A few monthes ago i purchased a low cost tripod, the Velbon CX 560, which claims to have a fluid head. I use it with a Canon Optura 10 Mini-DV camcorder, and it works great. The pans and tilts it does are smooth and controllable, and it is very affordable...only $90 Canadian. It has a quick release head, while all of the other parts are plastic. It seems to be constructed fairly well, it doesnt shake or anything of that sort, even in extreme wind. Personally, as an amateur..I'd recommend this if you want alot of 'bang for your buck'. Otherwise, if you want to spend a bit more money, I'd go with a Manfrotto tripod, with a seperately purchased Manfrotto Fluid head...or buy it in a kit, if you can. These have lifetime warranties, are constructed of mostly metal (very durable, good weight), and produce good quality shots. There good, but they do cost a bit more.
I hope that helps..when i was looking at buying one, i searched alot for information like that, but found it hard to find, especially taking into account my extremely low-budget, hahahah.