Libec LX-ePed Pedestal for PTZ Cameras Introduced

by Jürgen MoorsApril 24^th, 2023

Libec introduced the new LX-ePed Pedestal, designed for PTZ cameras. With an operating height of 259cm/102in and a payload of 10kg/22lb, the LX-ePed Pedestal will be available globally in May for $4000. We had the chance to talk to Koichi Yamaguchi-San from Libec on the show floor of this year’s NAB in Las Vegas. Let‘s have a closer look.

Libec is a Japanese manufacturer of film equipment like tripods, monopods, remote heads, jib arms, tracking rails, and pedestal systems. If you are not familiar with this type of product, a pedestal is a unique type of tripod that features a retractable central column capable of smoothly raising the mounted camera. They are mainly used for studio shootings and are usually operated on a wheelbase (dolly).

My colleague Johnnie had the chance to see the first prototype of the LX-ePed Pedestal at the Inter BEE trade show in Japan in November last year. Please check out the article and the video about it here. But now, half a year later at the NAB, Libec showed us the finished product with some further developments.

Libec LX-ePed Pedestal

Pedestals have been a part of the usual workflow, especially in TV studios, for a long time. This one is the first to be designed for remotely controlled PTZ (pan/tilt/zoom) cameras.

With smaller sensors, PTZ cameras were always a bit of a niche product and had the reputation of CCTV cameras. But this has changed since Sony and Canon recently announced new PTZ cameras with larger sensors. This development can be seen as a side effect of the pandemic years and the upcoming popularity of remote-controlled productions. For example, Sony introduced the FR7, a remotely controlled camera with a full-frame sensor, a wide dynamic range, high frame rates, built-in ND filters, and so on. Clearly not a CCTV camera anymore!

The pedestal can carry a payload of up to 10kg/22lb and the central column reaches an operating height of up to 259cm/102in (depending on the model). Two versions will be available, one with a normal ground spreader from the tripod and a maximum operating height of 242cm/95,3in, and a studio version with a wheelbase (dolly) that can go up to 259cm/102in.

LX-ePed Pedestal has a small, wired hand controller for up and down movement, and can be used for live production as well. The pedestal’s elevating speed is adjustable and executes smooth start and stop movements. It runs on standard AC100V～240V power but can be operated with a V-Mount battery as well.

Technical details:

• Payload: 10kg / 22lb
• Operating Height: 95,3 to 259cm / 37,5in to 102in
• Raising / Lowering speed: Approx. 14 to 40 secs. movement
• Continuous operating time: 3 minutes
• LAN cable for controller: 30m / 98,4in
• Power: AC100V～240V with Power cable 3m / 9,8in
• Battery-powered: V-Mount Battery
• Camera attachment: 1/4″ and 3/8″ screws
• Head attachment: 100mm / 75mm bowl
• Accessory attachment: 1/4″ and 3/8″ screw holes x 2
• Weight: 11,2kg / 24,6lb

Price and availability

The Libec LX-ePed Pedestal starts shipping globally in May and will retail for $4000. For further information, please visit the Libec website here.

Have you ever used a PTZ camera for your work? What do you think about the Libec LX-ePed pedestal? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.