In summary
Manfrotto’s Pixi is a neat little mini tripod that will meet the needs of some CSC and digicam owners. It won’t take up much space in your camera bag so it’s a nice little accessory to have ““ just in case it’s needed.
Its elegant design is attractive looking and comfortable to hold and the rubber feet can grip onto most surfaces. They are more secure on level surfaces than inclined planes or uneven terrains.
Full review
Manfrotto’s Pixi mini tripod is one of the smallest tabletop tripods available ““ and also one of the simplest. It sports a universal ¼-inch screw socket that can accept almost any device, ranging from an entry-level DSLR with a lightweight lens to a smart-phone with tripod adapter. Provided the total payload is less than one kilogram, the Pixi can hold it in place and provide a decent range of angle adjustments.
Manfrotto’s Pixi mini tripod. (Source: Manfrotto.)
The Pixi is particularly suitable for CSCs, most of which have relatively small lenses that will keep the camera+lens combination within its payload range. It is also small enough to be slipped into one of the pockets in a small camera bag, where its under-200 gram weight will add little to the total load.
Manfrotto provides the following recommendations for the maximum size and weight of interchangeable-lens cameras when used with the Pixi:
– Body: maximum weight of 650 grams
. Focal length (DSLR): maximum 85mm (standard non professional lens)
. Total equipment payload: maximum 1kg
Build and Ergonomics
Manufactured from metal and Adapto plastic, the Manfrotto Pixi comes in four colour options (all black and all white or grey with red or pink trim). Small enough to slip into a pocket, its stylish design is light and simple making it easy to carry and use.
Attaching the camera to the ball head. (Source: Manfrotto.)
Using the Pixi is straightforward; you just screw it onto the camera, via the socket in the camera’s base panel and then pull out the legs as far as they will go and you’re ready to go. With the legs closed, the Pixi can double as a grip for when you want to shoot movies and/or hold the camera above your head (an adjustable monitor is required for the latter).
Using the Pixi as a grip for shooting movies. (Source: Manfrotto.)
The ball head is held in place with a clamp that is applied by default. When you want to move the camera around, pushing in the button on the side of the enclosure releases the clamp, allowing the ball joint to move freely. The button is rather stiff, which means you’re unlikely to release the clamp inadvertently.
Pressing the button on the joint unlocks the ball head. (Source: Manfrotto.)
The ball joint is made mostly from stainless steel and sits within a socket that appears to be made from aluminium and plastic. It also contains the hinges for the legs. At the base of each leg is a small rubber pad that prevents the leg from slipping on smooth surfaces.
The top of the ball extends into a standard 1/4inch tripod thread, which sits above a circular plate with a rubberised top, which supports the camera. Moving a camera isn’t quite as easy as Manfrotto suggests because you have to keep the release button pressed in. We found a fair amount of resistance, which created a grating sound as the camera’s position was shifted.
Manfrotto suggests this tripod can be used for panning but, due to the difficulty in moving a mounted camera smoothly, we disagree. We also found the noise produced by moving the ball joint can be picked up by the camera’s microphones when recording movie soundtracks. A quieter option would be to close the legs, lock the camera in place and pan with everything hand-held.
Conclusion
Manfrotto’s Pixi is a neat little mini tripod that will meet the needs of some CSC and digicam owners. It won’t take up much space in your camera bag so it’s a nice little accessory to have ““ just in case it’s needed.
Its elegant design is attractive looking and comfortable to hold and the rubber feet can grip onto most surfaces. They are more secure on level surfaces than inclined planes or uneven terrains.
While the Pixi is certainly a nice accessory, it’s not as versatile as Joby’s Gorillapods, which have similar capabilities to the Pixi but sell for roughly half its price. Their wrappable legs make them much more versatile and some models include magnets that can grip onto any magnetic surface.
SPECS
Construction material: Adapto (plastic) and metal
Height range: 135 mm (maximum and minimum)
Leg Sections: 1
Front tilt: +/- 35 degrees
Lateral tilt: +/- 35 degrees
Leg angles: Max. 25 degrees 51 minutes; legs can be set independently
Panoramic rotation: 360 degrees
Max Payload: 1 kg
Camera attachment: 1/4-inch on ball head with push-in clamp release
Closed length: 185 mm
Weight: 190 grams
Rating
RRP: AU$52
- Build quality: 8.5
- Features: 8.0
- Stability: 8.5
- Versatility: 8.0