Comparison

ARRI ECS vs iPhantom X

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
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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

iPhantom X

Wirelessly control Vision Research Phantom cameras from an iOS device. Streamline your workflow by remotely managing recording, playback, and camera settings without a tethered computer. Offers advanced playback and menu adjustments for professional video production.

Highlights
  • Wireless camera control
  • Remote recording and triggering
  • Advanced playback features
  • On-screen display adjustments
  • Telnet command integration
  • Menu setting adjustments
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iPhantom-X Camera Control for Vision Research Phantom Cameras For over a decade the iPhantom brand has delivered for Phantom professionals worldwide. Wirelessly control any Phantom Camera from Vision Research through your iOS Device via hard line Ethernet connection or a Wifi Router Dramatically Increases workflow speed of all cameras Gives new life into older Phantom Cameras that previous required a tether computer From the "Record Page" Record, Trigger, Black Reference, OSD, FPS, Resolution, White Balance and more. From the "Playback Page" Advanced playback including super quick scrub, tap timeline to scrub, and more. Set in and out points and save clips to Cinemag or CF. In the "Menu Page" Adjust the most commonly used settings like fps, shutter angle, white balance, etc... Built in Telnet Send Telnet Commands to control advanced functions Never use a PC to control a Phantom again! Download iPhantom for free to access a handful of functions and to test your connection. Unlock complete functionality through in-app subscriptions. Setup is easy. Plug and Play Router Kits are available at www.iphantomapp.com There are many palm-sized Wifi routers on the market that can be powered through USB, and even some with built in battery, that can be connected to your Phantom camera through its Ethernet port. USB power can be provided by a small portable USB battery or by using an adapter cable like PTap to USB. With a plug and play router, or after following router setup instructions. It’s as easy as connecting your router to the Phantom Camera, connecting your iOS device to the routers Wifi signal, open iPhantom, and click "Detect IP" then click "Connect". See the built in Quick Start Guide or www.iPhatomApp.com for more information on setup. iPhantom-X will work with every Phantom Camera uses PH7 or PH16 protocol It has been thoroughly tested with the following cameras: Flex4K, VEO4K, Flex2K, Miro, v10, v12.1, v2511, v2512, v642 Requirements: A Phantom Camera by Vision Research A Phantom Network Cable, aka Phantom to Ethernet Cable A Wifi Router A Power Source for Wifi Router An iOS Device This app was not created or maintained by Vision Research. www.iPhantomApp.com iPhantom-X is a Subscription Based App Current Offerings 1) Annual Auto-Renewing Subscription 2) 14 Day Project License 3) 48 Project License • Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase • Auto Renewing Subscriptions automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period • Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and identify the cost of the renewal • Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user's Account Settings after purchase Terms of Use http://www.iphantomapp.com/terms-of-use/

Screenshots

ARRI ECS3 screens
iPhantom X4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ARRI ECS at none against iPhantom X's 3. iPhantom X's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 14 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. iPhantom X sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $299.99 per year. ARRI ECS asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ARRI ECS ships an update every 14 months, iPhantom X every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
ARRI ECS versus iPhantom X: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterARRI ECSiPhantom X
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 14 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Subscription
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS15.615.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size23 MB33 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperARRI GroupJoe Kocsis

In-app purchases

None

ARRI ECS

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

iPhantom X

Subscriptions1
  • Annual Subscription$299.991 Year
One-time2
  • iOS 48 Hour Project License$49.99
  • Two Week Project License$99.99

Questions

Is ARRI ECS free?
ARRI ECS is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is iPhantom X free?
iPhantom X is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do ARRI ECS or iPhantom X have ads?
Neither ARRI ECS nor iPhantom X shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ARRI ECS or iPhantom X?
ARRI ECS ships an update every 14 months, and iPhantom X every 6 weeks. Most recently, ARRI ECS was updated on September 19, 2026 and iPhantom X on October 30, 2026.

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