Hi-5 Hand Unit

Having worked with ARRI wireless focus systems almost exclusively for over 20 years, using SUP 2.0 for the Hi‑5 and RIA‑1 is a game-changer in terms of responsiveness, stability, Focusbug integration, and customization to my personal needs. A lot of thought and diligence went into the development, which shows at once. Thank you for making my life as a focus puller that much easier!

With SUP 2.0, Hi‑5 becomes even more of a time-saver on set. Thanks to the overhauled LDA programming, creating lens tables is faster than ever. Hi‑5 now automatically calculates the values of our focus axis, which immensely reduces the time spent programming all my lenses during prep. Combined with a customizable home screen featuring six more user buttons, I can access all my favorite functions on a single page, reduce menu navigation even further, and speed up lens changes a lot.

The SUP 2.0 upgrade has changed my on-set workflow, with so many new features that let me work more efficiently. The new lens file manager allows me to handle my lens files on set from the hand unit with no external tools needed, while the accurate spectrum analyzer has made finding the best channel for the day drastically easier in busy RF environments. Best of all is the custom homepage with six fully customizable user buttons, so I can set my page for any job using whatever adjustments I need from one screen.

The Hi‑5 continues to amaze me. This latest update enables me to utilize more and more functions quickly, accurately and with confidence. The integration with the Hi‑5 and Cine RT lets me be nimbler and more accurate as we shoot. The Hi‑5 is reliable, innovative, and best of all, backed up by the people at ARRI who want to keep improving their products to be the best they can be.

I've really enjoyed testing the Hi‑5 2.0 firmware. The frequency analyzer is the fantastic addition I've always wished for! It's made maintaining stable connection to the camera immensely easier, shooting in both WiFi-saturated urban environments and multi-camera situations. I also love the new lens file browser system, customizable user button page, and the ease of setting up and changing user buttons. Everything is now where I want it to be so I can work more quickly with my particular style.

The biggest feature of the Hi‑5 for me is the swappable radio modules – I feel more confident as a Focus Puller and know that I won’t lose connection in those important shots where a re-take isn’t possible. The Hi‑5 & cforce mini RF is a very convenient package: I can use with any camera setup, have playback and camera control and wireless transfer lens files.

The Hi‑5 has opened new doors when it comes to onset workflow and efficiency. Smart pre marked rings cutting down on menu flipping timing during lens changes. Camera control with a swipe of a finger. Integrating focus bug technology to limit how many remote controllers you´ve to carry. The Hi‑5 is doing it all and more as new features become available! I can´t see myself using a different hand unit.

The Hi‑5 unit has been a game-changer for me. As soon as you pick it up, you can feel the more streamlined designinstantly. It hugs your hands better than any handset currently on the market.The fresh menu layout flows more organically than its predecessors, and the addition of the touchscreen means immediate adjustments.The new method to change lens data files is a major improvement – quicker and more intuitive accessibility, plus the new ‘recent’ page means far less waiting time for a fix on sharps after swinging. Less fiddling through menus has made LDA changes instant.

Focus pulling has always been a tough challenge in Hong Kong. We often have to shoot in confined spaces, and ACs can only work from afar or without a line of sight to the camera. Interference is also quite severe here, where wireless devices are widely used. The powerful radio signal of the new Hi‑5 gives me the highest confidence in terms of stability.

There is virtually no lag between the Hi‑5 and the motor. Being a little old fashioned, I prefer to be close to the camera, so the hand unit’s responsiveness really is a treat when dealing with fast focus pulls. One of the features I love most is the new lens menu where you can manually set parameters to display the depth of field indicators. I love playing around with the depth of field in terms of where I place the focus, so this feature makes me extremely happy.

Compared to the WCU‑4, the Hi‑5 has no more dropped connections, and the focus knob feels firmer and more comfortable in my hands. The buttons are easier to press, which means that I haven't made any REC mistakes. The touch panel is also quite intuitive and easy to use for any operation.

All I can say - the Hi‑5 is my companion. Hi‑5 is exactly what I’ve been waiting for, for years. I don’t have to change battery every few hours because Hi‑5 works whole day on one battery. Changing premarked rings has never been that easy. ECS Sync app allows me to store all LDA maps in my iPhone and share with my colleagues. New menu and pages are very intuitive. Hi‑5 gives me the opportunity to control cameras easier and faster.

The first thing I thought when I held it in my hands was actually, 'The Eagle has landed.' It’s an absolutely 'from you for you' product, because I can see an extremely large amount of input from assistants in the industry implemented. The Hi‑5 feels great and I'm quite sure it will become the new gold standard for focus pullers worldwide.

It's one thing to keep a shot in focus; it's another to support your DP's artistic vision. While juggling these tasks, I have to fully rely on a tool that enables me to control every aspect of camera work on set. The Hi‑5, while allowing me to do all of this, is a reliable companion that fades into the background when I need to concentrate, and offers surprisingly versatile ways to tackle all challenges that set life throws at me.

If you get your hands on the Hi‑5 you will not want to go back. It feels like they listened to all the wishes we focus pullers had to create a device which helps us to perform at our best on set.