A tripod is a three-legged stand that you can mount your camera on to stabilize it and create sharper photographs, even in poor lighting conditions. Monopods are mostly used to help support the weight of very large lenses, but they can also stabilize images and often have a tripod-like attachment. So whether you build your own handcrafted tripod or have the best tripod on the market, here's how to connect it to the camera.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Prepare the kickstand
Step 1. Check if your camera has a tripod mount
Most cameras have it, but some smaller models may not have it. It is a small hole about 6mm in diameter with screw grooves on the bottom of the camera. If your camera does not have this feature, you will not be able to mount it on a tripod, but there are other ways to stabilize the image (read the Tips section at the bottom of the page). You will need a tripod plate with a screw that is the same size as your camera.
Most compact cameras have 1/4 '' mount. Some larger and more professional cameras may have 3/8 mount
Step 2. If you can, remove the plate from the kickstand
There is usually some kind of lever or quick attachment clip to detach the plate from the stand. There are many different types of connections between the camera and the main body of the tripod, but most tripods have a plate that can be detached for easier mounting.
- Detaching the plate from the tripod will make it easier to screw it onto the camera, but it is not strictly necessary.
- Make sure the tripod plate screw hole is the same size as the one on the camera. Not all appliances are compatible with all plates; you may be able to purchase a new plate that fits both your camera and tripod.
Step 3. Level the kickstand
Adjust the legs to make the tripod stable on the ground. Open the hinges and extend the legs of the easel to reach the desired height. You can technically adjust the tripod even after attaching the camera, but the camera will be safer if you prepare its base first. If you stretch your legs, always check that they are firmly on the ground before attaching the camera.
- The stand does not have to be perfectly level; it just needs to be leveled enough to make the inclination unnoticeable. Leveling is more important if you are taking panoramic photos or if you will be taking a lot of photos that will then be merged together.
- Some tripods have a small bubble level to help you adjust. If yours doesn't, you can always buy one.
Method 2 of 2: Mount the Camera
Step 1. Screw the plate to the camera
It should be easy, the chamber has a threaded hole and the plate has a screw that goes into it - screw them together until they fit snugly. Some plates allow you to screw the screw from the bottom of the plate instead of turning the plate on the chamber.
- Some tripods have a small screw head on the underside of the plate. In these cases, tighten the screw from here, rather than turning the plate on the camera.
- You need to squeeze tightly but not too tightly to make sure it fits tightly, but over tightening could damage your camera or tripod.
Step 2. Secure the camera to the tripod
Some tripods use a locking mechanism in place of a normal screw; others use a clamp to integrate the screw. Place the camera gently between the clamps, then find the locking mechanism. You may need to tighten some screws or torque knobs to make them fit the camera. Adjust until the device is firmly in place.
Step 3. Put the plate back on the kickstand
Pull the quick release lever, insert the plate into the housing on the head of the stand and release the lever - the opposite of what you did to detach the plate from the stand.
Step 4. Take great photos
Make sure the tripod is level (i.e. not crooked) and stable as you shoot, plus your legs must be firm if they have been stretched
Solve problems
Step 1. Make sure the plate you are trying to attach to the camera is designed for your tripod
If you have difficulty inserting the plate into the kickstand, they are probably not compatible. Many tripod manufacturers have a particular attachment system that is not suitable for all models.
Step 2. Hang the camera case on the center column of the tripod
If you're still having trouble getting a good shot on unstable ground, try hanging the camera case - or any object of similar mass - from the center column. This should make the kickstand more stable, helping you minimize jolts.
Step 3. Do not try to attach the camera directly to the tripod legs
Many professional tripods have the legs and head sold separately to allow photographers to have exactly the pieces they are looking for
If you have no way of turning the camera on top of the tripod, that's probably your problem, and you should buy a head
Advice
- If you don't have a tripod, or can't use it for some reason, the way you hold your camera can improve the quality of your photos. Hold the camera with both hands (one around the camera body and one around the lens), keeping it close to your body for greater support. You can also lean the camera against a tree or a building, or put it on the ground, on your camera bag or on a padded pouch.
- If you have mounted the camera on the tripod correctly and still get blurred images, consider purchasing a remote control or using the camera's timer. You could also check if the camera allows you to set image stabilization; you can also raise the ISO, a faster shutter speed, or use a flash, all of which help stabilize images.
