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| Manfrotto 501HDV Video Head - Replaces 501 | 
 enlarge | List Price: $202.00
Buy New: $169.90
You Save: $32.10 (16%)
Buy New/Used from $151.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  (based on 3 reviews)
Category: Photography
Publisher: Manfrotto
Studio: Manfrotto
Brand: Manfrotto
Label: Manfrotto
Color: Black
Media: Electronics
Memorabilia: 0
Maximum Weight Recommendation (lbs): 13.2
Shipping Weight (lbs): 4
Dimensions (in): 15.7 x 4.3 x 2.8
MPN: 501HDV
Model: 501HDV
UPC: 719821270973
EAN: 0719821270973
ASIN: B000VPXORU
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | Silky smooth pan and tilt action. | | • | Counterbalance spring keeps equipment safe. | | • | Built in quick release system. | | • | Separate pan and tilt locks. | | • | Additional accessory pan handle can be attached. |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Manfrottos answer was to keep most of the great features and a few tweaks to create the perfect head for HD Video. Designed to meet the needs of HDV shooters, the 501HDV features a powerful new feature that takes its inspiration from Manfrottos top professional head models a fixed counterbalance spring which helps ensure both smoother tilt movements and greater equipment safety, even when the tilt locks are inadvertently left off. An easy-access on/off switch allows the counterbalance system to be engaged or disengaged for different filming needs and for quick panning and tilting. The 501HDV sports an updated design, which has been created for improved ergonomics with locks and knobs that allow for a more solid grip and better control. The large knobs with all controls on the left side of the head allow for enhanced ease of use. In addition, the quick release plate (with standard 3/8" thread) has been redesigned to be flush with the casting so that the camera sits flat on top of the video head. The 501HDV inherits its separate pan and tilt locks, gradual tilt friction adjustment system and repositionable pan bar from its successful predecessor, the 501.
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| Customer Reviews:
 Good Compatibility with the DVX-100a January 7, 2009
I've been doing micro-budget indie video productions for about a year now, and recently upgraded my tripod (a Bogen knock-off) with the 501HDV. There are a couple of things to note.
First, if you've never seen one in person, this head is larger than any of the cheap heads that you've seen on $69-150 tripods. It's also really solid. As a result, people who see this sitting on top of my ultra-cheap tripod legs ignore the legs, see the head, and assume that I know what I'm doing. (I don't, but I'm not going to disavow them of that assumption.) The only downside to this is that it could overwhelm less-serious legs due to it's size/weight. The legs I'm using are a knock-off of these: Manfrotto 190XDB 3 Section Aluminum Tripod Note: I do NOT recommend this as an ideal combination, but it IS workable/usable, presuming that you keep the legs set at the wider angle.
Second, the spring counterbalance works pretty well, but is designed for cameras that are at least as heavy as the DVX-100a. If your camera is lighter than 3.7 lbs, you may find that the spring balance (which is NOT adjustable, as far as I can tell) is too strong, and will always force the head back to horizontal. As it is, I can tilt down or up a good 30 degrees, with the lightest tilt resistance setting, and the camera is perfectly still and stable. (If you want more flexibility in this regard, the 503HDV offers a range of counterbalance adjustments, for another $160.)
The mounting plate (which adjusts fore/aft to balance the camera) works well, and the safety release keeps the camera from sliding out the front. Given the cost of the DVX, it's somewhat comforting to know that it's not going to slip out the front of the mount, and will require me to hold down the safety release to remove it from the rear.
As long as you don't expect this head to be more than it is, you'll have a hard time finding something equivalent for less money. This is a really good video head for someone using an entry-level prosumer camera, who wants to move up from the low-end gear without breaking the bank.
 Fantastic!! November 25, 2008
I had read all the great reviews this product received, but really couldn't believe how well this head performs until I got my own. I love it. Absolutely love it. So smooth, so fluid. I would highly recommend to anyone shooting video.
Seems Sweet October 28, 2007
0 out of 4 found this review helpful
Haven't really put it through ALL the motions yet, but generally like the feel and ease of set up. Seems like the right priced solutions for the XL2and its 20x lens.
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