Are Tripods different for Digital Still Cameras vs Digital Video Cameras?

Question

I want to get a tripod for my father for Christmas. He is not a profressional photographer, this would be purely for recreation. He has both a digital still camera and a digital video camera. My question is whether the same tripod can fit both devices. My main concern is with the connector piece.

Answer 1

Don't worry, unless your dad uses a 20-pound broadcast or film camera, you're safe :-) All consumer still and video cameras use the same screw mount, and a visit to any Circuit City/Best Buy/etc. should confirm that.
There are two key differences: video camera tripods are sturdier because video cameras tend to be heavier; and the good video tripods have better heads to facilitate smooth moves (pan & tilt) during a shot. That doesn't matter in still photography, obviously...

So the bottom line: get a nice video camera tripod, it'll be fine for any still camera.

Answer 2

They'll fit both devices up to a point. The nice thing is that there are many different styles of tripods out there, some with interchangable heads, just in case you've got a device that is non-standard. Bogen for example makes a large variety of tripods and sells different heads too.