Tilta recently introduced a new accessory for attaching a camera or shock absorber system to a vehicle – the Hydra Electronic Suction Cup. This suction cup features a built-in battery that automatically empties air and creates the maximum suction pressure possible, with a maximum payload capacity of up to 20kg. So, let’s take a closer look at it!Only a decade or two ago, attaching a camera to a moving vehicle was not only complicated, but also expensive, and it usually required a lot of equipment. Nowadays, with lightweight cinema and mirrorless cameras, things have drastically changed. Indeed, if you need to mount a camera to a car, there are many options depending on the weight of your camera system. Solutions go from single suction cup systems like the Kessler Lamprey to heavy-duty cinema camera mounting systems with multiple suction cups like the RigWheels Kraken.For follow-up shots and to further stabilize your footage, you can use an isolation system attached to a car via suction cups. Multiple systems exist, from the recently released lightweight Movmax Blade Arm to the Tilta Hydra Alien car mounting system that we reviewed.However, all of these systems rely on “regular” suction cups, and if you have ever used one, you know that you have to double-check and pump air out between every take to ensure that all the contact points to the vehicle don’t lose pressure. Tilta just came up with a clever solution similar to what can be found in the construction/tiling industry: the Hydra Electronic Suction Cup.Tilta Hydra Electronic Suction Cup – featuresAt the base of the Tilta Hydra Electronic Suction Cup, you’ll find a 350 g/0.77 lb suction cup that measures 146 x 146 x 54.5mm/5.75 x 5.75 x 2.15in. The electronic suction cup is made of plastic, rubber, and silicone, so it won’t scratch the vehicle you attach it to.The base of the Tilta Hydra Electronic Suction Cup. Image credit: TiltaThis base features a built-in 2000mAh battery that can be charged via USB-C and supports 10W USB-C external power. According to Tilta, the maximum battery life is 24 hours of continuous use.The unit boots up once you press the red button on the suction cup. A little LCD on the unit shows the battery status, the strength of the suction cup, and whether the motor is turned on or off.Back of the Hydra Electronic Suction Cup. Image credit: TiltaOnce the Hydra Electronic Suction Cup is attached to a vehicle, it monitors the air pressure up to a thousand times per second. If a leak occurs, it pumps the air out and adjusts the pressure for maximum safety. This solid attachment point has a maximum vertical payload capacity of 20kg/44 lbs.The different mounting brackets for the Hydra Electronic Suction Cup. Image credit: Tilta Mounting bracketsThe Hydra Electronic Suction Cup has multiple mounting points that allow you to attach different mounting brackets. At launch, Tilta has three different options, including:A mounting bracket with Tilta’s Hydra Alien M25 thread. As its name suggests, this bracket is handy to upgrade your Tilta Hydra Alien suction cups with new electronic ones.A NATO rail option with 1/4″-20 and 3/8″-16 mounting points.The Universal Multi-Mount bracket features a cold shoe mount, a rosette mount, 1/4″-20 and 3/8″-16 mounting points, and a small NATO rail.The Hydra Electronic Suction Cup with NATO mount. Image credit: TiltaPricing and availabilityThe Tilta Hydra Electronic Suction Cup is available now and starts at $78 for the suction cup only, $104 for the NATO and Multi-Functional versions, and $116 for the Hydra M25 model.For more information, please visit Tilta’s website here.What do you think about this electronic suction cup system? Do you often need to attach a camera to a moving vehicle? What is your favorite rigging system? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!
