Lessons
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1. Preproduction v
vp1-0. Opening
vp1-1. Five skills
vp1-2. Writing
vp1-3. Keeping track
vp1-4. First impression
vp1-5. Successful scouting
vp1-6. Words of wisdom
vp1-7. Conclusion

2. Production
vp2-0. Opening
vp2-1. Five production skills
vp2-2. Pep talk
vp2-3. Lighting
vp2-4. Camera
vp2-5. Sound
vp2-6. Words of wisdom
vp2-7. Closing

3. Postproduction
vp3-0. Opening
vp3-1. Five skills
vp3-2. Editing
vp3-3. Grading and graphics
vp3-4. Sound
vp3-5. Speaking
vp3-6. Words of wisdom

4. Equipment
4-0. Opening
4-1. Camera
4-2. Tripod
4-3. Sound
4-4. Lighting
4-5. Editing
4-6. Packing
4-7. Closing

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Lesson

vp4-2. Tripod

Tripods are highly recommended for any stationary subjects, especially if you need to keep one frame for more than about 15 seconds. 

If you plan to speak in front of the camera for longer than that buy a tripod. They come in all size budgets and physical sizes. I rarely need to shoot above eye level so I use a tripod  slightly shorter. And after adding the tripod head and the camera, stands at about eye level. 

Tripod head
Make sure that your tripod has a ‘fluid head.’ It makes all shots easier to adjust. A fluid head allows for smooth panning and tilting shots. Of course, it is more expensive, and much heavier. And if you are working alone will be impossible.

No, I don’t use one. It is for large productions which have things like big budgets, big trucks, and strong assistants to carry the stuff. I rarely tilt up and down, or pan left to right because with smaller lightweight tripods, it can be more jerky. 

My recommendation, do handheld when following moving subjects. Otherwise, take a few fixed image shots and show one after the other instead of panning or tilting. 


Quick Release
The quick release allows you to mount and remove the camera quickly, a real time-saver. Buy one and add it to your tripod head. 


Conclusion
Virtually all movies are shot on a tripod. A tripod makes for steadier shots and that makes it easier for the viewer to concentrate on your story. Handheld is fine for action. And brief interviews. Don’t do a course lecture with handheld.