Hi Everyone,

I'd really appreciate any suggestions on the following.

In the User Guide (see link below) for the Panasonic-NV-GS230EB camcorder it states "Use only the recommended accessories" and mentions a "Panasonic Tripod (VW-CT45E)" as an optional accessory.

Unfortunately I have extensively searched the web and am still unable to locate anywhere that sells the tripod VW-CT45E. I contacted Panasonic directly and they told me it is a "sales item" and, as such, isn't stocked by them.

My question now is what tripods might be suitable to use with my Panasonic-NV-GS230EB camcorder. The hinge/clamp that attaches the camcorder to the tripod looks unusual in the User Guide diagram. Therefore, I'm thinking that perhaps the Panasonic Tripod (VW-CT45E) is a 'special' tripod that needs to be used with this camcorder?

Ideally, I will be able to purchase whatever tripod I like. What's stopping me is the strange-looking hinge/clamp.

Here is the User Guide:

http://techdocs.panasonic.co.uk/doc...4/vqt0t87-1.pdf

Again, I'd appreciate any suggestions whatsoever.

I'm having trouble getting to the link you gave. I keep getting an error that says "Timeout accessing resource". Can you verify it works for you? Maybe something is wrong on this side of the pond.

Without looking at that, it's hard to say what kind of tripod you might need.

Good luck.

Dennis

It is a standard Panasonic MiniDV camcorder:
http://panasonic.co.jp/pavc/global/...ducts/nv-gs230/

Any tripod for a small MiniDV consumer camcorder should work.




Rich

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Thanks again Poncho could you perhaps recommend one please that might be compatible? I don't require a fluid head or anything.

Dennis an alternative way to access the 230 User Guide is:

Go to

http://www.panasonic.co.uk/

Click on the arrow next to 'Search' (leave the box blank)

Scroll down to 'If you are looking for a User Guide or operating manual try our download area.'

Click on the arrow next to 'Download Area'

In the field 'Enter Model Number (if known)'

enter nvgs230

Scroll down to 'NVGS230EB'

Click on the small arrow next to 'View (4.5 MB) 30/03/2007'

Tick the box next to 'I accept'

Click on 'View'

Uh, that's a heck of a lot of steps to go through. You could have cut and paste the relevant text so we could help you figure out what the cam needs. But, no matter, it sounds like Rich knows it's a standard tripod mount.

Good luck.

Dennis

You have a standard Panasonic MiniDV camcorder. You do not have to use a Panasonic tripod.

The "Use only the recommended accessories" does not really apply to tripods.

Tripods are standard. They generally use the same threads to connect the tripod to the camera/camcorder. All MiniDV camcorders have the same tripod threads.

You can select a tripod based on the features and the weight of your camcorder.

There is no "strange-looking hinge/clamp".

Here are abou 30 tripods which are designed for camcorders in the 6 to 10 Lb range and would work with your camcorder:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...h=&cltp=&clsgr=

I can not recommend a specific tripod for you, but for video a fluid head is important to me and many other people. Good tripods are expensive. Read through the tripod forum to get an idea what people prefer. I have a Bogen/Manfrotto 3001BN Tripod Legs (Black) with 701RC2 Fluid Head which supports 9 lb. I paid about $170.

Rich

Thanks for all the excellent advice Dennis and Rich. You've really cleared things up for me.

All I need to do now is put the finishing touches to my short film script and then I can get cracking