The Pros and Cons
In my experience, not having a tripod screams amateur. Consider this, if the camera is on a tripod, and the background never changes, you’ve just given yourself the opportunity to apply stellar transitions that look like the subject disappears into thin air without having to do any crazy post-production… a simply cross-fade will resemble the effect seen on Star Treck when you hear “beam me up Scotty”.
For better illustration, check www.gojujitsu.ca This is a clip I made for my dojo with a tripod… that opening sequence is nothing special… believe me, it’s just a simply cross-fade from one clip to another but you can’t tell because of the tripod. Trust me….
Even a monopod is better than free handing. A monopod will give you an average height of six feet. The primary advantage of a monopod is that it can arc over crowds, speakers, get high enough from the floor to be at eye level with the artist on stage. A number of my productions have been made what they are because of the monopod… as well as photographs. Check the Sleeper Set Sail – Antique Bathtubs (EPK Video)
I even use a retractable dog leash latched to the camera and insert the base of my monopod into a tool belt i wear. I place one hand on the staff of the monopod and the other controls the tilt/pan of the camera with the dog leash. Takes a lot of practice, but if you’re ninja, you should do fine.