BM Controller vs Retro LUMIX Sync
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
BM Controller
Wirelessly control compatible Blackmagic Design cameras using a dedicated API. Adjust essential camera settings like ISO, white balance, focus, and recording parameters in real-time for a streamlined video production workflow.
- Wireless camera control
- Adjust camera settings
- Real-time parameter adjustments
- Audio level monitoring
- Recording start/stop
- Visual feedback system
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BM Controller is a powerful utility that lets you wirelessly control supported Blackmagic Design cameras using the Camera Control API. Built for reliability and speed, it gives filmmakers and creators a clean, responsive interface to adjust essential camera parameters in real time. Designed specifically for iPhone, BM Controller communicates with your Blackmagic camera over the network. Once connected, you can remotely access and configure a wide range of camera settings — without physically touching the hardware. The following models implement the same Camera Control API version (v1.0) and are supported: • Micro Studio Camera 4K G2 • Cinema Camera 6K • Studio Camera 4K Plus • Studio Camera 4K Plus G2 • Studio Camera 4K Pro • Studio Camera 4K Pro G2 • Studio Camera 6K Pro • URSA Broadcast G2 Note: These models are supported by the API specification. BM Controller interfaces with any compatible device using the documented endpoints but does not perform additional validation per model. Certain features, such as zoom or autofocus, depend on the physical capabilities of the camera and lens. If a lens does not support electronic zoom, the zoom control will not produce any effect. Core Features - Free Edition Single Device Control • Control one Blackmagic camera at a time with direct network communication. Comprehensive Camera Settings • Adjust shutter speed (with Auto), ISO, white balance, tint, aperture (with Auto), focus, zoom, focal length, gain, device codec, frame-rate, and off-speed recording. Audio Control • View and modify levels for two audio channels, and choose from available audio inputs per channel. Recording Control • Start and stop recordings, monitor recording status, and view real-time media availability. Visual Feedback System • Tally indicators and lock states alert you to external recordings or missing media. Built-In Support Resources • Includes a connectivity guide, accessories reference, and device compatibility list — all available from within the app. BM Controller App for the Video Production industry BM Controller is ideal for mobile content creators, videographers, and technicians working with Blackmagic Design cameras in live production or studio environments. Whether you’re working from a handheld rig or managing a remote setup, BM Controller streamlines your workflow and enhances camera interaction. Future Development We are actively working on new features, including multi-camera support, simultaneous device. These will be part of our upcoming Studio Edition — a premium upgrade designed for professionals who require greater flexibility and control. Stay tuned via the Resources tab for updates. All existing and planned features can be reviewed in the Resources tab under Release Notes.
Retro LUMIX Sync
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Bring photos from compatible classic Panasonic Lumix cameras straight to your iPhone. Retro LUMIX Sync connects directly to the camera's local Wi-Fi, shows the SD card as a fast photo gallery, and imports original JPEG files into Apple Photos. VALIDATED FIRST ON GM1S The Panasonic DMC-GM1S is the primary camera validated on real hardware. Use Wi-Fi → New Connection → Remote Shooting & View → Direct → Image App. The related DMC-GM1 and DMC-GM5 are the closest additional targets. BROWSE THE CAMERA • Load the newest photos first • Scroll through the complete camera card • Open a larger preview before importing • Select one photo or a batch KEEP THE ORIGINAL Retro LUMIX Sync imports the original JPEG advertised by the camera. It does not recompress the image or delete anything from the SD card. OPTIONAL GEOTAGGING Start a visible location log before shooting. During import, Retro LUMIX Sync can match the camera's EXIF capture time to a nearby track point and add that location to the Apple Photos asset. Location logging is off by default and all track data stays on the iPhone. You can also paste a Google Timeline JSON export or choose a location on a map and keep that manual location for future imports. CAMERA COMPATIBILITY Panasonic's Image App ecosystem covers many classic Lumix models. The following are research candidates, not blanket compatibility claims; support must be verified on each camera and firmware: • Micro Four Thirds system cameras: DMC-GM1, GM1S, GM5; DMC-GF6, GF7, GF8; DMC-G6, G7/G70, G80/G81/G85; DMC-GH4; DMC-GX7, GX8, GX80/GX85; DC-GF9/GX800/GX850, GH5, G9, GH5S, GF10, GX9, G90/G91/G95/G95D. • Bridge and premium compacts: DMC-FZ1000, FZ300/FZ330, FZ2000/FZ2500; DMC-LF1, LX100, LX9/LX10/LX15; DC-FZ80/FZ82, LX100M2, FZ1000M2/FZ10002. • Travel and rugged compacts: DMC-FT5/TS5, FT6/TS6; DMC-SZ9, SZ10; DMC-TZ37/TZ40/TZ41/ZS27/ZS30, TZ55/TZ56/ZS35, TZ57/TZ58/ZS45, TZ60/TZ61/ZS40/SZ8, TZ70/TZ71/ZS50, TZ80/TZ81/ZS60; DC-TZ90/TZ91/TZ92/TZ93/ZS70, TZ95/TZ95D/TZ96/TZ96D/TZ97/ZS80/ZS80D, TZ100/TZ101/TZ110/ZS100/ZS110, TZ200/TZ200D/TZ202/TZ202D/TZ220/TZ220D/ZS200/ZS200D/ZS220/ZS220D, FT7/TS7, TZ99/ZS99, and TZ300/ZS300. PRIVATE BY DESIGN There are no accounts, ads, analytics, trackers, or cloud uploads. Camera traffic stays on the direct local Wi-Fi connection. The app requests add-only Photos access and does not read your existing photo library. Retro LUMIX Sync is independent software and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Panasonic. Panasonic, LUMIX, Image App, and the camera model names belong to their respective owners.
Screenshots
Verdict
BM Controller and Retro LUMIX Sync are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
| Parameter | BM Controller | Retro LUMIX Sync |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | — |
| Update frequency | — | Every 3 days |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, Mac — better |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 17.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 7 MB | 7 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Novaly Solutions | WEB3 FZCO |
In-app purchases
BM Controller
No in-app purchases
Retro LUMIX Sync
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is BM Controller free?
Is Retro LUMIX Sync free?
Do BM Controller or Retro LUMIX Sync have ads?
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