It’s been a while since we last covered a reliable wireless follow focus system that deserved more in-depth consideration. A unit that indeed have attracted the attention of many professionals since it’s been released is the PD Movie Remote Air Pro by Ikan Corporation. In essence, it’s an innovative wireless follow focus system with a slick and distinctive unibody design, a rapid response system compatible with a bunch of iOS devices.
Further, the current Pro version of the unit is the lightest and thinnest PD Movie Remote system to date. It’s the perfect fit for gimbal and Steadicam work as well as hand-held setups. According to Ikan, the system can operate any available lens on the market by utilizing the full functionality of the dedicated Remote Air App, specially designed to control the wireless system.
The PD Movie Remote Air Pro sports high-precision brushless motor that generates low noise and runs smoothly even at high-speed rotations. Due to its internal structure, the controller motor accommodates both the driver and receiver which makes it lighter, thinner and extremely compact. The standard motors can be added for dual and triple channel use and can be even daisy chained thus providing unlimited channels and series connections which make the system a viable option for 3D filming.
Furthermore, the Remote Air app contains a large database of current lens parameters. Users can access their account on different iOS systems as well as backup and share their lenses to the database. A vast number of stills and cine lenses are already available as presets in the app. The new App interface allows users to mark the lens parameters directly on it for precision. There is also an option to use the luminous ring to mark any lens points.
Using the PD Movie Remote Air app, your iPhone is connected to the controller utilizing its Bluetooth capabilities. The controller, on the other hand, is synced with the motor using 2.4 GHz wireless technology and the full duplex mode. This approach allows the system to operate consistently without delay and support a transmission distance of up to 300 feet. The Remote Air Pro not only controls each channel separately but it can also be used to switch the two motors to the same channel.
Regarding power management, the hand controller incorporates a 5V USB port for charging the unit or for providing power to your iOS device through the included Lightning cable. The hand controller features an internal 600mAH battery that can power the attached device while it is connected to the hand controller for extended battery run time.
There are a few significant enhancements regarding the precision of control over the lenses as well. The Remote Air Pro controller handwheel has a resolution of 7200 dpi compared to the first generation Remote Air, which had a 500 dpi resolution only. This way every slight rotation is clearly visible on the OLED screen and even the most subtle adjustments will be recognized by the system.
The PD Movie Remote Air Pro is compatible with the iPhone 6s/6s Plus/iPod touch and the Apple Watch. To use a different mobile device, all you need to do is replace a small accessory clamp. The ikan PD Movie Air Pro Wireless Follow Focus is available in a few configurations and can be already ordered from authorized retailers.
[source: IkanCorp.]
B&H Order Links:
Ikan PD Movie Air Pro Wireless Follow Focus with 1 Motor
Ikan PD Movie Air Pro Wireless Follow Focus with 2 Motors
Ikan PD Movie Air Pro Wireless Follow Focus with 3 Motors
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I just bought one from B&H because I like it’s iPod Touch (or iPhone) controller approach, relatively quiet operation and price. Even though there is not a lot of reviews yet. Hope I don’t regret it. This category of lens support wireless follow focus sure is an expensive one and this Ikan unit is considered pretty cheap! Motion Dogs Lenzhound looked intriguing based on price, but that’s about it. I am crossing my Ikan WFF fingers.
I’m looking into a mid-level FIZ and this caught my eye… Now that you’ve had this for almost a year, what do you think?