Its foldable aluminum alloy body fits easily into pockets or small travel bags.

For the same size tripod,carbon fiber will weigh about 30% less than aluminum alloy, and its strength will be higher, and it will not rust. But the value is also higher.

Yes most definitely. This tripod allows a lot of heights and multi directions

The central post does not pivot, so the answer is pretty much no. That said, the ball head does have a slot to allow for portrait orientation. You can turn the camera downwards and achieve a straight down shot, but the legs of the tripod may not work well for this and you may get some of the post.

That's how I used it. I put it on a table and shot overhead video. So yes you can.