Thanks for the review. This product has some great features. Have you tried the phone app and have any thoughts on it? I agree a USB-C port would be so much better than the flaky micro USB port. I may give this system a try as I currently swap my Tilta Nano between two cameras. The PD motor looks like it has longer reach than the Nano motor, which I have to extend with hardware to reach small lenses on my EVA1 camera. I also like the PD’s slimmer profile. FWIW, I power my Tilta Nano with a Tilta hand grip that holds a NPF 550 battery. The grip has a focus wheel, so it’s a better solution than remote power and the bulky control wheel. I don’t have any wireless issues either, but it does have the horrid micro USB port.
@ExitTheBox it's a bit confusing but here is what you need to do: Click on the bit.ly/PDMovieDQ then choose STORE from the top menu. Then select Live Air 2S, then on the right side, you can select the entire kit, the small controller only, or the small and larger controller etc. Let me know if this works for you and happy shopping :)
Would be interesting if they could release side handles to control focus. On the fence between PD Movie and Tilta, but tilta seems like they have a better ecosystem for now. That said, if I have to re-calibrate every time it loses power, that sounds annoying. Wish they would just put in a bit of memory, maybe save up to 3~5 custom lens profiles or something.
There is actually a feature to recall the calibration after a battery change. I have never used it because I’ve never actually needed to change batteries during a shoot.
@@professionalpotato4764 Definitely 2-4 hours on one motor battery. They include 2 in the kit and extra's at B&H are $20 bhpho.to/3iVYTjN . I picked up several non-rechargable LR2477 batteries for the controller, as the kit only included one. But after a 2-3 hour shoot the light was green, meaning there was lots of juice left. I just don't want to be left without power for an important gig!
Oh: and about the side handle idea, the 1/4-20 on the tiny control wheel can be placed on any side-handle that has a 1/4-20 mount where you'd like to put it! I'me a rigging nut and have never been happier with the options for minimal-ish rigs with controls on the handles!! If you shoot Sony like me, I also recommend picking up this tiny Bluetooth remote: bhpho.to/3NHUajX amzn.to/3LEJMHF I've purchased several (expensive) dedicated handles with integrated wired start-stop buttons, but find this tiny remote more flexible and waaaay cheaper. Just note it is plastic so don't crank on the 1/4-20 too hard or you can break it. I also love that the indicator light on the remote stays lit red when recording video, so it can be used as a tally light. I hope to find time to share a couple of rigging setups, but I love having a handle on the left with the control wheel (I'm left-handed) and a handle on the right with the remote trigger.
@@dqstudios Those are great ideas! I think I'll save up for the Air 2S kit then. Having a calibration recall alone is already better than the Tilta, and I guess I can make my own custom focus side handle like you suggested.
Great helpful video, I am a fan of the older version of this device, my question for you is, can the new smaller bluetooth controller work with an older version of the bluetooth motor. This is in case I just want to get the new controller since I have the motor already. Thanks.
Thanks for watching and the kind words. It is best to contact PD Movie direct, but I believe what you desire can be achieved - You can pair the 2S control wheel to the original 2 motor.
Yes it does. but it is a simple process that has become second nature. I didn’t mention it in the video because I don’t know if I’m doing something wrong/different, but now the motor starts the auto-calibration right after it links to the control wheel. This has been actually very convenient.
@@dqstudios I have actually not come across any system that doesn't need calibration as far as I recall. So it would have surprised me. Thanks for the quick reply.
Thanks for the insight and it makes sense - I could imagine bad things happening if a motor was connected to a hard-stop lens without calibration 😬 Cheers and happy shooting!
you can manually adjust the throw by handholding after the motor auto-engages from battery insertion. It is more accurate this manual way as the auto method works but is so fast it is hard to stop at the right moment. but ymmv
How does it work on the zoom ring, can it get smooth zoom control and is the motor powerful enough to turn the zoom ring on mft lenses. I emailed pdmovie about it, with no answer,. I hope you can help, thanks
I don’t know about your particular lens, but the motor is strong enough to work the stiff zoom lens on my 24-70 GM (tilta nano could not do this with 5V power but could with 14V). The controller can be switched to “zoom” mode but I shoot primes so did not test. the instructional video they produced includes this mode I think.
@@dqstudios A video demonstrating using this to zoom the Sony 24-70 f/2.8 and 70-200 f/2.8 would be killer. When shooting stage shows from a tripod, auto focus is fine for focus, but I've been searching for a solution for smooth power zoom for a while now.
DAVE!!! I've missed you, man! Thanks for the deep dive into this gear. The review was so good! 😎🔥
CHRIS! Thanks for the welcome back buddy!! Cheers and bro-hugs from afar!!
Thank you. That was helpful. It says the Live Air 3 is out on their website. Hope to get it soon.
great review ,thanks a lot
thanks for watching and happy shooting!
Thanks for the review. This product has some great features. Have you tried the phone app and have any thoughts on it? I agree a USB-C port would be so much better than the flaky micro USB port. I may give this system a try as I currently swap my Tilta Nano between two cameras. The PD motor looks like it has longer reach than the Nano motor, which I have to extend with hardware to reach small lenses on my EVA1 camera. I also like the PD’s slimmer profile.
FWIW, I power my Tilta Nano with a Tilta hand grip that holds a NPF 550 battery. The grip has a focus wheel, so it’s a better solution than remote power and the bulky control wheel. I don’t have any wireless issues either, but it does have the horrid micro USB port.
the reach of the motor is actually about the same. But yup: sold my tilta and so love my PD movie Live air 2 and 2S.
Good video David. I have ordered just the new smaller control wheel. Using your discount code too. 🙂
so glad it worked with that item too! Cheers and hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Interesting, I could not find where to order for just the controller for some reason, help
@ExitTheBox it's a bit confusing but here is what you need to do: Click on the bit.ly/PDMovieDQ then choose STORE from the top menu. Then select Live Air 2S, then on the right side, you can select the entire kit, the small controller only, or the small and larger controller etc. Let me know if this works for you and happy shopping :)
@@dqstudios Yeiii, found it, thanks.
WoohoO! And don't forget to use coupon code DAVIDCHEUNG to save some money :)
Would be interesting if they could release side handles to control focus. On the fence between PD Movie and Tilta, but tilta seems like they have a better ecosystem for now.
That said, if I have to re-calibrate every time it loses power, that sounds annoying. Wish they would just put in a bit of memory, maybe save up to 3~5 custom lens profiles or something.
There is actually a feature to recall the calibration after a battery change. I have never used it because I’ve never actually needed to change batteries during a shoot.
@@dqstudios That's great! What's the battery life roughly like? I'm hoping it would survive a wedding shoot maybe 2-4 hours?
@@professionalpotato4764 Definitely 2-4 hours on one motor battery. They include 2 in the kit and extra's at B&H are $20 bhpho.to/3iVYTjN . I picked up several non-rechargable LR2477 batteries for the controller, as the kit only included one. But after a 2-3 hour shoot the light was green, meaning there was lots of juice left. I just don't want to be left without power for an important gig!
Oh: and about the side handle idea, the 1/4-20 on the tiny control wheel can be placed on any side-handle that has a 1/4-20 mount where you'd like to put it! I'me a rigging nut and have never been happier with the options for minimal-ish rigs with controls on the handles!! If you shoot Sony like me, I also recommend picking up this tiny Bluetooth remote: bhpho.to/3NHUajX amzn.to/3LEJMHF I've purchased several (expensive) dedicated handles with integrated wired start-stop buttons, but find this tiny remote more flexible and waaaay cheaper. Just note it is plastic so don't crank on the 1/4-20 too hard or you can break it. I also love that the indicator light on the remote stays lit red when recording video, so it can be used as a tally light. I hope to find time to share a couple of rigging setups, but I love having a handle on the left with the control wheel (I'm left-handed) and a handle on the right with the remote trigger.
@@dqstudios Those are great ideas! I think I'll save up for the Air 2S kit then. Having a calibration recall alone is already better than the Tilta, and I guess I can make my own custom focus side handle like you suggested.
Great helpful video, I am a fan of the older version of this device, my question for you is, can the new smaller bluetooth controller work with an older version of the bluetooth motor.
This is in case I just want to get the new controller since I have the motor already.
Thanks.
Thanks for watching and the kind words. It is best to contact PD Movie direct, but I believe what you desire can be achieved - You can pair the 2S control wheel to the original 2 motor.
Looks like it. The model number for the motor is the same for the version 2 and 2S
Looks interesting. Does It still need calibration at every power on?
Yes it does. but it is a simple process that has become second nature. I didn’t mention it in the video because I don’t know if I’m doing something wrong/different, but now the motor starts the auto-calibration right after it links to the control wheel. This has been actually very convenient.
@@dqstudios I have actually not come across any system that doesn't need calibration as far as I recall. So it would have surprised me. Thanks for the quick reply.
Thanks for the insight and it makes sense - I could imagine bad things happening if a motor was connected to a hard-stop lens without calibration 😬 Cheers and happy shooting!
Hey Dave, it seems like the ratio of speed:rotation is not adjustable. What do you do if a lens has a long focus throw?
you can manually adjust the throw by handholding after the motor auto-engages from battery insertion. It is more accurate this manual way as the auto method works but is so fast it is hard to stop at the right moment. but ymmv
How does it work on the zoom ring, can it get smooth zoom control and is the motor powerful enough to turn the zoom ring on mft lenses. I emailed pdmovie about it, with no answer,. I hope you can help, thanks
I don’t know about your particular lens, but the motor is strong enough to work the stiff zoom lens on my 24-70 GM (tilta nano could not do this with 5V power but could with 14V). The controller can be switched to “zoom” mode but I shoot primes so did not test. the instructional video they produced includes this mode I think.
@@dqstudios A video demonstrating using this to zoom the Sony 24-70 f/2.8 and 70-200 f/2.8 would be killer. When shooting stage shows from a tripod, auto focus is fine for focus, but I've been searching for a solution for smooth power zoom for a while now.
@@dqstudios thanks Dave for your time in replying 👍
@@kyakfsh I think the LIVE AIR PDL-AZP of the PDMOVIE would be great for you.
Thanks for the advice PD Movie!
Where do you get the end cap for the rod
separately purchased on amazon
ƤＲＯ𝓂Ｏ𝕤ᗰ 💔