DCS Launches LDT-V2 – A Wireless Lens Encoder for Virtual Production

Accessory News

by Jürgen MoorsMarch 20^th, 2023

Digital Camera Systems is a British manufacturer specializing in simple solutions for capturing frame-by-frame lens data from any lens for virtual production. Following the hard-wired lens encoder LDT-V1, the new LDT-V2 offers wireless functionality to stream lens data directly to your production unit. The LDT-V2 wireless lens encoder is available for $10,000 directly from DCS.film with worldwide shipping.

If you are not familiar with the general idea of lens data recording, a lens encoder reads the focus, iris and zoom motor movements and translates this information into compatible data for the host camera. This metadata is then written directly into the RAW camera files in real time. For virtual productions, this lens information can also be live-streamed into Unreal Engine, Stage Precision or Disguise, using the hard-wired lens encoder LDT-V1, or the new wireless LDT-V2 version.

DCS LDT-V2 virtual production

Capturing lens data is an important component to unlock the full potential of virtual production. The new wireless LDT-V2 gives a camera operator or a Steadicam operator the freedom to work without the limitation of a wired connection, whilst ensuring the VFX teams are getting the data they need in the virtual production.

The LDT-V2 takes raw motor information from a lens control system, a smart lens or DCS lens encoder LDT-E2, and translates it into human-readable lens data. The LDT-V2 offers virtual production studios the opportunity to wirelessly deliver accurate lens information in real time, from the action to the engine.

Workflow for virtual productions

• Track positional lens data
  Capture focus, iris and zoom data throughout a shot to match physical and virtual cameras seamlessly.
  
• Wide software support
  Stream data directly into virtual production software using DCS’s own Unreal Engine live link plugin, Disguise, Stage Precision, or Aximmetry.
  
• Lightweight and compact
  At 380 grams, with compact dimensions of L120 x D74 x H30mm, the LDT-V2 provides accurate lens data while taking up little space in your camera set-up, and proprietary wireless data transmission eliminates the need for cables from camera to computer.
  
• Versatile data transfer
  Stream encoded data wirelessly to the LDT-RX1 receiver at 2200-2500 MHz, below Wi-Fi frequencies, to cut through the noise on set, or through a wired connection directly to a media player. Record the data by injecting into camera raw files or as a sidecar file on the device itself.
  
• Camera and lens agnostic
  Regardless of camera or lens, the LDT-V2 is filled with versatile features and options that work with existing workflow and equipment. Meaning, whatever setup is being used, the LDT-V2 will be able to stream and record lens data from any lens.

Compatible with a wide range

DCS LDT-V1 and LDT-V2 lens encoders are compatible with cameras from

• Alexa SXT
• Alexa LF
• Alexa 65
• Alexa Mini
• Alexa Mini LF
• Alexa 35
• Panavision – Millennium DXL2
• RED Camera Family
• Sony VENICE and Venice 2
• Panavision Film Cameras
• ARRI Film Cameras

DCS LDT-V1 and LDT-V2 lens encoders are compatible with lens control systems from

• Preston MDR
• Cmotion
• Cforce Motors
• Smart Lenses
• ARRI WCU4

Price and availability

The LDT-V2 real-time lens data streamer is now available for $10,000. If you want to know more about the LDT-V2, please check out the DCS website for further information, or read the full manual of the LDT-V2.

What do you think in general of the idea of a lens data recording system? Have you ever used one before? Was it any help to you in post-production or even in a virtual production? Please let us know in the comment section below.