DJI Focus Pro: Next-Level LiDAR Autofocus

David Zhou
9 Apr 202409:14

TLDRThe DJI Focus Pro system is a groundbreaking innovation in autofocus technology, utilizing LiDAR to accurately map distances for precise focus control. It offers both automatic and manual focus capabilities, with a user-friendly calibration process and a range of up to 20 meters. The system's versatility makes it suitable for solo creators and professional teams alike, with features like subject tracking, low light performance, and the ability to control multiple aspects of filming simultaneously. The DJI Focus Pro is available in two kits, the Creator Combo and the all-in-one Combo, providing filmmakers with a comprehensive对焦解决方案.

Takeaways

  • 🌟 The DJI Focus Pro is a cutting-edge autofocus system that utilizes LiDAR technology for precise focus control with manual lenses.
  • 🚀 LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging, which maps distances from the camera and translates that data into focus motor positions.
  • 📸 The system is versatile, catering to both solo creators seeking autofocus assistance and professional production teams with dedicated focus pullers.
  • 🔧 The calibration process involves creating a lens profile, setting the LiDAR distance, and confirming focus targets at varying distances.
  • 🎥 The DJI Focus Pro can work with a range of up to 20 meters, offering a robust autofocus system comparable to phase-detect autofocus in mirrorless cameras.
  • 🏃‍♂️ The system excels in tracking, using over 76,000 ranging points and a 70° beam angle for comprehensive coverage, even at the edges of the frame.
  • 👥 AI recognition allows the LiDAR camera to detect and track subjects like people and cars, and users can switch between subjects easily.
  • 🔇 The system also performs well in low-light conditions, as it uses its own laser beams, unlike traditional phase-detect autofocus reliant on ambient light.
  • 🎮 The Focus Grip's touchscreen allows for easy navigation and control of various settings, including focus mode, lens profile, and focus position.
  • ⚙️ The DJI Focus Pro offers options for both wireless and manual focus pulling, with the ability to adjust settings like dial function and focus motor torque.
  • 💰 The product will be available in two kits: the DJI Focus Pro Creator Combo and the all-in-one combo, which includes additional accessories like the hand unit.

Q & A

  • What is the main innovation of the DJI Focus Pro system?

    -The main innovation of the DJI Focus Pro system is its LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) autofocus technology, which maps distances from the camera and converts that data into focus motor positions, allowing autofocus capabilities with any manual focus lens or camera.

  • How does the calibration process for the DJI Focus Pro work?

    -The calibration process involves accessing the image transmission page and settings menu through the Focus Pro Grip's touchscreen, setting the LiDAR distance, creating a new lens profile by inputting the focal length, and setting focus targets at 1 meter and 4 meters away to confirm focus.

  • What is the range of the DJI Focus Pro LiDAR system?

    -The DJI Focus Pro LiDAR system has a range of up to 20 meters (approximately 65 feet), making it almost as reliable as phase-detect autofocus systems found in typical mirrorless cameras.

  • How does the tracking work on the DJI Focus Pro?

    -The tracking on the DJI Focus Pro utilizes over 76,000 ranging points on a 70° beam angle, providing a wide field of view that allows tracking even when the subject is at the edges of the screen or not in frame.

  • What are the advantages of the DJI Focus Pro's LiDAR autofocus over traditional phase-detect autofocus?

    -The LiDAR autofocus system can perform in extreme low light conditions since it uses its own laser beams, unlike traditional phase-detect autofocus which requires some level of light to function properly.

  • How can the DJI Focus Pro be used for manual focus pulling?

    -The DJI Focus Pro can be used for manual focus pulling by pressing the M button to switch from autofocus to manual focus, and then using the focus wheel on the grip to control focus. The system also allows for automated manual focus (AMF) where the focus wheel physically moves, providing tactile feedback.

  • What is the battery life of the DJI Focus Pro?

    -With everything powered off except the focus grip, which uses RS BG21 battery grips, DJI advertises 2.5 hours of working time on a full charge. Additional batteries can be purchased for swapping out during a shoot, or the grip can be powered off a V-mount battery.

  • What are the features of the DJI Focus Pro hand unit?

    -The DJI Focus Pro hand unit is lightweight, intuitive to use, and can be powered off a V-mount battery or Sony MPF-550 batteries. It can control focus, iris, and zoom, allowing for complex setups like the Fizz (Focus Iris Zoom) effect.

  • How does the DJI Focus Pro perform in low light conditions?

    -The DJI Focus Pro performs well in low light conditions because it uses its own laser beams for autofocus, which do not rely on ambient light levels. This is a significant advantage over traditional phase-detect autofocus systems that require light to function.

  • What are the available kits for the DJI Focus Pro?

    -DJI offers two kits for the Focus Pro: the DJI Focus Pro Creator Combo, which includes the Focus Pro LiDAR, Focus Pro Grip, Focus Pro motor, and a carrying case; and the DJI Focus Pro All-in-One Combo, which includes everything from the Creator Combo plus the Focus Pro hand unit.

  • How does the DJI Focus Pro handle subject tracking?

    -The DJI Focus Pro uses AI recognition to detect people and cars, allowing for subject tracking. Users can also use the focus wheel to switch between subjects in autofocus mode, and the system can handle subject tracking even at wide apertures like T1.9.

Outlines

00:00

🎥 Introduction to DJI Focus Pro and its Innovative Features

The paragraph introduces the DJI Focus Pro system, highlighting its cutting-edge technology in autofocus capabilities. It emphasizes the system's ability to recognize and track subjects, as well as its manual focus assistance for various users, from solo creators to professional production teams. The DJI Focus Pro utilizes LiDAR technology to map distances and convert them into focus motor positions, allowing autofocus with any manual focus lens or camera. The calibration process is discussed, including setting up lens profiles and the importance of this technology in different shooting scenarios, such as low light conditions. The range and tracking capabilities of the system are also explored, showcasing its robustness and adaptability for various filming needs.

05:02

🔋 DJI Focus Pro's Battery Life, Controls, and Wireless Focus Pulling

This paragraph delves into the battery life of the DJI Focus Pro, mentioning the working time achievable with full charge and the option to use additional batteries or power from a vmount battery. The user interface is explored, discussing the touchscreen menus and controls for focus points, autofocus tracking sensitivity, and lens profiles. The ease of switching between autofocus and manual focus is highlighted, along with the smooth and tactile feedback provided by the focus wheel. The paragraph also introduces the focus Pro hand unit and its intuitive use, as well as the system's capability to control multiple motors for a full Focus Iris Zoom setup. The potential to achieve complex effects like the dolly zoom is mentioned, and the paragraph concludes with a discussion on pricing, availability, and the different kits offered by DJI.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡DJI Focus Pro

DJI Focus Pro is a state-of-the-art autofocus system designed to enhance the quality of video capture. It integrates LiDAR technology for precise distance mapping and focus adjustment, making it a powerful tool for both solo creators and professional production teams. In the video, the presenter highlights the system's ability to work with a variety of manual focus lenses and cameras, showcasing its versatility and potential to improve autofocus capabilities significantly.

💡LiDAR

LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing technology that uses laser light to measure distances. In the context of the DJI Focus Pro, LiDAR is utilized to map distances from the camera, converting this data into focus motor positions. This allows for highly accurate autofocus with any manual focus lens or camera, as demonstrated in the video where the presenter explains the calibration process and the system's ability to recognize and track subjects effectively.

💡Autofocus

Autofocus refers to the automatic adjustment of the camera lens to achieve sharp focus on the subject. The DJI Focus Pro's autofocus system is particularly impressive, with the ability to work up to 20 meters and utilize over 76,000 ranging points. This technology is not only beneficial for solo shooters but also for professional videography, as it provides a reliable and robust focusing solution that can outperform traditional phase-detect autofocus systems in certain scenarios, such as low light conditions.

💡Focus Pulling

Focus pulling is the manual adjustment of the focus on a camera lens during filming to create visual effects or to keep the subject in focus as it moves. The DJI Focus Pro offers an automated manual focus pulling experience, allowing users to smoothly transition between autofocus and manual focus control. This feature is highlighted in the video when the presenter discusses the focus wheel on the grip and the system's ability to provide tactile feedback, enhancing the overall filmmaking process.

💡Calibration Process

The calibration process is a crucial step in setting up the DJI Focus Pro system. It involves creating a lens profile by inputting the focal length of the lens and setting focus targets at different distances to ensure accurate autofocus. The video script explains that this process can be done through the Focus Pro Grip's touchscreen, making it user-friendly and allowing for up to 15 lens profiles to be stored, which can be easily switched between on set.

💡Tracking

Tracking in the context of the DJI Focus Pro refers to the system's ability to follow and maintain focus on a moving subject. The LiDAR technology enables the system to track subjects using over 76,000 ranging points across a 70° beam angle. This wide coverage ensures that the subject remains in focus even when moving to the edges of the frame, which is a significant advantage over traditional autofocus systems that may struggle with off-center subjects or fast movements.

💡AI Recognition

AI Recognition in the DJI Focus Pro system utilizes artificial intelligence to identify and lock onto subjects such as people and cars. This advanced feature allows for more sophisticated autofocus tracking, enabling the user to switch between different subjects with the use of the focus wheel. The AI recognition enhances the system's ability to maintain focus on desired subjects, even when they move unpredictably, providing a high level of control and precision in video capture.

💡Low Light Conditions

Low light conditions present a challenge for many autofocus systems, as they often rely on sufficient light to function effectively. However, the DJI Focus Pro's LiDAR system operates independently of available light, as it emits its own laser beams to measure distances. This capability allows the autofocus to perform reliably even in dimly lit environments, which is a significant advantage for filmmakers who may be shooting in a variety of lighting conditions.

💡Wireless Focus Pulling

Wireless focus pulling refers to the ability to control the focus of a camera lens without any physical connection to the camera or lens. The DJI Focus Pro offers this functionality through its Focus Grip and Hand Unit, allowing for a more flexible and convenient filming experience. In the video, the presenter demonstrates how easy it is to transition from autofocus to manual focus control, and how the system can be powered by removable battery grips or an external source, enhancing mobility and reducing the need for frequent battery swaps during a shoot.

💡Dolly Zoom Effect

The dolly zoom effect, also known as the 'Vertigo effect', is a filmmaking technique that involves changing the focal length of the lens while simultaneously moving the camera closer to or further from the subject, creating a unique visual effect where the subject appears to remain the same size while the background changes. In the video, the presenter showcases how the DJI Focus Pro system can be used in conjunction with other motors to control focus, iris, and zoom, allowing for the achievement of complex effects like the dolly zoom with the help of the system's automated features.

Highlights

DJI Focus Pro is a groundbreaking system for LiDAR autofocus technology.

The system recognizes and tracks subjects, providing an automated manual focus experience.

LiDAR technology maps distances from the camera, converting it into focus motor positions.

DJI Focus Pro is beneficial for solo creators and production teams alike.

Calibration process for creating a lens profile is straightforward and user-friendly.

The system works up to a range of 20 meters, offering robust tracking capabilities.

Utilizing over 76,000 ranging points, DJI Focus Pro ensures comprehensive coverage.

The 70° beam angle allows tracking even when the subject is at the edges of the screen.

DJI Focus Pro's LiDAR autofocus outperforms traditional phase detect autofocus in low light conditions.

The system offers both subject tracking and spot autofocus functionalities.

Users can switch between autofocus and manual focus seamlessly.

The focus grip provides tactile feedback, enhancing the manual focus pulling experience.

DJI Focus Pro can control up to three motors simultaneously for a full FIZZ setup.

The hand unit is intuitive and lightweight, designed for ease of use in professional setups.

The system can achieve complex effects like the dolly zoom with ease.

DJI Focus Pro is available in two kits: Creator Combo and All-in-One Combo.

The product offers a new level of innovation in autofocus capabilities for various types of filmmakers.