Filmmaker’s Dream or a Costly Headache Hype Overpriced Shaky What You Need to Know Edelkrone HeadPlus Pro V3 ! Is It Worth It? Laser module & Vision module Unboxing
Today, I’m excited to share something truly special with you. It’s rare to find detailed reviews or insights on this product, so I’m stepping up to fill the gap. Say hello to the Edelkrone HeadPlus Pro V3—the latest addition to Edelkrone’s lineup of motion control systems. This is the third version of the popular HeadPlus Pro, and it comes with a range of exciting features and modules. The product was just released, and I pre-ordered it with my own money, so there are no sponsorships or external influences here. I’ll be giving you my honest, unfiltered thoughts—whether it’s good or bad, we’ll find out together.
Let’s dive into the unboxing!
What’s in the Box?
As I unbox the HeadPlus Pro V3, I’m immediately greeted by a few unexpected items:
15mm Aluminum Rod: Roughly 15 cm long, and surprisingly heavy.
Allen Wrenches and Velcro Straps: Standard accessories, but useful nonetheless.
Universal Plugs and AC/DC Adapter: A 22.5-watt adapter, ensuring compatibility across different countries.
Thumb Screw and the HeadPlus Pro V3 Itself: The star of the show. The HeadPlus Pro V3 is gigantic compared to my previous setups. However, I was disappointed to find some shattered plastic in the box. Not a great start.
The HeadPlus Pro V3 is designed to fold and unfold, which I’ll test out later. It also includes a quarter screw for mounting cameras, though it comes with a 3/8th screw for those who need to switch it out. I’m already thinking about adding a quick release plate to make setup faster.
First Setup and Initial Challenges
Now, onto the setup. I double-press the power button to activate it, but right away I’m hit with a series of error codes. The HeadPlus Pro V3 is clearly not happy. The leveling process is also off, with more error codes popping up as I try to troubleshoot.
As I continue, I notice that Edelkrone didn’t provide a physical user manual, instead directing me to a QR code that leads to their website. Frustratingly, there’s no specific manual for the laser module that I’ll be testing later.
First Impressions of the Features
The HeadPlus Pro V3 comes with various modules to enhance its functionality:
Laser Module: This is supposed to speed up tracking setup, but attaching it to the system is a challenge. There’s no clear guidance on how to properly secure it, and it shakes around, especially at steep angles. Not ideal when you’re trying to get precision tracking.
Vision Module: This module enables face tracking, but the experience was underwhelming. The module connects via an internet port and features a DC in port, HDMI in and out, as well as a USB Type-A port and a power button. There’s also a hot shoe mount, but trying to attach the module to the HeadPlus was difficult. The screws didn’t fit the mounting points, leading to a loose and unstable setup.
Focus and Zoom Modules: Still in development at the time of my review. I’ve pre-ordered them and am waiting for delivery.
Performance and Adjustments
Once I managed to get everything semi-operational, I played around with the speed settings. With the speed set to 100%, I noticed significant shaking, which is far from ideal for a product like this. I dropped the speed down to 60%, and things smoothed out considerably.
It’s clear that the HeadPlus Pro V3 is not designed for high-speed motion control, unlike robotic motion arms used for high-speed cameras. Instead, it excels at smooth, controlled movements—perfect for macro shots or close-up product videos. In contrast, my older Head One system would vibrate and shake excessively at speeds above 20%, so the HeadPlus Pro V3 is definitely a step up in stability.
However, for what I paid, I expected sturdiness, and while the HeadPlus Pro V3 delivers smoothness at lower speeds, it feels overpriced for what it offers. The shaking issues at higher speeds mean it’s far from versatile.
Laser Module: Faster, But Flawed
The Laser Module, as mentioned, is meant to speed up the tracking setup process. When I finally managed to get it working, it tracked my camera accurately—just point the laser at the subject, and the HeadPlus follows. The tracking is fast, almost too fast, but the shaky attachment remains a major issue.
Vision Module: Promising, But Buggy
The Vision Module provides real-time video transmission to your smartphone or local network. I tested the object tracking feature, and it worked well under certain conditions, though the face tracking was slow and inconsistent. One major frustration was the app crashing on both my smartphone and tablet, freezing up completely when connected directly. I eventually linked the Vision Module to my local network, which somewhat stabilized the connection, but it’s clear that there are still bugs to be ironed out.
A Filmmaker’s Dream Setup?
Despite its issues, the HeadPlus Pro V3 shows potential. I was impressed with how quickly I could switch from horizontal to vertical video, achieving a balanced setup in just a few seconds. This is a huge plus for filmmakers who need versatility in their shots without constantly rebalancing their rig. That said, the Laser Module and Vision Module need work. The Laser Module’s clunky attachment and the Vision Module’s shaky mounting setup make them feel like afterthoughts rather than seamless integrations.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Price?
The Edelkrone HeadPlus Pro V3 is a powerful tool for filmmakers, particularly for macro and product shots, but it’s not without its faults. The tracking speed and modular design are promising, yet the overall experience is marred by poor instructions, shaky attachments, and an inconsistent app experience.
For the price, I expected a more polished product. The Vision Module and Laser Module both require some refinement, and I hope Edelkrone addresses these issues in future updates. Right now, it feels like a product with huge potential that falls short in some key areas. If you’re considering it for your filmmaking setup, weigh these pros and cons carefully.
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