Middle Things ATEM Pocket Controller – BMPCC 4K/6K Control via ATEM Switcher

Camera Accessories

by Jeff LochNovember 11^th, 2020

A French company called Middle Things has released an interesting product for Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K/6K users that want to control their camera over SDI with an ATEM switcher: the Middle Things ATEM Pocket Controller. Let’s take a closer look at this interesting device that allows you to adjust your BMPCC 4K/6K settings remotely!

At CineD, we love finding new companies that make innovative products, and the least we can say is that when we found this one, we were amazed!

Middle Things is a new French company, but the people behind it are not. Indeed, the founder behind it is YouTuber Zebra Zone that already produces the Litty Bluetooth controller for the BMPCC 4K/6K, which does the same thing as the PBC Pocket Cinema Camera Controller.

Middle Things ATEM Pocket Controller – Features

The Middle Things ATEM Pocket Controller is a one-of-its-kind small box, compatible with all Blackmagic Design ATEM live switchers – except the ATEM Mini and Mini Pro – and it allows you to adjust your camera settings remotely.

This product will be handy in live-production environments, where you need to tweak your aperture, shutter speed, gain, white balance, focus, zoom, or even make some color adjustments at a distance. All these settings can be adjusted via the ATEM software or the physical ATEM Camera Control panel.

What’s great is that if you connect your Middle Things APC to your DJI Ronin S/RS 2/RSC2, you can use your gimbal as a remote PTZ head, directly and wirelessly from your ATEM switcher.

How Does It Work?

Setup and installation look pretty straightforward. All you have to do is connect (via SDI) the program output of your ATEM switcher to the SDI input of the Middle Things ATEM Pocket Controller. Then, the APC will communicate with your Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4k/6K camera via Bluetooth, and you’ll be able to control it.

However, to pair your camera and the APC, you’ll need to launch the Middle Things app, which is only available for iOS at the moment.

Pricing and Availability

The Middle Things ATEM Pocket Controller is available now for €414. Within the box, you’ll find one APC, a 12V power supply, and one Bluetooth antenna. The 3m/9.8″ Ronin 4Pin to 3Pin Control Cable is optional and retails for €26.

For more information and to purchase it, please visit Middle Things’ website here.

What do you think about the Middle Things APC? Did you ever use your BMPCC 4K/6K for live event shoots? Do you think this product could be useful for you? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments!