To date, most DSLR photography enthusiasts will argue that no company has given them a wireless controller and app control that does the job. But German outfit Foolography is trying to get to that point with a Bluetooth controller called “Unleashed”, and they are currently asking for crowdfunding money via Kickstarter at this point.
The Unleashed is basically a tiny Bluetooth module that plugs into the USB and HDMI ports of your DSLR and allows the users – via a dedicated Android (or iOS) app – to fiddle with camera settings, hit the shutter release button to capture photos, even record videos or create timelapses. The device will also embed location information from the smartphone or an external GPS receiver to your images.
The Unleashed uses Bluetooth LE technology and therefore takes advantage of minimal power drain from the camera. The module itself does not need any charging, so you basically plug it in and it will work. Because of Bluetooth LE technology, it can automatically reconnect to the smartphone unlike Wi-Fi connected competitors which require a number of steps for reconnection. The module is small enough so it can stay on the camera at any time, even when you put your camera inside a bag.
There are downsides to Bluetooth LE being used here. Bluetooth LE will not be able to give you enough bandwidth to make your smartphone show a live view image. What it does is show you low resolution images so you can check for exposure and composition. The Kickstarter campaign has actually reached its goals, so you can understand that people think there is potential here. You can still pledge USD$129 to help yourself to a device, which will be shipping June of 2017.
SOURCE: Kickstarter
