Once you position a camera on a drone or a distant mount, there's little you can do unless it can be programmed, you stay beside it, or you rely on some kind of remote control. Manual corrections often introduce unwanted movement, so DJI introduces the Focus, a device that pairs an automatic rotation mechanism with a wireless remote for finely tuned focus and aperture adjustments.
Just as a photograph is defined by the photographer, a video is defined by whoever is on the other side of the lens. Modern filmmakers have resources that were pure science fiction fifteen or twenty years ago, but that doesn't change the fact that sometimes you need to know when to step in and when to keep your hands off the controls. Add new shooting styles, including underwater takes or drone captures, and while mounting a GoPro on a drone and letting it follow you is relatively easy, directors and camera operators need much more. In other words, professional tools for professional demands.
How the DJI Focus Works
With that idea in mind, let's welcome the DJI Focus, the company's new device for remotely adjusting critical elements such as focus and aperture. Once the motor and traction ring are installed on your camera (assuming the model is compatible, of course), all you have to do is play with the rotation values and identify the "key points" each shot requires. According to the presentation video, all it takes is a button press and a twist of the wheel to switch between focus and aperture, though we suspect there are some "proprietary" aspects to consider, and that not every camera will support it.
Price and Alternatives
Needless to say, the DJI Focus isn't aimed at general consumers, and part of that is reflected in the price: $1,999. Enthusiasts might want to think it over three or four times and sleep on it for a couple of nights before making such an investment. Still, all the advantages seem to be there for professionals. Some users have recommended Cinegears as an alternative at a very similar price. It will only be a matter of time before a detailed comparison appears.
For more information, visit the official DJI Focus site.
