The new PDMOVIE LIVE AIR 4 SMART features a comprehensive upgrade of the motor that was used on the previous version.
The new LiDAR motor features a longer scanning range, faster autofocus speed, and more autofocus modes for users to choose from.
The new LiDAR motor’s LiDAR module consists of a near-range LiDAR module (5 meters, 28 degrees) and a long-range LiDAR module (20 meters, 6 degrees). When performing autofocus in outdoor environments, even in extremely bright lighting conditions, the effective scanning range of the long-range LiDAR can reach at least 12 meters.
The maximum effective range of long-range LiDAR is as follows:
- Indoor + Nighttime: MAX 20M, with slight variations due to different lighting conditions.
- Outdoor, cloudy daytime: 15M to 20M.
- Outdoor, daytime: The distance may be reduced based on different sunlight intensities.
- Light intensity below 10,000: Maximum 18 meters.
- Light intensity between 10,000 and 45,000: Maximum 3.8 meters to 15 meters.
- Light intensity between 45,000 and 50,000: Maximum 14 meters.
- Light intensity above 70,000: Maximum 12 meters.
The maximum effective range of short-range LiDAR is as follows:
- Indoor + Nighttime: MAX 4M, with slight variations due to different lighting conditions, ranging from 3.5M.
- Outdoor, cloudy daytime: 3M to 3.5M.
- Outdoor, daytime: The distance may be reduced based on different sunlight intensities.
- Light intensity below 10,000: Maximum 3.8 meters.
- Light intensity between 10,000 and 45,000: Maximum 3.8 meters to 3 meters.
- Light intensity between 45,000 and 50,000: Maximum 3 meters to 2.5 meters.
- Light intensity above 70,000: Maximum 2.2 meters.
Other aspects, such as the controller, related accessories, settings, and operation methods, remain the same.
When the MOTOR SMART is powered via USB-C and the battery level remains above 95%, the system will automatically enter Double Power mode. In this mode, the LiDAR ranging refresh rate can reach up to 960Hz, and the motor’s peak instantaneous torque can reach 1.2Nm, ensuring frame-by-frame focusing as long as the LiDAR detects a subject—every frame remains sharp and clear. (As long as the USB-C power supply remains connected, the Double Power mode can be sustained for extended periods. This mode requires the motor to operate in the high-speed focus gear.)
The upgraded MOTOR SMART is powered by a LI-42Bx3 battery pack, offering up to 6 hours of continuous operation per pack. Batteries are hot-swappable for quick, on-the-go replacement. It also supports 5V USB-C power input.
Each motor can save data for up to 5 lenses. The motor has three speed settings: fast, medium, and slow. You can cycle through the autofocus speed settings by short-pressing the motor button 5 times. It is recommended to use the medium speed for normal autofocus. If you need faster autofocus, you can set it to fast. If you prefer a smoother transition during the autofocus process, you can use the slow speed.
Currently, the autofocus feature does not support focus locking. The motor can independently perform calibration and autofocus operations without requiring interaction with other components or applications. It operates in a manner similar to both area autofocus and narrow (spot) autofocus modes, automatically measuring distance and focusing on either the nearest or farthest object detected within the LiDAR’s scanning range.
If you need to track complex scenes and require precise focus on specific, overlapping objects, you can enable the long-range LiDAR narrow autofocus mode separately.
If your shooting scenario involves multiple objects in the foreground and background, and you need to switch focus between them without changing the composition, we recommend switching to manual control mode for better control.
The autofocus feature supports most conventional cinema lenses with built-in hard stops. It does not currently support non-hard stop DSLR lenses or certain macro lenses with non-linear progressive magnification.
Electronically controlled lenses with no hard stop focus, if there is a depth of field scale on the focus ring that indicates the focus position, autofocus can still be used. The prerequisite is to manually calibrate the effective focus range of a lens. using the manual lens calibration function, based on the depth of field scale. Additionally, during calibration, it is important to note that SLR lenses with a depth of field scale actually have a very subtle limit that can be surpassed. You can manually calibrate the lens travel based on this subtle limit. Afterwards, autofocus MARK points can be set.
Three Versions Available
If you’re looking for the most cost-effective solution, the PD-BTMP-SPM kit is a good choice. This kit includes only the LiDAR motor, which is capable of handling all autofocus setup and operations independently, and no controller is needed.
For solo shooters who want both autofocus and manual control, there is the PDL-AFX-SPM kit. It comes with a LiDAR motor and a compact wireless control wheel. In addition to autofocus, you can manually control focus wirelessly using the handwheel. It’s also compatible with the Live Air 4 Smart wireless lens control system. Depending on your needs, you can even use the controller to manage zoom functions.
The most comprehensive and professional solution that supports both solo and team shooting is the PDL-AFX-RA-SPM kit. It builds on the PDL-AFX-SP by adding the REMOTE AIR RIG, which upgrades the small control wheel to a full-size handwheel.
If you already own the PDL-TC-AFX mini wireless controller or have previously purchased any kit from Live Air 2S or newer, you can simply buy the PD-BTMP-SP LiDAR motor as a standalone upgrade. It supports Bluetooth pairing with older Bluetooth motors, allowing you to integrate it into your existing setup.
Pricing & Availability
The LIVE AIR 4 SMART PD-BTMP-SPM kit is available to pre-order for the next 24 hours for $259 USD. After that the price will go up to $399 USD.
The LIVE AIR 4 SMART PD-BTMP-SPM kit is available to pre-order for the next 24 hours for $399 USD. After that the price will go up to $560 USD.
The LIVE AIR 4 SMART PD-BTMP-SPM kit is available to pre-order for the next 24 hours for $499 USD. After that the price will go up to $669 USD.
