. Here no logins are required but you just need to copy and paste the link of the video on the empty area and videos will get downloaded instantly.

Part 2: How to Download YouTube Shorts Easily?

Now let’s discuss a step-by-step guide to download YouTube shorts using shorts.save tube.me:

Step 1: At first you need to select a YouTube short you want to download.

Step 2: Then after you need to go to “Share” and find a link to copy.

Step 3: Now open a web browser and https://ytshorts.savetube.me/ search for this website

Step 4: Once the website is opened you would find a space to paste a copied link.

Step 5: Click on Download and your job is done.

Thus YouTube shorts video download is a very easy-to-follow process to get your favorite video clip stored.

Part 3: FAQs about Downloading YouTube Videos

1. Is downloading video from YouTube illegal?

No downloading videos from YouTube are not illegal if it is for personal use. It is allowed to use third-party YouTube shorts downloader to download videos where there is no copyright given to it.

2. Can I edit someone else’s YouTube video?

Yes, you can edit someone’s video if the creator has permitted you to do that.

3. What is the best video editor for free?

If you are looking for the best video editor for free then the most obvious choice would be Wondershare Filmora. It has the finest video editing functions and rich filter effects to deliver outstanding video content ever.

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Conclusion

Thus we could say that YouTube shorts are one of the most amazing ways to deliver the most engaging content to your audience and appeal to them. Along with the launch of YouTube shorts, there have been many launches of YouTube shorts downloader online to help us to download our most favorite video content to our gallery. We have given detailed guidance about the best YouTube shorts downloader and how to use them.

So what are we waiting for? Let’s pick the right YouTube shorts downloader online and get a full dose of entertainment.

02 How to Download YouTube Shorts Easily?

03 FAQs about Downloading YouTube Videos

Part 1: Top 6 YouTube Shorts Downloaders in 2024

There is some YouTube shorts downloader online that allows you to download YouTube shorts for free. Here is the list of the best YouTube shorts download the app below: