By technical editor Matt Allard:
At NAB Canadian company Andra Motion Technologies will be showing an updated version of their motion tracking focus system that we first saw a prototype of at NAB last year.
The Andra Motion Focus System uses motion-tracking to automatically maintain sharp camera focus on any subject in a shot, even if both the subject and the camera are moving. It can track multiple subjects and smoothly switch focus between them using either a hand control unit or their iPad app.
This from Andra:
Mobility
We have made the system much more portable and lightweight – with it on your camera, you can follow action or subjects while you move through buildings, down staircases or run along streets, keeping them in focus automatically. It can be installed on-camera or on a boom.
The Arc Elite Hand Unit
1st ACs and focus-pullers like this system, but they don’t want to lose any of the subtle manual control they have now. So the new ARC Elite hand unit is a more versatile device – a hybrid with the full manual control of a typical wireless follow focus as well as their fully-automated focus. You have the control to get the just look you want. It has an instant override to switch back to manual focus seamlessly, a 1080p touchscreen and improved ergonomics.
Smoother, More Natural, Focus Control and Faster Tracking
The system has improved measurement accuracy and even smoother focus pulls, as well as tighter tracking of fast-moving objects. The company has upped the hardware specs across the board, which will allow for new features later on through software upgrades.
The first manufacturing run starts this summer, and they’re taking first-come / first-serve pre-orders now. Pricing varies with the system configuration and options chosen. The system is modular, so you can add motion tracking, extended range (up to 30×30 feet), more tracking sensors, additional camera controllers or hand units as you go.
Find them at NAB booth C6819 in the Main Hall or at www.andra.com.
