Tilta has launched a new cage and accessory system for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. The Khronos Ecosystem includes handles, power delivery, filters and even a light.
Khronos Ecosystem
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max have powerful filmmaking capabilities, including the ability to shoot in Apple Log. You can also record in ProRes either internally or to an external SSD. However, previously there weren’t many options if you wanted to rig out your phone or integrate it into a professional video setup. Tilta’s Khronos Ecosystem is designed to meet all of those needs.
Khronos iPhone15 case
The heart of the Khronos Ecosystem is the case for the iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max. It’s made from aerospace-grade aluminum alloy and comes in two parts which you secure with four screws. However, it’s much more than just a phone case. As well as offering mounting points for the system’s accessories, the case can also supply power to them where needed. In addition, the Khronos case takes advantage of the iPhone’s MagSafe system to attach add-ons and even to charge your smartphone.
Khronos Focus PD Handle
The Khronos Ecosystem offers a comprehensive range of add-ons and accessories. One of the most impressive is the Khronos Focus PD Handle. It includes a built-in battery and has a USB-C cable to connect to your phone. Once clamped on, the handle also supplies power to the Khronos case so you can mount other accessories. In addition, the handle has a record button, a headphone jack and a USB-C port. There’s even a wheel on the front that allows you to pull focus.
Powered accessories
As with all smartphones, iPhones can get hot when in use, especially when shooting video for a long time. However, Tilta has addressed that issue with the Khronos Cooling System. This small fan unit attaches with MagSafe and takes its power from the case if you are using the PD Handle. There’s also a USB-C port to supply power if you aren’t using that handle. In addition, the Khronos Ecosystem includes a daylight-balanced 5 W Mini LED panel. Tilta says it has a CRI of greater than 95. The light utilizes the same innovative locking clamp mechanism as other Khronos accessories.
Filters and lens adaptors
With the Khronos Quick Release Filter Tray attached to the case, you can quickly and easily mount Khronos Magnetic Filters to your system. The filters available already include black mist and white mist options in strengths of half and quarter. There are also four full-spectrum ND filters in strengths from 0.6 (2 stops) to 2.4 (8 stops). In addition, the Khronos Lens Adapter includes options for mounting either 17mm Mount, M Series Mount or T Series Mount lenses.
Other accessories
The Khronos Ecosystem includes a range of other accessories including several different handle options without power. There’s also a quick-release USB-C hub and a universal SSD holder. In addition, you can get quick-release adaptors with an ARCA tripod mount, a cold shoe and a NATO rail. All of the elements within the Khronos Ecosystem are available in Space Gray or Titanium White color options. You can buy all of the elements of the system individually or opt for one of Tilta’s preconfigured kits which save you a little money.
What we think
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max can deliver very high quality video, especially when used with Blackmagic Design’s excellent free camera app. With the Khronos Ecosystem, Tilta has delivered the kit you need to use your iPhone alongside, or even instead of, a dedicated video or cinema camera on some shoots. Although it’s not cheap, the Khronos system isn’t overly priced compared to other camera cage systems. In addition, the option to power accessories and the integration with MagSafe delivers great functionality. If you want to take your iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max video to the next level, the Tilta Khronos Ecosystem could be a great investment.
Pricing and availability
The Tilta Khronos iPhone 5 Pro or Pro Max Case costs $129. The Focus PD Handle is $149 and the Cooling System is another $59. In addition, the filter holder and the filters all retail at $19 each. Other add-ons range in price from $15 for the quick-release adaptors, up to $79 for the USB-C hub. Preconfigured kits start at $199, while the Ultimate Kit is $569.
