GH4 focus pulling via wifi ?

[divide]

Hi,

It looks like the GH4 app can control the focus when in MF mode:

(MF slider on the right)

Has anyone tried that ? Does it work ?

I was thinking that if you cannot rely on autofocus while the GH4 is mounted on a steadicam/gimbal, it would be great if another operator could handle the focus changes remotely.

 

[mash_gh4]

It looks like the GH4 app can control the focus when in MF mode
Has anyone tried that ? Does it work ?

yes -- it works. but it doesn't look very reliable.

 

[ukfilmer]

I've had a go with this, didn't really work.

There's a delay on the preview via wifi as it is, and then there's another delay when you adjust the focus and when you DO adjust the focus, it snaps in / out not smoothly and at about 1 foot increments.

I'd stick with either a fixed point of focus or auto focus, or a proper wireless FF system if it really needed it.

 

[mdifilm]

there is a minor lag that goes with it, used it when running with a gimbal, not bad but it's a pain.

 

[wwjd]

I agree with all here: functional, not great. Notchy increments if trying to do a slow move. From HERE to THERE points works pretty good if you need a fast change

 

[mash_gh4]

I agree with all here: functional, not great. Notchy increments if trying to do a slow move. From HERE to THERE points works pretty good if you need a fast change

i agree on the shortcomings of this particular remote control software (immageApp), but the camera and the used communication channel allows much smoother and faster operation. the internals are very well documented here: http://www.personal-view.com/talks/...our-gh3-from-a-web-browser-now-with-video-/p1

especially for focus control there are some important details still missing in this protocol description and reimplementation examples, but they are quite trivial to find out.

if you need faster response on the monitoring feedback, you could also use other ways for preview (e.g. hdmi-transmitter) to reduce the lag. you don't have to utilize wlan for both (control and monitoring).

i just have to state again, that i saw a lot of camera errors while playing around with wlan remote capabilites. that's why i would describe it as unreliable. nevertheless i think, a better working electronic remote focus puller could be realized on this base quite easy.