How would I get started on a joystick controlled servo?

Hi, I would like to make an electric tripod, controlled by a joystick, with an X and Y axis. And be able to control the X and Y at the same time, so I could move at a diagonal. This is to control the view of a video camera. Would I use stepper motors or servos or what. Also if the cameras weight is forward, how do I prevent it from turning the motor by gravity? Thanks, Any tips would help. -Tim