CineTape AIR vs LidarAC
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
CineTape AIR
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This is the official Cinematography Electronics CineTape AIR App. It wirelessly connects your iPhone, iPad or iPod to the new CineTape AIR that works in conjunction with your CineTape. The App instantly displays the distance and adds many features to the industry standard CineTape. The intuitive user interface (UI) makes it a perfect companion for your Cine Tape. This App requires both a CineTape and the new CineTape AIR accessory. The measured distance is displayed in easy to read large red numerals that mimic the CineTape. Feet or Meters is shown beneath the numeric readout, for reference. Adjustable features include; 1) NEAR and FAR distance, 2) SENSITIVITY level, and 3) BRIGHTNESS level. In addition, the App has the ability to SYNCHRONIZE two CineTapes. The NEAR and FAR distance settings are used to limit the range of the measurement. This is especially useful for “over the shoulder” type shots. To change the setting, tap on the yellow numerals in the NEAR or FAR section and a popup adjustment wheel appears. Scroll the wheel to fine-tune the distance limit. Tap the number again to set the distance. Both the NEAR and FAR settings work in a similar manner. Each can be set and switched on or off independently. This makes it possible to preset limits, and activate or deactivate them during a shot. Tap on the dotted line in the SENSITIVITY section to increase or decrease the SENSITIVITY. Each dot represents a 5% change. The new SENSITIVITY is displayed as a percentage along with the graphical dot representation. To confirm a change, the red distance display will momentarily flash the new selected setting. The BRIGHTNESS level of the CineTape is adjustable from the App. Tap on the dotted line in the CTM Brightness area to increase or decrease. The length of the dotted line represents the relative BRIGHTNESS. SYNCHRONIZE two CineTapes together by tapping the Tap to SYNC section. This App requires both a CineTape and the new CineTape AIR accessory.
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.
- Real-time LiDAR distance data
- Depth of field visualization
- Custom lens profiles
- Focus scale modes
- Marker-based focus assistance
- Haptic feedback
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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
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: LidarAC at Free against CineTape AIR's $19.99. LidarAC also leads on update cadence (every 11 days vs every 12 months). CineTape AIR's advantage is iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.6). On 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
LidarAC is free to download; CineTape AIR costs $19.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
CineTape AIR ships an update every 12 months, LidarAC every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | CineTape AIR | LidarAC |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $19.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Number of ratings | — | 1 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 12 months | Every 11 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 — better | 17.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 1 MB | 16 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Thomas Barton | Luis Arndt |
In-app purchases
CineTape AIR
No in-app purchases
LidarAC
No in-app purchases








