Phottix Hero LiveView Wireless Remote
4:34 PMIntro
The Hero LiveView Wireless Remote is a very new product from Phottix, and was demonstrated at PMA in March 2009.
It is designed to provide the photographer with the ability to remotely monitor the viewfinder via a 2.4" colour LCD, and trigger the shutter remotely, from distances as far as up to 100m away from the camera.
In other words, the Hero is a remote control for your DSLR camera, but unlike most wireless remote controls, it also provides you with live video from your camera's viewfinder.
The Hero is designed to work with DSLR cameras that do not have any LiveView functionality, by using a small camera to look into the camera's viewfinder. The Hero can also be connected to a DSLR camera that does support LiveView using an AV cable.
Why A LiveView Remote?
A LiveView remote for a DSLR camera is an interesting concept, and has a number of applications. While there are plenty of other wireless remotes that allow you to remotely trigger a DSLR camera shutter (such as the Cleon and Cleon II , those remotes do not give you any indication of what is within the camera's frame.
A LiveView remote provides the same functionality as those wireless remotes, but also allows you to have a remote view into the DSLR, and see exactly what is within the viewfinder of the DSLR.
This can be particularly useful for situations where you might want to set up a remote camera, such as sports, wildlife, etc. You can then remotely monitor whatever the camera is pointing at, and then trigger the camera's shutter to take a photo if there's any action occurring.
The Hero may also be useful for KAP (kite aerial photography, where people hang a camera from a kite for aerial photos), as the video feed will allow you to easily see where the camera is pointing.
Terminology
In this review (as well as in the draft Phottix documentation), when I refer to the Hero transmitter, I'm referring to the component that is attached to a DSLR camera, and when I refer to the Hero receiver, I'm referring to the remote control with the LCD screen.
Strictly speaking, both components act as a receiver and a transmitter (ie, the "receiver" is a receiver for video, but is the transmitter for shutter control, while the "transmitter" is a transmitter for video, but is the receiver for shutter control).
However, the key function of the Hero is the remote video, so the terminology reflects the function of each component with respect to the video transmission and reception.
What's In The Box?
The box containing the Phottix Hero was surprisingly large. Opening the box reveals the Hero receiver and transmitter, both securely snuggled into a layer of foam with cutouts to suit these components.
receiver and transmitter, securely packed in foam
revealing what's hidden under the foam
The image below shows all the accessories included with the Hero.
Hero accessories
Starting at the top left of the photo above, and moving around the photo in a clockwise direction, the accessories shown are:
The assortment of adaptors for mounting the Hero transmitter onto a DSLR viewfinder includes adaptors labelled C1, C2, N1, N2, S, O. Phottix have informed me that these adaptors suit the following cameras:
The C1 adaptor should also fit the Canon 300D, 450D, 500D, 10D, 20D, 30D, 40D and 5D, as they all use the same viewfinder eyecup.
The two key components of the Hero LiveView Wireless Remote are the transmitter and the receiver.
Note that the Hero is a very new product, and I have a pre-release version for review. The documentation is still in the process of being completed, and the release version of the Hero will have some changes compared to the one described in this review.
Many of the controls and sockets on the pre-release version of the Hero's receiver and transmitter are not labelled, so here's some annotated photos. (Note that the controls and sockets on the final version will be labelled.)
- 2 x 5V 1000mA AC/DC adaptor (ie, charger) with European 2-pin plug
- 2 x universal to Australian power adaptor
- headphones
(for connecting to Hero receiver) - 2 x rechargeable 3.7V 1300mAh lithium-ion batteries
(one for Hero transmitter and one for Hero receiver) - 3.5mm stereo to RCA cable
(for connecting other AV input to Hero transmitter) - 2.5mm stereo to Canon N3 cable
(for connecting Hero transmitter to DSLR shutter release) - 3.5mm stereo to 3.5mm stereo cable
(for connecting DSLR AV output to Hero transmitter - assortment of viewfinder adaptors
(for use on DSLRs without LiveView)
The assortment of adaptors for mounting the Hero transmitter onto a DSLR viewfinder includes adaptors labelled C1, C2, N1, N2, S, O. Phottix have informed me that these adaptors suit the following cameras:
- C1: Canon 350D, 400D, 50D, 1Ds Mark II
- C2: Canon 1Ds Mark III
- N1: Nikon F5, F6, D2Xs, D3, D3x
- N2: Nikon D70s, D80, D90, D200, D300, D700
- S: Sony
- O: Olympus
The C1 adaptor should also fit the Canon 300D, 450D, 500D, 10D, 20D, 30D, 40D and 5D, as they all use the same viewfinder eyecup.
Overview of the Hero
The two key components of the Hero LiveView Wireless Remote are the transmitter and the receiver.
Note that the Hero is a very new product, and I have a pre-release version for review. The documentation is still in the process of being completed, and the release version of the Hero will have some changes compared to the one described in this review.
Many of the controls and sockets on the pre-release version of the Hero's receiver and transmitter are not labelled, so here's some annotated photos. (Note that the controls and sockets on the final version will be labelled.)
Hero transmitter controls
The transmitter requires two connections to your DSLR camera, namely a shutter release cable, and either an AV connection for LiveView video, or it needs to be mounted on your DSLR's viewfinder, using it's tiny built-in camera to look through the viewfinder.
Hero receiver controls
The receiver has a 2.4" (61mm diameter) colour LCD screen for displaying video feed from the transmitter, as well as a remote shutter button. As with other remote shutter releases, a half-press on the shutter button is equivalent to a half-press on the camera's shutter button, and will cause the camera to focus. Fully depressing the button will cause the camera to actuate the shutter and take a photo.
The 2-second delay button provides functionality for taking a photo, but with a delay of two seconds.
The remote shutter button includes bi-directional communications, with LEDs on the receiver indicating the status of the remote transmitter when depressing the shutter button (ie, similar to the Phottix Plato 2.4GHz wireless remote).
Holding down the "CH+" button for 3 seconds will cause the Hero receiver to enter power saving mode, temporarily turning off the LCD screen. Apparently this will also turn off the video transmission system in the Hero transmitter, thus helping to conserve the battery in both the transmitter and the receiver.
A single quick press of the "CH+" button will resume normal operation, and turn on the LCD screen again. Note that while in power saving mode, the shutter button on the Hero receiver will still function normally.
Both the Hero receiver and transmitter use a compact NB-5L rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and have a power socket to allow a DC power supply to be connected for recharging the battery.
The RF communications for the remote shutter control uses 433MHz, and the video transmission uses 2.4GHz.
The Hero uses two separate RF mechanisms for communications between the transmitter and receiver, with one being used for the remote shutter control, and the other for transmitting video (and audio) from the transmitter to the receiver.
Four channels are available for the transmission of the video signal. Being able to select any of these four channels allows you to select the channel that has the least interference, as well as ensuring that multiple people can use Hero remotes in one location without interfering with each other.
The button labelled "CH+" on the Hero receiver allows you to toggle through these four channels.
The frequency used for RF communications for the remote shutter release operation can be selected using a tiny button on the top left of the Hero transmitter. The button itself is recessed in the case, and needs to be pressed with a pin or straightened paperclip. Pressing this button while the Hero transmitter is powered on will adjust the frequency it uses, and will result in the right LED on the transmitter flashing very rapidly.
To synchronise the Hero receiver, press the shutter button on the receiver, and the centre LED on the transmitter should briefly light up, and the right LED will then start flashing slowly. This indicates the transmitter and receiver are now synchronised, and the shutter button on the receiver will now cause the transmitter to trigger the camera's shutter.
You do not need a DSLR camera with LiveView to be able to use the Phottix Hero. It can be used on almost any DSLR, as the Hero transmitter has a built-in camera for looking through your DSLR's viewfinder.
The 2-second delay button provides functionality for taking a photo, but with a delay of two seconds.
The remote shutter button includes bi-directional communications, with LEDs on the receiver indicating the status of the remote transmitter when depressing the shutter button (ie, similar to the Phottix Plato 2.4GHz wireless remote).
Holding down the "CH+" button for 3 seconds will cause the Hero receiver to enter power saving mode, temporarily turning off the LCD screen. Apparently this will also turn off the video transmission system in the Hero transmitter, thus helping to conserve the battery in both the transmitter and the receiver.
A single quick press of the "CH+" button will resume normal operation, and turn on the LCD screen again. Note that while in power saving mode, the shutter button on the Hero receiver will still function normally.
Both the Hero receiver and transmitter use a compact NB-5L rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and have a power socket to allow a DC power supply to be connected for recharging the battery.
The RF communications for the remote shutter control uses 433MHz, and the video transmission uses 2.4GHz.
Channel Adjustment
The Hero uses two separate RF mechanisms for communications between the transmitter and receiver, with one being used for the remote shutter control, and the other for transmitting video (and audio) from the transmitter to the receiver.
Four channels are available for the transmission of the video signal. Being able to select any of these four channels allows you to select the channel that has the least interference, as well as ensuring that multiple people can use Hero remotes in one location without interfering with each other.
The button labelled "CH+" on the Hero receiver allows you to toggle through these four channels.
The frequency used for RF communications for the remote shutter release operation can be selected using a tiny button on the top left of the Hero transmitter. The button itself is recessed in the case, and needs to be pressed with a pin or straightened paperclip. Pressing this button while the Hero transmitter is powered on will adjust the frequency it uses, and will result in the right LED on the transmitter flashing very rapidly.
To synchronise the Hero receiver, press the shutter button on the receiver, and the centre LED on the transmitter should briefly light up, and the right LED will then start flashing slowly. This indicates the transmitter and receiver are now synchronised, and the shutter button on the receiver will now cause the transmitter to trigger the camera's shutter.
Using on Cameras without LiveView
You do not need a DSLR camera with LiveView to be able to use the Phottix Hero. It can be used on almost any DSLR, as the Hero transmitter has a built-in camera for looking through your DSLR's viewfinder.
built-in camera in Hero transmitter, with lens cap removed
Note that you need to remove the viewfinder cup from the DSRL, and the Hero transmitter, with the appropriate adaptor fitted, can then be mounted over the DSLR's viewfinder.
Hero transmitter mounted on Canon 50D viewfinder
Note that you will probably need to adjust the diopter on your DSLR's viewfinder to focus the image seen on the Hero's receiver (but be sure to focus the camera first!). The LCD screen on the Hero receiver will show you what the transmitter's built-in camera is seeing through the DSLR viewfinder, thus providing you with a remote view of what the DSLR camera is seeing.
If you have a DSLR that has LiveView functionality, there's no need to mount the Hero transmitter on your DSLR's viewfinder. Instead, you can connect the DSLR's AV output directly to an AV input socket on the Hero transmitter.
Note that with the Canon 50D, when a cable is plugged into the 50D's AV output, it disables the rear LCD on the 50D.
The Hero transmitter will transmit the AV output from the DSLR to the Hero receiver, and display it on the LCD screen. Turning on LiveView mode on the DSLR should result in the Hero receiver displaying what you would normally see on the DSLR's rear LCD screen.
Note that when using the DSLR's LiveView, you'll need to ensure you set the DSLR's auto power-off setting to something long enough to ensure the DLSR doesn't turn itself off.
Once the DSLR goes into power saving mode, it'll go out of LiveView mode. Half pressing the shutter button on the Hero's receiver will wake the camera up again, but it won't switch back to LiveView mode, leaving you without a video feed to the Hero receiver!
I noticed that LCD screen on the Hero receiver provides a cropped view, with a portion of the bottom of the image cropped off. This occurs both when using the Hero's built-in camera through a DSLR viewfinder, and when connecting a DSLR LiveView AV output to the Hero's transmitter.
To demonstrate this, I set up a Canon 50D on my patio table, pointing towards my back yard, and mounted the Hero transmitter on the viewfinder, and also connected it to the Canon 50D's AV output, with the 50D in LiveView mode.
The images below demonstrate the cropping that is occurring to the video signal displayed on the Hero receiver.
Using on Cameras with LiveView
If you have a DSLR that has LiveView functionality, there's no need to mount the Hero transmitter on your DSLR's viewfinder. Instead, you can connect the DSLR's AV output directly to an AV input socket on the Hero transmitter.
Note that with the Canon 50D, when a cable is plugged into the 50D's AV output, it disables the rear LCD on the 50D.
The Hero transmitter will transmit the AV output from the DSLR to the Hero receiver, and display it on the LCD screen. Turning on LiveView mode on the DSLR should result in the Hero receiver displaying what you would normally see on the DSLR's rear LCD screen.
Note that when using the DSLR's LiveView, you'll need to ensure you set the DSLR's auto power-off setting to something long enough to ensure the DLSR doesn't turn itself off.
Once the DSLR goes into power saving mode, it'll go out of LiveView mode. Half pressing the shutter button on the Hero's receiver will wake the camera up again, but it won't switch back to LiveView mode, leaving you without a video feed to the Hero receiver!
Field of View - Comparing LiveView vs Viewfinder vs Camera
I noticed that LCD screen on the Hero receiver provides a cropped view, with a portion of the bottom of the image cropped off. This occurs both when using the Hero's built-in camera through a DSLR viewfinder, and when connecting a DSLR LiveView AV output to the Hero's transmitter.
To demonstrate this, I set up a Canon 50D on my patio table, pointing towards my back yard, and mounted the Hero transmitter on the viewfinder, and also connected it to the Canon 50D's AV output, with the 50D in LiveView mode.
The images below demonstrate the cropping that is occurring to the video signal displayed on the Hero receiver.
Hero on viewfinder on Canon 50D
Hero connected to Canon 50D LiveView AV output
actual field of view of Canon 50D
With the Hero transmitter mounted on the Canon 50D's viewfinder, both sides and the bottom of the image are cropped off.
When using the Canon 50D's LiveView, with the 50D's AV output connected to the Hero transmitter, a small portion of each side of the image is cropped, but not as much of the LCD screen is used (as is evident by the larger area of black space around the image).
I did a similar test with the Hero mounted on the viewfinder of a Canon 350D, and the results are shown below.
Hero on viewfinder on Canon 350D
actual field of view of Canon 350D
When using the Hero to peer through the Canon 350D's viewfinder, both sides, as well as the top and bottom of the image are cropped.
While the Hero receiver's LCD screen shows a cropped view, this isn't a significant issue. The aim of the Hero is to provide you with a remote video view of what your DSLR is pointing at, and it certainly does that.
Summary and Conclusions
While the colours of the Hero's LCD screen are a little washed out, and the image is cropped, this isn't an issue, as it still provides a useable video image to allow you to see what is in the remote DSLR's frame.
It is also worth mentioning that when using the Hero on a DSLR's viewfinder, it functions suprisingly well in very low light. A closer look at the tiny camera built-in to the Hero transmitter indicates it has the text "IR" on the side of the lens, which would appear to indicate it's an infrared camera, thus explaining the good low-light performance.
The compact rechargeable lithium-ion batteries allow the size and weight of the Hero transmitter and receiver to be kept low. However, without any spare batteries, it means you need to ensure you recharge the batteries before going out on a photoshoot (although if mains power is available, you can keep the rechargers plugged into the transmitter/receiver, thus running them off mains power, rather than relying on battery power).
The rather flimsy antenna on the Hero's transmitter is just a length of wire protruding from the case. This antenna is likely to get bent while in a camera bag, but is easy to straighten. I'd prefer to see a more robust antenna on the transmitter.
When mounting the Hero transmitter on a DSLR viewfinder, I found that the image shown on the Hero receiver's LCD screen was significantly out of focus (note that I first ensured that the DSLR lens had been focussed). The focus of the image can be adjusted using the DSLR's viewfinder diopter. However, it means that the viewfinder is out of focus when you next use it without the Hero. This is annoying, as it means you need to adjust the diopter each time you mount the Hero transmitter, or remove it from your DSLR. I'd prefer to see some focussing mechanism built into the Hero transmitter's camera.
The Hero LiveView Wireless Remote is well-built, and performs its intended function well. With no cables hard-wired to the Hero transmitter, additional flexibility is achieved, as you can use a Hero with various cameras, providing you have the appropriate cables to suit each camera.
If a wireless remote view of your camera's viewfinder is something you would find useful in your photography, then definitely consider the Phottix Hero.
Pricing and Availability
Phottix have advised that the Phottix Hero will be publicaly available from the end of April 2009, at an expected cost of approx USD$380-400.
The Phottix Hero will be available for purchase from Phottix's worldwide distributors and from HK Supplies (a Phottix sister company).
Update: Phottix are now selling the Hero via their recently launched their online store.
Note that this review was based on a pre-release version of the Phottix Hero. Once the release version is available, I intend to provide updated information, and clarify any changes between the pre-release version and the release version.
Update (27 April 2009):
Someone asked about the size and weight of the Hero transmitter and receiver, so here they are:
Hero transmitter:
weight: 91 grams (including battery)
size: 48x78x27mm (width x length x height, excluding antenna and viewfinder mount)
Hero receiver:
weight: 144 grams (including battery)
size: 65x134x25mm (width x length x height)
The rechargeable lithium-ion batteries each weigh 23 grams.
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