360 Camera Accessories Uncategorized

Review: Kodak Pixpro Monopod with Tripod Stand for SP360, Orbit360 and other 360 cameras

photo by Kodak Pixpro
Here is a preliminary review of Kodak Pixpro’s new monopod with tripod stand (previewed here), a monopod designed specifically for the SP360 family of cameras and other 360 cameras.
INTRODUCTION
For 360 photos and videos, a monopod is very useful for moving the camera farther away from the shooter, making the shooter less prominent in the shot.  A self-standing monopod is even more useful because the shooter can move away from the shot entirely.  At the same time, a self-standing monopod is better for 360 photos and videos than a conventional tripod because a conventional tripod’s panhead and legs are too prominent in the shot.
There are several self-standing monopods, but I like to use monopods that with a low base that extends upward, than a monopod with a high base that extends downward.  I prefer the upward-extending design because it seems more stable, and the wider part of the monopod is farther away from the camera.
One such self-standing monopod is the Kodak Pixpro monopod, which was designed for 360 cameras.  I ordered one direct from Kodak Pixpro and here are my impressions.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
The monopod came in a box that includes the monopod, its tripod stand, and a GoPro to 1/4-20 adapter:

 

The monopod is made of aluminum and its standard 1/4-20 tripod attachment for the camera is stationary (it doesn’t have a ballhead).  I prefer it this way because it gives you the option of attaching your own ballhead if you need one, and in many cases, for 360 photos and videos you don’t need the camera to be upright.
The monopod has four segments (including the foam-covered handle), and the segments are extended with twist locks.  The twist locks are easy to loosen and tighten.  You don’t have to struggle to overtighten them.  When loosened, each segment can be rotated freely, which allows you to face the 360 camera in any direction that you want.
The base of the monopod appears to be made of metal, with a metal 1/4-20 hole for the tripod stand.  This is reassuring because I have a couple of monopods and many cheap selfie sticks where the base is a plastic cap that sometimes breaks or gets pulled off by the weight of the camera and monopod when attached to a tripod base.  Unlike those monopods, the Kodak monopod’s base is metal, not removable and seems to be welded to the monopod.
the base of the monopod
The tripod connects to the monopod via a standard 1/4-20 tripod attachment.  The tripod base is made of steel and I was surprised by its weight.  I estimate that it weighs perhaps 3 or 4 pounds by itself.  The base’s weight helps lower the monopod’s center of gravity and makes the monopod more stable.
1/4-20 attachment for the tripod base

The legs move independently from each other, allowing the monopod to be positioned upright over a variety of terrain.  They remain at their position from friction.  (I hope that they don’t loosen in the future.)

DIMENSIONS
I like longer / taller monopods because they can provide unusual perspectives.  The Kodak Pixpro monopod was taller than I expected and is one of the tallest monopods that I’ve gotten.  With the base fully spread out (i.e., not contributing to the height), the monopod can still place a 360 camera at around 68 or 69 inches (even taller when using a tall 360 camera such as a Theta), which means it can reach eye level for most people.  This makes it very useful for portraits.
Here are the Kodak monopod’s specific dimensions:
1. Folded length:
Monoshot – 17 inches
Manfrotto – 21 inches
Kodak monopod –  20 inches
Kodak tripod legs – 13 inches
2.  Extended length without using legs:
Manfrotto – 73 inches
Kodak – 63 inches
Monoshot – 52 inches
3.  Extended length with legs as the handle.  In the case of the Kodak and the Monoshot, the legs could technically be used as a handle.  However, this puts tremendous stress on the legs’ tripod attachment and on the base of the monopod.  And remember that the longer the monopod is extended, the greater leverage the camera exerts on the tripod connection.  I’ve done it on my Monoshot and on a couple of occasions, the Monoshot’s plastic base broke off. So do this only at your own risk.
Kodak – 76 inches
Manfrotto – 73 inches
Monoshot – 64.5 inches
4.  Height (legs positioned for maximum stability)
Manfrotto – 77 inches. Base radius: 19 inches
Kodak – 67 inches. Base radius: 12.5 inches
Monoshot – 54 inches. Base radius: 14 inches
5.  Height (minimum stability).  Again — at your risk.
Manfrotto – 90 inches.   Base radius: 6 inches
Kodak – 75.5 inches.  Base radius: 4 inches (legs positioned at the same angle as the Manfrotto’s minimum angle).
Monoshot – 63.5 inches.  Base radius: 6 inches.
I just got this monopod a couple of days ago so I haven’t had much time to shoot with it, but I wanted to show how it can provide an almost drone-like perspective when held up high (I wasn’t even holding it as high as I possibly could):
CONCLUSION

The Kodak Pixpro monopod appears to have very good build quality and I was surprised at its length.  In terms of features, I like its camera attachment (which doesn’t have a ballhead) and its twist locks.  One drawback is that its legs don’t fold into its body, and therefore must be carried separately adding to its bulk (Actually, I plan to use the Monoshot’s folding legs with the Pixpro.)  I also wish it had a wrist strap.  However, notwithstanding these relatively minor issues, the Kodak Pixpro monopod is a very useful accessory for 360 photos and videos.The Kodak Pixpro monopod is available directly from Kodak Pixpro ($80) here.

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Mic Ty

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