Manfrotto 501HDV Pro Video Fluid Head clocks in at 3.5 lbs. and can support up to 13.2 lbs. The new 501HDV boasts an improved drag on both axis and comes with a switchable counterbalance. The medium length sliding camera plate helps balance uneven payloads. Two separate axes of movement – panoramic rotation and front-rear tilt with a separate lock on each axes of movement. The pan bar uses the principle of the lever to use less effort to support and move the weight of your camera and to iron out any jarring or shaking movement between your arm and the camera. A neat feature on the 501HDV is the balance system which prevents front heavy weight from falling forward. The 501HDV has both friction control on pan and tilt where the 701HDV does not.
Manfrotto 701 HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head comes in at 1.8 lbs. and can support up to 8.82 lbs. With this fluid head, you don’t have variable friction control on both your pan and tilt axes of movement, only the ability to lock in place. This fluid head is smaller, lighter, and cheaper than the 501HDV but doesn’t support as much weight if you’re planning to build onto your camera with lights or mics. The 701HDV is butter smooth, but if you try to overload the 701HDV, you will compromise it’s performance.
If planning on building up on the gear you’re shooting with (field monitor, larger lens, 15mm rod system) you might want to invest in the peace of mind that comes with purchasing the slightly more expensive 501HDV fluid head. Supporting very lightweight equipment isn’t a problem on the 501HDV since you’ll be able to adjust the friction accordingly to balance the light payload.
Thanks for the info, Olivia. Between you and emm, you’re killing my pocketbook. That V bracket on the 5D on the 501HDV looked like just what I need, so I tracked down emm’s post about it a while back and ordered it. Thanks again!
I have a very lightweight consumer camera (Canon LEGRIA HF M31) 0.7 lbs. Do you think I can use it with the Manfrotto 701HDV (without friction control)? Can you get nice smooth pans and tilts, and smooth starts and stops with the 701HDV and a 0.7 lbs. camera?
Or is there an other head for lightweight consumer cameras that is as smooth as the 501HDV?
Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Video Fluid Head
Thanks for the review! Ive been contemplating between the two
Thanks for the info, Olivia. Between you and emm, you’re killing my pocketbook. That V bracket on the 5D on the 501HDV looked like just what I need, so I tracked down emm’s post about it a while back and ordered it. Thanks again!
Hi Olivia – Thanks for the review. I’m curious to know if you’ve used the 502 HDV; if so, how does it stand up to the 501? Thanks!
@Michael I have not used the 502 HDV
Thank you for your review.
I have a very lightweight consumer camera (Canon LEGRIA HF M31) 0.7 lbs. Do you think I can use it with the Manfrotto 701HDV (without friction control)? Can you get nice smooth pans and tilts, and smooth starts and stops with the 701HDV and a 0.7 lbs. camera?
Or is there an other head for lightweight consumer cameras that is as smooth as the 501HDV?
@Michel the 701HDV will work fine with a lightweight camera. The 701 is just as smooth as the 501HDV, in my opinion.