Over the past several years Teradek has established itself as an industry leader in wireless video monitoring systems, which have been embraced for their rock-solid performance and are now standard on most Hollywood film and television sets. In early February 2018 Teradek announced the acquisition of manufacturer RT Motion, whose products will now be incorporated into its line as Teredek RT Wireless lens control systems.
Boasting a unique blend of power and portability, the Teradek RT systems are the company’s first major foray into high-end wireless camera control systems. It’s a promising development for church film and broadcast teams looking for ways to create cinematic imagery with professional, predictable results. In this First Impressions article we’ll take a closer look at the system itself and how it could benefit ministry end users. While we’re intrigued by the possibilities, it’s important to note that we haven’t yet had the chance to put the actual system through its paces.
Elements of Control
Cinematographers familiar with current wireless follow focus systems will immediately recognize the standard elements of the controller, motor and receiver. Where the Teradek system differentiates itself is in its modular nature. Unique versions, these elements can be used interchangeably, depending on the camera system being utilized. While this makes Teradek RT system configurations more complex than standard systems, the end results can be more powerful when paired correctly with unique camera and lens combinations.
At the heart of the Teradek RT system is the motor that makes the actual parameter adjustments in real time. The motor is also the simplest part of the system to select in that there’s only one option. Fortunately, the MK3.1 motor is lightweight, yet has enough size and torque to handle larger PL cinema lenses.
The MK3.1 motor at the heart of the Teradek RT system is lightweight, yet has enough size and torque to handle larger PL cinema lenses.
Things start to get a bit more complicated on the receiver side of the equation, since finding the right receiver will depend on the primary kind of camera users plan on using. For many operators, the MK3.1 receiver will serve as the default go-to option. It’s a 3-channel receiver that uses d-tap power and can work with any camera or lens system. For cinematographers utilizing the RED camera systems, the Teradek RT features two receiver options designed primarily for use with RED DSMC and DSMC2 cinema cameras. A final receiver option can work both with standard and RED system and features a Canon LP-E6 battery plate for camera systems not employing d-tap power options.
Rounding out the system is the wireless controller, which is available in three possible flavors. The two primary controllers feature either 4-axis or 6-axis lens control schemes. They also boast a 5,000-foot transmission distance and can run for up to 36 hours on a removable battery. The third controller option is the Smartknob, a device that coordinates with the built-in focus motors of Canon EF and Nikon AF lenses when attached to RED DSMC and DSMC2 cinema cameras. Employing this configuration completely bypasses the need for a wireless receiver.
While the whole system customization process can seem overwhelming at first glance, finding the right combination is easier once you decide whether a RED camera system will be the primary way you’re planning to utilize it.
First Impressions
With the introduction of the Teradek RT system the company is promising a potent combination of total control, quiet operation, low weight and adequate power needed to control large cinema and zoom lenses. Factors like weight can make a big difference when rigging up camera systems which usually includes the camera body, supports, monitors, large batteries and wireless monitoring and lens control systems. Having the ability to run off standard Canon LP batteries instead of d-tap is also a very welcome option.
For church film teams needing precise lens control to facilitate powerful, narrative cinematography, a system like the Teradek RT would be a welcome addition to the tool belt. The ability to use one receiver to control three different motors (focus, aperture and zoom) adds additional layers of flexibility not possible from traditional follow focus systems. This could be especially powerful when creating gimbal or dolly shots that track with characters through multiple environments.
For church film teams needing precise lens control to facilitate powerful, narrative cinematography, a system like the Teradek RT would be a welcome addition to the tool belt.
The Teradek RT could also be a useful addition for broadcast and tech teams shooting with larger sensor video cameras. Solid, dependable control of focus would allow videographers to explore the shallower depths of field possible with these kinds of sensors. A wireless lens control system like the Teradek RT would allow a camera operator to frame the shot while another operator could pull focus remotely. And the 36-hour battery life would mean running all weekend long wouldn’t pose a problem.
On the downside, the Teradek RT systems are very expensive. A baseline system featuring the MK3.1 motor, MK3.1 receiver and a 4-axis control will set a ministry back almost $5,000. At these prices the Teradek RT will likely remain more in the realm of rental rather than ownership for most churches.
In Conclusion
As mentioned earlier, this is an early first-look impression. The Teradek brand means serious business in the filmmaking world, and the promise of bringing that same performance to lens control systems will be a welcome addition to the marketplace. On paper, the Teradek RT is one of the most impressive wireless lens control systems we’ve seen previewed; we certainly look forward to seeing how it handles in the real world.
