Tips for recording B-Roll on a tripod?

[skiilaa]

I have a Canon EOS 5D Mark ii, and I'm wondering if anyone has tips for recording B-Rolls with a tripod. It has a handle, but the "rubber band method" I've seen at a couple of places didn't work.

[Guest]

Do you have a fluid head for the tripod?

[skiilaa]

3 minutes ago, Legendarypoet said:

Do you have a fluid head for the tripod?

I’m not sure.

I’ve attached a photo.

I can also borrow a Manfrotto tripod and maybe buy one later on.

[Guest]

Oh yeah, it would never work with that. A fluid head would give you the smooth motion necessary for the rubber band to work. Borrow the Manfrotto for sure.

[skiilaa]

2 minutes ago, Legendarypoet said:

Oh yeah, it would never work with that. A fluid head would give you the smooth motion necessary for the rubber band to work. Borrow the Manfrotto for sure.

Here’s the Manfrotto.

This doesn’t have a handle, so I (think) I can’t use that method? Any other tricks, or should I just rotate it with my hand?

[Guest]

The lack of handle is limiting, but I've picked up a few tricks just from watching a bunch of videos on youtube from searching "tripod tricks."

[benwubbleyou]

Ok. So the first thing you should do is not move your tripod while filming in any way.

Don't pan, don't tilt, don't do anything.

Let whatever is happening in your b-roll happen without moving the camera. It will look better.

You don't need nice movement to make a good shot. Panning and tilting are the least professional movements you can make. If you are going to do any movement, use a slider or a glide or something. 

[KenjiUmino]

27 minutes ago, skiilaa said:

but the "rubber band method" I've seen at a couple of places didn't work.

whats a "rubber band method" ?

[skiilaa]

12 minutes ago, KenjiUmino said:

whats a "rubber band method" ?

where you put a rubber band on the handle of the tripod, and pull on it so it rotates more smoothly

[wackomann]

Your best bet would be to pick up a fairly cheap Manfrotto fluid head and stick it on those Manfrotto legs. I have a 701HDV head (although since been updated and replaced) it's fairly cheap and will work for you as your current video head isn't a fluid head. OR, you could just get a 4K camera and do the movement after although a little pricier

 

[light-v]

Try to leave you camera still and play with lighting using a flashlight instead. Brandon does that all the time on his b-rolls. Also sound is just as important!