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Middle Things APC-R Controller

BH #MIAPCRCONV • MFR #APCRCONV
2 reviews
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Middle Things APC-R Controller
Key Features
  • Turn DJI Gimbal and Camera into PTZ Head
  • Save and Recall Position Presets
  • Features Wired and Wireless Connectivity
Turn your compatible DJI gimbal into a PTZ system with the Middle Things APC-R Controller, and take advantage of the smooth motor moves and sharp optics of your camera to create images without needing a discrete PTZ camera system. Each APC-R can control one gimbal/camera setup, and you can control up to eight setups from a single laptop using a single USB gaming-style controller. Combine the DJI gimbal with a compatible Blackmagic Design camera, and you get the equivalent of a high-end PTZ camera system.
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Middle Things APC-R Overview

Turn your compatible DJI gimbal into a PTZ system with the Middle Things APC-R Controller, and take advantage of the smooth motor moves and sharp optics of your camera to create images without needing a discrete PTZ camera system. Each APC-R can control one gimbal/camera setup, and you can control up to eight setups from a single laptop using a single USB gaming-style controller. Combine the DJI gimbal with a compatible Blackmagic Design camera, and you get the equivalent of a high-end PTZ camera system.

Using the Middle Control desktop software allows you to map joystick controls and actions to your gimbal to make it perform as if it were a dedicated PTZ head. The software also enables control of shutter, iris, WB, gain, and focus when using select Blackmagic Design cameras. Adding a Blackmagic ATEM switcher to the mix provides you with control over even more advanced camera functions such as luma, gamma, lift, contrast, saturation, and sharpening.

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Simple to Set Up
  • Run a single cable between the APC-R and your gimbal for communication and power.
  • For additional reliability use a wired Ethernet connection from the APC-R to your computer or network router.
  • The connection from the APC-R to the camera is via Bluetooth.
Remote Camera Control
  • Use compatible Blackmagic Design cameras on your gimbal to remotely control shutter/iris/white balance/gain/focus through Bluetooth in addition to the pan, tilt, roll, speed, or zoom motor of the gimbal.
  • When using an ATEM switcher, you can connect the Middle Control desktop software to the ATEM to control more advanced camera settings such as luma, gamma, lift, contrast, saturation, and sharpening.
Save Preset Positions
When using the APC-R with the DJI RS2, you can save custom camera position presets and recall them later. Store a custom white balance/ISO/iris/shutter/tint preset in addition to the pan/tilt/roll/zoom status of the gimbal when using a compatible Blackmagic Design camera and ATEM switcher. If you use an MFT lens with electronic communication, you can also save the lens focus distance.
Wireless
  • In addition to the built-in Ethernet port that offers a wired control solution, you can use the built-in Wi-Fi receiver to control the gimbal and camera completely wirelessly. When the Ethernet cable is disconnected, the APC-R will automatically switch to Wi-Fi within a few seconds.
  • When connected to an ATEM switcher over Wi-Fi, the APC-R grabs all the ATEM Software Control camera controls and forwards them to the Blackmagic camera using Bluetooth. Pair that with a video transmission system, and you have a fully wireless remote-controlled camera setup.
Two Included Software Apps
  • The Middle Setup iOS app allows you to adjust your APC-R settings easily via Bluetooth camera pairing for Wi-Fi and network settings, camera number, and more.
  • The Middle Control desktop app lets you control all your cameras and gimbals remotely from one laptop in your control room. You can connect up to four USB joysticks controllers, and map camera and gimbal settings to any joystick button or axis.
Compatible Gimbals
  • DJI Ronin RS2
  • DJI Ronin-S
  • DJI Ronin-SC
  • DJI Ronin-2
Note:
Please note, an optional DJI R Focus Wheel is required for use with the Ronin-S, SC, and RS2 as the APC-R connects to the focus Wheel Data Port. Additionally, the DJI Ronin RS2 is the only gimbal that supports Position Presets and the DJI Focus Motor Control.
Compatible Cameras
  • Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K
  • Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro
  • Blackmagic Ursa Broadcast
  • Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro
  • Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro G2

The following cameras allow you to record focus distance with position presets:

  • Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
  • Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Pro
  • Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Plus
  • Blackmagic Micro Studio 4K (needs its SDI IN connected to an ATEM PGM output and ATEM connected to Middle Control
Compatible ATEM Switchers
  • ATEM Mini/Mini Pro/Mini Pro ISO
  • ATEM Mini Extreme/Extreme ISO
  • ATEM Television Studio HD
  • ATEM Television Studio Pro HD
  • ATEM Television Studio Pro 4K
  • ATEM Production Studio 4K
  • ATEM 1M/E & 2M/E Production Studio 4K
  • ATEM 4M/E Broadcast Studio 4K
  • ATEM Constellation 8K

Middle Things APC-R Specs

Power
Input
5V USB Power Source
From Gimbal (S.Bus/ CANBus)

Consumption
1 W
Wireless
Wi-Fi Frequency: 2.4 GHz
Bluetooth Frequency: 2.4 GHz
Connectors
Front Wireless Antenna
Bluetooth: RP-SMA
Wi-Fi: RP-SMA

Rear
1 x Micro-USB (for Power, Update, Setup)
1 x RJ45
1 x 4-Pin S.Bus (for DJI Ronin-S/SC/2 Using the DJI Focus Wheel; Can Supply Power)
1 x 4-Pin CANBus (for DJI RS2 Using the DJI Focus Wheel; Can Supply Power)
1 x USB Type-C (Future Functionality)
Dimensions
4.9 x 3.14 x 1.18" / 12.5 x 8 x 3 cm
6.3 x 1.18 x 1.18" / 16 x 8 x 8 cm (with Antenna)
Weight
7.83 oz / 222 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.06 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
7.2 x 5.1 x 2.3"

Middle Things APC-R Reviews

Great Product that keeps improving - Longterm review

By Timothy
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-10-15

I purchased a few of these units to turn our mirrorless camera setups into PTZ! This is a longterm review, 2-3years on having them, so speaking from experience. Been loving the work flow, and ease of use. Volunteers that are serving on camera have been happy with the results too(using a gaming controller and stream deck to control multiple cameras). When originally purchasing, there were a few glitches  (thus 4 stars). with the original software that went with the unit (middle control on mac), but the developer listened to community feedback and improved the whole experience!

Game Changing

By David M
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2024-12-30

We snagged one of these to look into turning our Blackmagic Studio 4K Pro cameras into PTZ replacements. Paired up with a Ronin RS4 Pro Gimbal and the Middle Things Gimbal Adapter, we easily achieved this. After a firmware update, it worked beautifully! We're probably going to replace this with the APC-R Mini at some point for convenience, but this does the job. Middle Things' integration with ATEM control makes this an all-in-one solution. We're able to control the Pan/Tilt functions of the gimbal while also controlling zoom, focus, and color settings of our BMD camera, all with an Xbox controller. We're planning on upgrading to an X-Keys controller at some point, but for now this is our new PTZ solution and we plan to add more units to our inventory!

See any errors on this page?

What secure mounting options does this have, for ...

What secure mounting options does this have, for a Steadicam?
Asked by: Bubbles
Unfortunately, measures for mounting have not been assessed for the Middle Things APC-R Controller, as it is meant to be on a rack shelf or flat surface.
Answered by: Jonathan S
Date published: 2024-05-20

Can I use it with Ronin RS3 Pro and Blackmagic ...

Can I use it with Ronin RS3 Pro and Blackmagic Studio Camera 6K Pro?
Asked by: Shawn
The DJI RS3 Pro as well as the Blackmagic Design Studio Camera 6K Pro are both supported by the Middle Things APC-R Controller. However balancing a Blackmagic Studio 6K Pro camera on a RS3 Pro is not recommended, nor does DJI offically support it. We would suggest using a Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro instead for maximum compatibility. https://www.middlethings.co/apcr-support/
Answered by: ericsc
Date published: 2023-04-02

if I just want to use wired and wireless ...

if I just want to use wired and wireless connectivity with handheld cameras on a job, how far away does that allow?
Asked by: leonardo
When connecting the Middle Things APC-R Controller wirelessly using Wi-Fi, the distance allowed for connection will be dependent upon the arear that the local router's wireless router/s can cover. For a wired connection you are only limited by the distance of your local network.
Answered by: Paige K
Date published: 2023-07-16
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