Middle Things has put out a tutorial demonstrating how to connect a Sony FR7 PTZ camera to their Middle Control app to enable enhanced control through various devices. This same process also applies to the Sony BRC-AM7 PTZ camera.
Key steps & features
The Middle Control app provides a unified control experience for multiple cameras, including Sony PTZ, Sony FX3/FX6, and even DJI gimbals.
To pair the Sony FR7 to Middle Control, you download and install the Middle Control software, specifically the Pro extension for Sony camera connectivity. Then connect the camera to the network using a PoE++ Ethernet cable.
The next step is to access the camera’s web UI by typing its IP address. In the Middle Control app, activate PC control mode in the camera’s settings, and enable SSH settings by creating a username and password.
To adjust camera settings, ensure the shooting mode is “custom” for gain control, the shutter is set to “speed”, and the white balance is “A” or “B”.
Select the camera in the Middle Control app, enter the SSH credentials, and press “pair”.
Control Features
- Control pan, tilt, and zoom of the camera.
- Adjust basic camera settings like ISO, shutter, iris, white balance, tint, and ND filters.
- Access a live view of the camera feed and remote menu adjustments.
- Create a multiview with up to nine paired cameras.
- Record and take snapshots.
Using a USB Gamepad
- Connect an Xbox controller (or other USB gamepads) via Bluetooth.
- Map the gamepad’s axes to control pan, tilt, and zoom functions.
Connecting to the ATEM Switcher
- In the Middle Control preferences, set the ATEM IP address.
- In the ATEM software control, ensure the camera ID matches.
- Enable the Sony ATEM link to gain control over iris, gain, shutter, and ND filters through the ATEM software
Please note that settings like contrast, saturation, and color wheels are not controllable through this integration.
