USB Focus Controller

The new Okii Systems USB Focus Controller gives the photo and video enthusiast a compact yet powerful device that enhances the capabilities of HD video enabled Canon EOS Digital SLR cameras, including:

• EOS 5D Mark II
• EOS 1D Mark IV
• EOS 7D
• EOS 60D
• EOS 600D/Rebel T3i/Kiss X5
• EOS 550D/Rebel T2i/Kiss X4
• EOS 500D/Rebel T1i/Kiss X3

Like Canon's EOS Utility, the USB Focus Controller uses Canon's USB protocol to allow control of a wide range of functions, but without the limitations and bulk of being tethered to a computer. The device is handheld, weighing under 5 oz. including batteries, and less than 3" in diameter. It is connected to your camera with a standard A to mini-B USB cable, and can be used as a remote control or attached to a rig using a 1/4"-20 mount located on the back of the anodized aluminum enclosure.

The USB Focus Controller uses the autofocus motor in Canon USM lenses to control focus, even while recording video. This also works in any Live View modes, which can be useful for photography. The HDMI output can still be used in tandem with the controller, as well. The nine other switches located around the central focus knob can be used to access important camera functions, such as recording start/stop, digital zoom, engaging autofocus, saving focus points, and adjusting certain camera settings.

If your intended use is as a remote control for a camera mounted on a crane or jib, the USB Focus Controller has been successfully tested with normal USB extension cables past 25 meters in length.

Okii Follow Focus Demo from 3toad on Vimeo.

Specifications:

• Construction: Enclosure and knob precision CNC machined from 6061 aluminum
• Finish: Bead blasted and anodized
• Overall dimensions: 2.7" x 2.65" x 1.67" (width, depth, height)
• Enclosure dimensions: 2.7" x 2.65" x 0.9"
• Knob dimensions: 1.55" x 1.55" x 0.7"
• Weight: 4.7 oz (including batteries)
• Power source: 2 x AAA alkaline or lithium batteries
• Battery life: 30+ hours

Features:

• Functions with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, 1D Mark IV, 7D, 60D, 600D/Rebel T3i/Kiss X5, 550D/Rebel T2i/Kiss X4, 500D/Rebel T1i/Kiss X3
• Controls focus by use of lens autofocus motor (Canon USM lenses recommended, not all third party lenses will function)
• Works in tandem with the HDMI output of the camera, allowing you to use both the USB Focus Controller and an external monitor
• Compatible with non-powered USB extension cables - currently tested past 25 meters
• Starts/stops video recording
• Toggles Live View on/off
• Initiates image capture
• Initiates autofocus or metering
• Saves and returns to four focus points*
• Cycles digital zoom 1x/5x/10x to aid in focusing
• Adjusts focus step size and focus command send rate
• Adjusts ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation
• Adjusts focus zone positioning
• Reversible knob direction to match 3rd party lenses
• Open source and Arduino compatible: Use the free Arduino environment to enhance controller capabilities
• Made in the USA

What's included:

• 1x Assembled USB Focus Controller
• 2x AAA alkaline batteries
• 1x Printed manual
• 1x 1/16" Allen wrench
• 1x 5/64" Allen wrench

*Not all lenses are capable of using focus points due to differences in mechanical design and certain characteristics of Canon's USB protocol. Please refer to the Canon USB Protocol article in the Technical section of the Okii website for more details.

It is important that potential users understand how Canon's USB implementation has shaped and enabled the development of the Okii Systems USB Focus Controller. Certain characteristics of Canon's design make it perform quite differently than a mechanical follow focus, so it is recommended that you read the User Guide and the Canon USB Protocol article.

Download User Guide: Okii-USBFC.pdf