Wait... what?

Not that weird actually. A few companies make similiar devices. Some in follow focus form factor and other in a zoom rocker style. I bought the manfrotto one to use with my steadicam pilot:

http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-MVR911ECCN-Clamp--Remote-Control/dp/B0083IUKL0/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1356369816&sr=8-7&keywords=manfrotto+dslr+focus

The concept is really good; use DSLR lenses internal motor to control focus rather than an external motor, however, the USB protocol on DSLRs only allow from incremental focus. So whether you are focusing quickly or slowly, you see the focus stuttering to the desired focus distance which makes it unusable in a live shot in my opinion. From what I can tell this is inherent in all Canon DSLRs USB protocols and will happen no matter which device/manufacturer you go with. The only thing I can see this being usefull for is when you camera is mounted out of reach (jib) and you need to control it and focus remotely.
 
I don't mean the concept of the device is weird. What I mean is the design of it looks absolutely bizarre. There's an awful lot of gear out there specifically for DSLR that definitely looks like it was designed by people who don't ever actually handle a camera.
 
Looks like a remote follow focus, albeit with some differences...cheesycam featured product no doubt.

If you want weird, check out the iphone 35mm adapters
 
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It looks pretty sophisticated and solidly built -- but I couldn't make heads or tails of all the modes, indicator lights and operating instructions. It strikes me that it would be way too easy to make it do the wrong thing while in the heat of a shoot. And the warnings that the camera might ignore some of your commands with no acknowledgment would leave me with no confidence while using it. All in all, I think it could cause you to miss more shots than it would save. Pro gear is expensive, but usually follows the principle that each control does exactly one thing, reliably, predictably and repeatably. This gizmo misses the mark.

- Greg
 
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