USB Follow Focus – Take control of your Canon EOS Digital SLR

This is a great idea. May get one.

The new Okii Systems USB Follow Focus 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 550D/Rebel T2i/Kiss X4
EOS 500D/Rebel T1i/Kiss X3
Like Canon's EOS Utility, the USB Follow Focus 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.

The USB Follow Focus uses the autofocus motor in Canon USM lenses to control focus, even while recording video. This focus control also works in any Live View modes, which can be useful for photography. 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.

A hard coat anodized aluminum enclosure protects the electronics while a 1/4″-20 mount on the back of the unit provides a way to attach the USB Follow Focus to rigs or other equipment. The buttons can also be swapped out, providing the user with a way to specify certain functions.

It is important that potential users understand how Canon's USB implementation has shaped and enabled the development of the Okii Systems USB Follow Focus. 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 in the Technical section of the Okii website.

Included is a 30 day money back guarantee, which ensures that you can fully test out the USB Follow Focus with the type of film or photography work you do, along with all of your cameras and lenses.

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An example of focus point use is shown in the following video, which displays the ability of the USB Follow Focus to return to four different focus points. Filmed with a 5D Mark II and EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens.

[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/16550131 w=400&h=300]

USB follow focus – focus point test with 5D Mark II from Slippers on Vimeo.

This video shows the responsiveness and potential speed (keep an eye on the focus distance window). Filmed with a 60D and EFS 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens.

[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/19200970 w=400&h=300]

Okii USB follow focus – responsiveness and speed test from Slippers on Vimeo.

Go over to Okii Systems for full details.