When shooting any sort of photography or video, a tripod is a key piece of stabilizing equipment. Tripods and tripod pedestals are numerous in design and function, but all have one basic purpose: to keep your shot rock steady.
Definition
A tripod is a three-legged device used to support a camera without the use of an operator's hands.
A tripod pedestal, more accurately known as a studio pedestal, is a non-portable version of a tripod that uses wheels, hydraulics, steering mechanisms and its own heavy weight to allow for movement and stability of the camera, most often in a studio situation.
Function
The studio pedestal is used in television and film studios as part of a camera support system that includes the tripod head (on to which the camera is attached), the pedestal and the pedestal base. The pedestal itself includes a wheeled base for horizontal movement across flat surfaces, a telescoping hydraulic or sealed-air-cartridge-powered center core that allows for up vertical movement of the camera and the tripod head that contains camera controls, pan and tilt handles and controls, and, on some models, electric power inputs.
Types
Studio pedestals can range from very basic to very complex. The most uncomplicated models contain a wheeled base, a hydraulic or sealed-air-cartridge -center core, and a mount for the tripod head, which is used to attach a camera. More complex pedestals can include features like steering assist mechanisms, power-lift controls, digital feedback readouts, lighted controls or camera cable management systems. Some studio pedestals are completely robotic, being remotely controlled by a single camera operator in the studio control room.
Misconceptions
A tripod is not a studio pedestal and vice versa. Though they share similar functions, the studio pedestal is a device that is used primarily in studio environments where a very flat, smooth surface is present. This allows the pedestal to complete camera moves that a normal static tripod could not complete, such as smooth, horizontal tracking shots. The pedestal can also move vertically through hydraulic or air-powered mechanisms, allowing for another type of camera movement a tripod cannot complete. Tripods are basic and are rarely powered by anything but a human camera operator. A pedestal can be fully robotic, powered by electricity and remotely controlled by an operator.
Benefits
A studio pedestal has the advantage of being mobile while offering a high amount of stability. Pedestals remove virtually all camera shake due to their bulk and steadying mechanisms. A studio pedestal can allow a camera operator to complete complex camera moves without the aid of an assistant.
Tags: studio pedestal, camera operator, tripod head, camera moves, head which, remotely controlled, tripod head which