How to remote control focus?
- Thread starter daktulus
- Start date
The way I prefer to do it, IMHO the best way: http://www.prestoncinema.com/
A system that works well when it works, but is inconsistent from unit to unit and has burned me: http://www.cmotion.eu/
A way I don't like: http://webpages.charter.net/bartech/ovrvu.html
A new cheaper Canon specific system that's gotten a lot of attention (untested by me): http://www.okii.net/product_p/ct-001.htm
There are others.
A system that works well when it works, but is inconsistent from unit to unit and has burned me: http://www.cmotion.eu/
A way I don't like: http://webpages.charter.net/bartech/ovrvu.html
A new cheaper Canon specific system that's gotten a lot of attention (untested by me): http://www.okii.net/product_p/ct-001.htm
There are others.
Another option for remote control of focus and aperture is EOS Utility with a tablet PC or UMPC. Or DSLR Remote Pro.
http://www.breezesys.com/DSLRRemotePro/
You can even run these wirelessly:
http://www.amazon.com/Cables-Unlimi...sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329473462&sr=8-1-spell
(You need to supply 5V to the client side dongle in a wireless DSLR set up)
I wouldn't describe these as tools for pulling focus, as the required features are not there, but there are some uses.
Separate discussion, but I believe the potential exists via Magic Lantern for some very neat and cost effective solutions for proper focus pulling with features for blocking and mark points.
It should be possible to recruit some kind of physical interface, like a jog wheel into working with ML.
Now I'm really hijacking your thread, sorry:
http://magiclantern.wikia.com/wiki/Remote_control_with_PTP_and_Python
http://www.breezesys.com/DSLRRemotePro/
You can even run these wirelessly:
http://www.amazon.com/Cables-Unlimi...sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329473462&sr=8-1-spell
(You need to supply 5V to the client side dongle in a wireless DSLR set up)
I wouldn't describe these as tools for pulling focus, as the required features are not there, but there are some uses.
Separate discussion, but I believe the potential exists via Magic Lantern for some very neat and cost effective solutions for proper focus pulling with features for blocking and mark points.
It should be possible to recruit some kind of physical interface, like a jog wheel into working with ML.
Now I'm really hijacking your thread, sorry:
http://magiclantern.wikia.com/wiki/Remote_control_with_PTP_and_Python
Have you actually used this with EOS Utility? I don't think it will work. From the box: "Note: The adapter set does not support devices requiring isochronous support, such as webcams, speakers or microphones."
I've used Canon's own WFT wifi adapters with EOS Utility for remote tethered shooting and loved it - all except the price tag of the WFT. I've searched for wireless USB solutions to accomplish the same thing, but have yet to find one that works.
If you have first hand experience with tethered shooting using wireless USB devices, please post details. Wireless USB was a hot product a few years ago, but they have all since been discontinued and disappeared from the market - probably because the performance sucks (it does, very much). I would still love to find a low cost solution, but I've given up at this point.
And no, EOS Utility doesn't work for focus pulling.
Yes I have, and yes it does work. I bought the Olidata version, which is the company that distributes this set in Europe, and it works quite well. It's quite range limited, but it functions. I don't have a link for this model anymore, which is why I posted the one for the US version, which is identical. I use an old UMPC which I had kicking around. This is nicer than a laptop, because you don't need a lap! I have been using this approach for a couple of years now for odd jobs, and I have been very grateful for it on a few occasions.
As I said, you need to make a power source, for which a battery box with 4x1.2 NimH AA works well for your 5v.
If you tell me what details you need, I'll try to post them. As I said, it works for me. Within 10 feet, it works at about half normal USB speed for file transfers, and for live view and control of the camera, it is sluggish, but usable and reliable.
Hopefully, my link to Amazon shows that all the products have not in fact dissapeared, but yes, it never took off, but I don't agree that performance sucks. In my opinion this judgement comes from people who either haven't experienced it, or expect it to be as fast as a USB cable, which is a bit unreasonable.
I'm glad I bought my set when I did, because I expect they will eventually drop the product once this batch sells, and then there will be no option left for a cheap solution.
Agreed, and I hope it didn't sound like I was promoting it as such. As I mentioned, it has its uses, but I have a fairly good idea of what's required to pull focus. I'm working on a solution to this, so you never know.
Last edited:
there are some other options but some cost a lot of money
cheapest is the jag35 focus kitts. Wireless unit is out of stock for some time but wired are still available and might meet your needs.
I'm also very interested in this but am waiting for a better and affordable option. Not 5000$ stuff which some people use
cheapest is the jag35 focus kitts. Wireless unit is out of stock for some time but wired are still available and might meet your needs.
I'm also very interested in this but am waiting for a better and affordable option. Not 5000$ stuff which some people use
Depends what you mean. If you're referring to the contrast detect based auto focus which is currently available when shooting video, then there's no reason it shouldn't be accessible remotely.
But I'm guessing you want auto focus that works, as in the phase detect method used for stills mode. If this is the case, then no, nothing changes because the limitation is that when the mirror is up for video capture, the phase detect sensor is not operational.