Donna vs ARRI ECS
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Donna
This app serves as a pocket-sized assistant for users of RED cameras, enabling them to learn, practice, and reference the DSMC/DSMC2 menu structure. It helps avoid on-camera menu surfing and provides insights from industry professionals.
- Learn RED camera menu structure
- Practice menu navigation
- Reference DSMC/DSMC2 menus
- Avoid on-camera menu surfing
- Industry professional insights
- Support for specific firmware versions
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*Featured on NO FILM SCHOOL, CineTechnica, REDSHARKNEWS and NATEANDSEAN.RED.COM* - A must for anyone working with RED cameras. Your very own RED headed assistant. Donna allows users to quickly learn, practice and reference the DSMC/DSMC2 menu structure in the palm of their hand. ANYTIME. ANYWHERE. A perfect companion for AC's, DP's, DIT's, Rental Houses, Owner/Operators and film students working with RED cameras. "I work for RED and have been supporting the cameras for over 7 years. No BS… I sincerely believe that this is hands down the best thing for any RED user, assistant, owner, operator, or enthusiast to have on their phone. I recommend it to everyone on the receiving end of one of my camera demos, or anyone who contacts me about menu navigation." - Nate Heartt, RED LEARN. PRACTICE. REFERENCE. -Avoid menu surfing on the camera -Look like a menu wizard in front of your colleagues. -Bridge that gap between a Data Manager and a DIT. -Maybe you’ve gone as far as you can on your own and need to quickly file a support ticket while on set… DONNA can help with that. -Look up the latest RECON post or lens coverage on REDUSER -Maybe you want to see what crazy trouble Sean and Nate are into.. Donna Tips provides insight from the top professionals in the industry. The current release covers firmware version 5.3.X, 6.X.X and WEAPON 6.1.X Please note, this will not allow you to control the camera and is a simulator to be used for educational purposes. Not all buttons/menus are active.
ARRI ECS
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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
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Donna at every 2 months against ARRI ECS's every 14 months. Donna also leads on iOS requirement (8.0 vs 15.6). 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Donna ships an update every 2 months, ARRI ECS every 14 months. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Donna | ARRI ECS |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.3 (10 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 70.8% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 10 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months — better | Every 14 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 8.0 — better | 15.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 59 MB | 23 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Kristopher Prygrocki | ARRI Group |
In-app purchases
Donna
No in-app purchases
ARRI ECS
No in-app purchases








