Manfrotto’s Travel-Friendly PIXI Mini Tripod

January 20, 2016

I’ve had my eyes on this cute, travel-sized Manfrotto PIXI for awhile now. The Italian-designed tripod feels solid in the hand, its legs pulling out to reveal a solid stand for compact cameras, action video cameras and DSLRs with standard kit lenses (in terms of weight).

Any camera that uses the 1/4” universal screw thread will work here, provided the camera’s body isn’t heavier than 650 grams (1.4 lbs). In total, it’ll accommodate a max of 1 kg (2.2 lbs).

Tech Specs

Length: 18.5 cm (7.3”)
Weight: 190 grams (6.7 oz.)
Panoramic Rotation: 360°
Front Tilt: -35°/+35°
Lateral Tilt: -35°/+35°

Via my collection of GoPro mounts, I also got the PIXI working with both a GoPro HERO 4 Black and TomTom Bandit action cams.

The PIXI’s default position is locked. Pressing the red button unlocks the ball bearing, allowing you to rotate the head into varying degrees of angle.

Manfrotto manufactures the PIXI from stainless steel in addition to an Adapto finish for a smooth, tactile, matte finish.

Its feet contain a textured grip material underneath to help avoid slippage. When folded, it makes an ideal handheld monopod. I’ll be getting lots of use out of this well-designed tripod on product shoots and handheld video sessions.

Manfrotto’s US site includes a version with a universal smartphone clamp (US $34.99), which looks pretty sweet, especially given the powerful cameras built into the current Galaxy and iPhone lineup.

The only other tripod of this size in my collection is JOBY’s GorillaPod, which I reviewed awhile back. It would be cool to see a future PIXI include an integrated level, especially if you’re travelling outdoors and putting the tripod down onto uneven surfaces.