Unleashing the Power of Monitor-Based Camera Control: A Game-Changer for Canon Cinema Cameras
Imagine having the ultimate control over your Canon Cinema camera, right at your fingertips! SmallHD has just made that dream a reality with their innovative camera control system. But here's the twist: it's not just about control; it's about convenience, efficiency, and a whole new level of creativity.
SmallHD's latest offering is a $400 USD software license that transforms compatible monitors into powerful command centers for Canon's C70, C80, C300 Mark III, C400, and C500 Mark II cameras. With this system, you can configure critical camera settings in real-time, including shutter speed, aperture, ISO, ND filtration, and more, all from the comfort of your monitor.
This integration joins SmallHD's existing camera control protocols for ARRI, RED, and Sony VENICE cameras, solidifying their position as a leader in monitor-based camera control solutions.
But here's where it gets controversial... Is this level of control worth the investment? Let's dive deeper and explore the features, compatibility, and potential impact on your workflow.
Monitor Interface and Workflow
The camera control interface is seamlessly integrated into SmallHD's PageOS, ensuring persistent access to essential parameters. Operators can adjust settings via touchscreen, physical joystick, or the customizable rotary encoder knobs on monitors like the Ultra 10.
Current camera settings are displayed in a compact overlay, expanding for detailed adjustment. Shutter angle, ISO, ND filtration (adjustable in two-stop increments up to six stops), color profile selection, and white balance controls are all at your fingertips.
And this is the part most people miss... SmallHD's touch-to-focus feature works with Canon RF and EF lenses that support autofocus communication, providing an intuitive way to achieve precise focus.
Beyond quick-access parameters, the system allows navigation through Canon's entire camera menu structure, utilizing either the monitor's joystick or on-screen directional controls.
Collage Mode: Expanding the View
Collage mode scales up the camera control interface while maintaining access to SmallHD's monitoring tools. The expanded view prominently displays run/stop control, time code, and audio level meters.
Monitors with programmable dials can assign specific camera functions to rotary encoders, offering precise control over ND filter, ISO, shutter angle, white balance, frame rate, and iris for compatible lenses.
Compatible Monitors
SmallHD's Canon camera control functions across their entire monitor range, including Cine 5, Ultra 5 series, Cine 7 lineup, Ultra 7 variants, Ultra 10 models, Cine 13/18/24 production monitors, Vision 17/24, OLED 22/27, and Quantum 27/32 displays.
Connection Requirements
The connection method varies by camera model and monitor type, with some requiring specific adapters. For instance, the C70 needs a USB-C to Ethernet adapter, while the C300 Mark III and C500 Mark II require Canon's EU-V1/V2/V3 Expansion Unit or the WFT-E9A Wireless File Transmitter for hardwired or WiFi connectivity, respectively.
Activation and Limitations
To activate Canon camera control, monitors must run the latest firmware. License activation is done via a web-based system, where operators enter their activation code, monitor token, and serial number to receive a license key. Once registered, the license cannot be removed or transferred to another display.
One limitation to note is that Canon's camera control protocol does not support playback functionality while camera control is active. Additionally, touch-to-focus and iris control require compatible lenses with electronic autofocus and aperture communication capabilities.
The Bottom Line
SmallHD's Canon Camera Control is a powerful tool that offers unprecedented control and convenience for Canon Cinema camera users. But is it worth the investment for your specific shooting style and workflow? That's a question only you can answer.
We'd love to hear your thoughts! Do you think monitor-based camera control is a game-changer, or is it an unnecessary expense? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!
