Director Mode is a new multi-camera control app for iPhone and iPad. It gives you monitor and control tools for Canon EOS and Sony cameras. You can run up to four cameras at the same time.
Monitor
Turn your phone sideways and the app shows a live view image from your camera. The display covers ISO, aperture, shutter angle, audio levels and white balance. You also see remaining battery life and memory card record time. A Vertical Console mode gives you access to more camera features, but the live view gets smaller.
Control
Your iPhone or iPad touchscreen becomes the camera controller. Start and stop recording, adjust exposure and tap to focus. The app also offers live view magnification plus recording format and frame rate settings.
Video tools include a waveform monitor, focus peaking, frame guides and anamorphic de-squeeze.
Connectivity
Director Mode connects over Wi-Fi when all your devices share the same network. Some camera models also work through a local wired network. You can plug an iPhone or iPad straight into a Sony Alpha or Canon R mirrorless camera over USB-C, which suits an on-camera monitor setup. USB-C is more reliable when the Wi-Fi is busy.
Multi-camera control
Multiple cameras are where Director Mode shines. You can control up to four compatible Canon and Sony cameras, and brands and models can be mixed. The app shows four live feeds at once and lets you control each camera on its own. Set cameras to record individually or start them all together. Touch to focus works during multi-camera shoots, and you see key telemetry for every camera.
Compatibility
The app currently supports 26 Sony and Canon cameras. Fifteen are Canon models, including the C50, C70, C300 Mark III, EOS R1, EOS R5 Mark II, EOS R6 Mark II and III and EOS R6V.
Eleven Sony cameras work with it. The list covers Cinema Line models such as the FX2, FX3 and FX30. It also includes Alpha bodies like the A1, A7S III, A7R VI, A7V, A7C II and A9 III.
Basic and Pro
Director Mode is a free download from the App Store, but the paid Pro version unlocks every feature. The multi-camera console is Pro only.
What we think
Director Mode is a solid monitor and control app for compatible Sony and Canon cameras. It covers the tools you need and adds touch to focus. Latency should land between 30 and 130ms.
The multi-camera control is the real draw. Solo shooters can run up to four cameras from an iPhone or iPad. Mixing Sony and Canon bodies helps when you team up with other video makers. You can try the app free before paying for multi-cam control. At $30, it will not break the bank. If you own a compatible Sony or Canon camera, Director Mode is worth a try.
Pricing and availability
Director Mode is available now from the Apple App Store. The Basic version is free. The Pro option costs $29.99 for lifetime access.
