Comparison

ARRI ECS vs DPBOX

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

ARRI ECS

Features
Read full description

The “ECS Sync” iPhone app functions as a direct communication platform between ARRI and users of ARRI’s Electronic Control System (ECS). Adaptable to any camera and any lens, ARRI ECS tools include wireless hand units and digital controllers, intelligent lens motors, and distance measurers. With the ECS Sync app, users can receive up-to-the-minute software updates, news, and answers to frequently asked questions relevant to these products. In addition, the ECS Sync app enables Bluetooth file sharing between ECS devices and the app via the new Hi-5 hand unit, without the need of a bulky laptop on set. Software versions can be synchronized, and transferred from the app to the connected devices. Lens files and user settings can be archived in the app, or forwarded on, including to the user’s Google Drive or Drop Box. Lens files can also be displayed graphically, contributing to the app’s usefulness as a portable and intuitive filmmaking tool. Features: • Save and load lens tables and user setup files to/from the Hi-5 hand unit via Bluetooth • Create a personalized lens data archive in the ECS Sync app • Update the Hi-5 hand unit and connected LBUS devices via the app • Get the latest news about ARRI ECS products • Distribute lens tables and user setup files from the app via email, WhatsApp, Dropbox, Google Drive and more

About

DPBOX

This app provides filmmakers, Directors of Photography, and DITs with quick access to technical specifications for cameras and lenses. It helps visualize coverage, calculate data capacity, and estimate recording durations for smarter gear choices.

Highlights
  • Camera and lens technical specifications
  • Coverage visualization across sensor modes
  • Video data capacity calculation
  • Transfer and recording duration estimates
  • Offline access
  • Metric/Imperial unit toggle
Features
Read full description

DPBOX is a handy app designed for Filmmaker, Director of Photography, DIT. It lets users effortlessly access common technical specs for cinema cameras and lenses. Visualize coverage across sensor modes, lenses, and aspect ratios. Calculate video data capacity, transfer and max recording durations. It’s your Ultimate Toolbox for smarter gear pairing, helping unleash your creative potential. # How can DPBOX help you? - Offline Access: Use anytime, anywhere, whether in the studio or wild, fast response. - Tech Specs: Explore technical details of cine cameras and lenses. - Coverage: Visualize coverage across sensor modes, lenses, and aspect ratios. - Calculator: Estimate footage capacity, transfer and max recording durations. - Filters: Quickly find devices with specific spec combinations. - Tech Tables: Instantly compare specs across lens series. - Language: Switch between English and Chinese. - Unit: Toggle between metric and imperial for weight and close focus. # Contact us Email: fuxiaopang@gmail.com RedBook: @Gavin Foo # Subscription prices and terms DPBOX can be downloaded for free. If you choose to upgrade to the DPBOX Pro version, you can unlock all paid features. We offer three different purchase options: monthly auto-renewal, 3 months auto-renewal, and annual auto-renewal. For monthly, 3 months or annual subscriptions: Once confirmed and paid, it will automatically renew through your Apple iTunes account. After successful payment, the subscription period will be extended. To cancel, please manually turn off the auto-renewal feature in iTunes/Apple ID settings management at least 24 hours before the end of the current subscription period. During the trial period, if you do not cancel the subscription, it will automatically activate and charge at the end of the trial period. This service is at your discretion to cancel; if you choose not to cancel, the renewal service for the next billing cycle will be activated for you. User Agreement: https://dpbox.notion.site/Terms-of-Use-0cd728d8d5074ac9953ce526ae76d705 Privacy Policy: https://dpbox.notion.site/Privacy-Policy-14dfaae1d9514a2eaf82a9f120c74be0 Ultimate Toolbox for Filmmakers, Directors of Photography & DITs.

Screenshots

ARRI ECS3 screens
DPBOX4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ARRI ECS at none against DPBOX's 3. ARRI ECS also leads on iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). DPBOX's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 14 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. DPBOX sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. ARRI ECS asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ARRI ECS ships an update every 14 months, DPBOX fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
ARRI ECS versus DPBOX: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterARRI ECSDPBOX
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.5 (4 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—96.2% of reviews
Number of ratings—4 — better
Update frequencyEvery 14 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.6 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size23 MB213 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperARRI GroupGavin Foo

In-app purchases

None

ARRI ECS

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

DPBOX

Subscriptions3
  • Monthly$3.991 Month
  • 3 Month3 Days trial$7.993 Months
  • Annual7 Days trial$24.991 Year

Questions

Is ARRI ECS free?
ARRI ECS is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is DPBOX free?
DPBOX is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do ARRI ECS or DPBOX have ads?
Neither ARRI ECS nor DPBOX shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ARRI ECS or DPBOX?
ARRI ECS ships an update every 14 months, and DPBOX fortnightly. Most recently, ARRI ECS was updated on November 3, 2026 and DPBOX on October 30, 2026.

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