Camera operators level up with Sachtler Aktiv fluid head

The manufacturer of camera support systems and accessories for broadcast and cinematography’s aktiv fluid head – with SpeedLevel and SpeedSwap technology – allows camera operators to mount, level and lock the head in seconds and to switch quickly from tripod, slider or hand-held shots in an instant to capture the widest range of shots.

“We worked closely with camera operators around the world to understand their needs to develop ‘flowtech’ a tripod that makes camera set-up faster and more flexible,” says James Guest, engineering manager – Vitec Production Solutions. “Now with aktiv we have made fast even faster. Studying camera operator movement, we removed any elements that slow them down while adding more flexibility and control as well as more levels of drag and counterbalance than ever, giving operators more time and opportunities to push their creativity.”

Available in four models, aktiv is the latest addition to the Sachtler camera support range. aktiv6 and aktiv8 are compatible with all main Sachtler 75mm tripods – with aktiv8 available in ‘side load’ or ‘touch and go’ camera plate options – while aktiv10 is a 100mm bowl head with side load camera plate. aktiv supports payloads from 0kg up to 12kg (8kg for aktiv6) making it the ideal system for fast-paced electronic newsgathering (ENG), and a wide range of wildlife, commercial, and documentary productions.

aktiv fluid heads feature unique SpeedLevel technology – which replaces time-consuming bowl clamps – allowing operators to release, level, and lock their head tightly into the perfect position by simply lifting a lever never missing a second of action. With no bowl clamp required, aktiv heads, combined with flowtech tripods, can go flat to the ground for the perfect low-angle shot. Clear confirmation that the camera is level comes from the illuminated PrismBubble visible both from above and the side, making levelling easy even when the camera is positioned above the operator.

With the aktiv system’s SpeedSwap feature, operators can quickly switch their camera between a tripod or a slider in seconds to capture shots that have previously been unavailable with limited time.