Sony VCT870RM Tripod w/Remote for Sony MiniDV, DVD, HDR-HC5 & HC7 Camcorders
From Sony
The VCT-870RM features a built in level and two-way pan head that lets you scan landscapes and shoot portraits. The remote control grip lets you control zoom, record, start, stop, and lock/standby features.
Brand: Sony Model: 870RM Original language: English Dimensions: 5.20" h x 5.50" w x 26.80" l, 1.00 pounds
Keep your camcorder steady and ready for action with our remote-control tripod. A built-in level and two-way pan head let you scan landscapes and shoot portraits faster and easier. The remote-control grip lets you control zoom, record, start, stop, and lock or standby features without touching the camcorder, which makes for steadier shots.
Outstanding Value in a tripod. Controller works with Sony and Canon but not Panasonic Pros pay $600 and more (even much more)for tripod legs and head. The two main problems with cheaper tripods are lack of stability in the legs and "stiction" in the head movement. The lack of stability comes from lightweight, bendable legs. If you bump the tripod with your knee, or grab the handle without care, you'll see shake in the video. "Stiction" is the tendency of of the materials in the head to bind together slightly when left in a position for a few moments. The result is a visible jerk in the video when you start a pan or tilt movement. True fluid heads have a viscous fluid between the solid parts to provide smooth drag without binding. With the VCT-870RM Sony has somehow managed to produce an inexpensive tripod that doesn't stick. My pans and tilts are as smooth with it as they are with my 40 pound Bogen-Manfrotto legs and head. There is no getting around the fact that although well-built, the legs are lightweight. Therefore I have to take extra care to grasp the handle gently, and not to bump the tripod. But this is not hard, and it's worth it. It is so much easier to carry around the VCT-870RM than my pro tripod that it is almost always the one I grab when I'm going out for a single camera shoot. And I use it with expensive cameras--a Canon GL2 or a Sony VX2100. The controller on the handle is a totally unique and great extra. Being able to control the zoom from the handle gives much better results with much more comfort than reaching over with the other hand for the on-camera control. There is also a record/pause switch, a power standby switch and a still photo button. It plugs into the LANC control port on the camera. As mentioned above, Sony and Canon both operate according to the LANC standard, but Panasonic does not. I don't know about JVC. With the crank-controlled vertical column the tripod is able to attain more than enough height. I'm 6'2" and I only crank it up very little. I like it so much that I also bought one for my school's video club, and anticipate buying another. Highly recommended. Sony VCT870RM Tripod w/Remote Tripod is stable. It has strong locking mechanism on the legs. Pan and tilt is very adjustable for smooth movement. Locking mechanism for camera (Sony 403) is easy to connect and engage. Remote control functions and handle are easy to operate and worked with no problems. A Gem I was a bit tenative about writing this revierw lest the world know our secret - and then they'd all have one too. We were looking for something to put under our PD170 and stubled upon this beauty. The construction quality is solid and as a unit the tripod is stable. The fluid head panning is just about as good I could expect. Smooth and steady. The tripod shoe is nice and has a cork pad to protect the bottom of your camera. The tripod would be a good buy for just its basic features, but what sets it apart is the LANC remote control built into the handle. Its great. LANC (or Control-L) compatable cameras are made by Sony (this is a Sony product) and Cannon and some others. On the handle you have a On/Standy switch, a Record button, a Photo button, and a Zoom rocker. For the stuff we've done so far its supeer. I can keep my hands on the handle get the shots I want. The remote control makes the makes using the camcorder on the tripod a slick experience. The only thing that would make this a better deal is if they added a Focus Control to the remote. As far as usage - the only other issue is it took a while to get a feel for how much to tighten the tilt knob to lock it down - i didn't want to over-torque it and break something and didn't want the camera slowly moving either - but once you get the feel its fine. This tripod is a good buy. But don't feel like you have to run out and get one. We like being the only cool and geeky ones.
