Comparison

ARRI ECS vs LidarAC

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

LidarAC

This app transforms your iPhone into a handheld controller for advanced focus pulling in video production. It integrates LiDAR data for real-time distance measurements, depth of field calculations, and precise focus tracking, enhancing your workflow with intuitive tools and haptic feedback.

Highlights
  • Real-time LiDAR distance data
  • Depth of field visualization
  • Custom lens profiles
  • Focus scale modes
  • Marker-based focus assistance
  • Haptic feedback
Features
Read full description

LidarAC – RX is the handheld control and monitoring interface for the LidarAC system, built to extend Tilta Nucleus M and N setups for modern focus workflows. The idea is simple: bring tools normally found on high-end hand units to the Nano by using an iPhone. The system consists of two Modes. RX acts as the handheld interface and connects to the Nucleus Nano II via Bluetooth. TX runs on a second iPhone mounted on the camera (iPhone 12 Pro or newer) and provides LiDAR-based distance data. RX already enhances the Nucleus on its own with custom lens profiles, focus scaling, and marker tools. The full potential unlocks when paired with TX, adding real-time distance data directly into the focus workflow. Instead of relying on raw motor values, the system translates focus into usable distance context. Depth of field is calculated and visualized in real time, helping focus pullers make faster and more confident decisions, especially in dynamic scenes. Lens profiles allow precise mapping between LiDAR data and lens behavior, including aperture-based depth of field. Camera profiles handle CoC and sensor offset, ensuring accurate results in real-world setups. The focus scale is fully interactive and can switch between a flat mode and a focus wheel inspired mode. Values can either be mapped visually like on the lens for intuitive pulling, or displayed linearly to better understand spatial relationships within the scene. Marker and tracking tools make it easy to set, follow, and recall focus points. Features like spot measurement, 2D and 3D tracking, and a top-down LiDAR view provide clear spatial awareness on set. Haptic feedback increases as you approach a marker, giving intuitive confirmation without looking away. Key features: • Real-time LiDAR distance data for people, faces, and eyes • Spot distance measurement • 2D and 3D tracking points • Top-down LiDAR scene view • Custom lens profiles with depth of field visualization • Multiple focus scale modes (linear, lens matched, logarithmic) • Marker-based focus assistance with haptic feedback

Screenshots

ARRI ECS3 screens
LidarAC4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: LidarAC at every 11 days against ARRI ECS's every 14 months. ARRI ECS's advantage is iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ARRI ECS ships an update every 14 months, LidarAC every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
ARRI ECS versus LidarAC: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterARRI ECSLidarAC
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 14 monthsEvery 11 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.6 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size23 MB16 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperARRI GroupLuis Arndt

In-app purchases

None

ARRI ECS

No in-app purchases

None

LidarAC

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ARRI ECS free?
ARRI ECS is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is LidarAC free?
LidarAC is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do ARRI ECS or LidarAC have ads?
Neither ARRI ECS nor LidarAC shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ARRI ECS or LidarAC?
ARRI ECS ships an update every 14 months, and LidarAC every 11 days. Most recently, ARRI ECS was updated on September 19, 2026 and LidarAC on October 28, 2026.

Other comparisons