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The edelkrone Tripod X is the company’s most recent take on the motorized tripod concept. The classic three-legged design is now reinforced with three high-torque motors and a smart control system. This includes gyroscopic-based auto-leveling, pre-planned or remote-controlled movements, and synchronization with additional edelkrone-made products such as motorized heads, jibs, etc. Let’s have a look.At first glance, the edelkrone Tripod X looks like every other mid-size classic video tripod: three telescopic legs, a spreader, and a rather robust centerpiece for the bowl and head. A second glance will reveal just how innovative it is. First – there’s no bowl, and for a good reason. The Tripod X needs no bowl because it automatically levels using its motorized legs. This will work on a slightly uneven surface as well as on stairs. Bear in mind that the spreader can’t be detached since the Tripod X is mostly an indoor tripod. As edelkrone’s website puts it: “Indoor use highly suggested. Mild climate outdoor usage is also possible. Sandy environments, such as beaches or deserts, should be avoided. It is not water-resistant and should not be used in the rain or on wet surfaces.”Tech specsThe Tripod X is relatively large compared to other tripods. Considering its functionality, a different comparison comes to mind – in a way, it’s more a pedestal than a tripod. Under this classification, it’s actually quite compact. Maximum height is 148cm (58.27 inches) and minimum goes as low as 34cm (13.39 inches). Both are measured with no head attached. Load capacity maxes at 30kg (66.14 pounds), but to function fully motorized, we’ll have to cut the weight to 20kg (44.09 pounds) The Tripod X is made of machined aluminum and weighs 9kg (19.84 pounds). As of its release, it only works on battery power (a power adapter is coming). A 12V min 3Ah GBA-type power tool battery will provide around 300 height adjustments. Light, fast, and quiet?The Tripod X is touted as a light, fast, and quiet solution, but delving into the details reveals a rather speculative use of those terms. The tripod is considered “Light” because the motors release the operator from adjusting it between shots. The actual weight is 9kg (19.84 lbs). While lighter than compact pedestals, it’s significantly heavier than most tripods in the same load category. That’s without the head. It’s a similar story regarding how fast it is. The Tripod X motors move it at a speed of 2cm/sec (0.79/in). The speed claimed is based on the assumption that the motorization will save time when changing between shots. While I haven’t tried one in the field, I do remember how fast a tripod adjustment is, so this claim seems to me a bit of a stretch. But the “quiet” monicker is outright manipulative. Objectively, the tripod motors produce about 60 decibels of noise measured a meter away. That’s about as loud as a normal conversation. Edelkrone claims that “this is generally not a concern for filming. This is because tripod adjustments with Tripod X typically happen between takes, not during the actual recording”, which is ironic considering that smooth motorized motion is one of its key selling points.Pros and consAs with everything we know (except for quantum physics maybe), it’s all relative. The Tripod X is a unique product, balancing the line between tripods and pedestals. When compared with common medium-heavy tripods, the Tripod X is generally heavier, pricier, and less resistant to outdoor conditions. On the pro side, it’s very robust and well-built. The weight surely makes it very stable. Oh, and there’s this thing with its ability to move independently via onboard control, smartphone app, or prior programming. Compared with pedestals, it’s not as quiet and doesn’t have built-in wheels at the moment. It probably won’t be as responsive as a pedestal and less suited for a human operator. It’s geared toward electronic operation, with its advantages and problems. The Tripod X is much smaller and more affordable than most if not all pedestals, and while aimed at indoor work it can be easily moved between different sets and locations.Who is it forAs with many of edelkrone’s products, this is a unique offering. It can be a life-changing piece of kit for a selected few and utterly less desirable for others. The Tripod X will serve current users of edelkrone’s motion control systems first and foremost. It will seamlessly sync with them, creating a multi-axis automated motion system. As for professional videographers, this kind of gear will elevate any time-lapse, automated product video, etc. It may also find a place in small to medium production companies, local TV, or houses of worship, automating some of the workflow, and letting smaller crews take on larger productions. Tradition of innovationThe Tripod X is edelkrone’s second attempt at challenging the concept of the tripod. This basic design is probably older than cinema itself. Like the StandPLUS before it, it seems as if the Tripod X eagerly tries to look at the concept of the static camera from a different angle. This new tripod may not be the most common across the market, but for those who can exploit its unique features, it may be just perfect. This level of ingenuity has both its flaws and merits, but is always interesting. AlternativesBeing so unique it’s hard to pit any alternatives against the Tripod X. One earlier attempt that comes to mind is the Benro THETA. This is a self-leveling travel tripod that uses a much more basic motorized mechanism for auto-leveling. Resemblance ends there. The Benro option is a one-trick pony while the edelkrone Tripod X offers a plethora of functions and sync options with both camera and other motion control devices. Also, while the Tripod X is much more massive, it’s a delicate indoor instrument. the Benro THETA is geared toward the outdoors. I’d guess most users will have to decide whether to go with a specialty device or with a more mainstream solution, be it a tripod or a pedestal.Price and availabilityThe edelkrone Tripod X is available for pre-order at $2599 on edelkrone’s website. Shipping is scheduled for three weeks from now.Can you see the Tripod X moving into your studio? Will its unique abilities serve your workflow? Let us know in the comments.
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