F.A.Q.
Is my camera compatible with Arsenal?
Arsenal works with many of the most popular DSLR and mirrorless camera models. To see if your camera will be supported at launch, search for your model on our Supported Cameras List.
We plan to support additional models in the feature, but please understand that using Arsenal with any camera not listed as “fully supported” is at your own risk.
What phones are compatible with the Arsenal app?
Arsenal lets you control your camera from any modern iOS or Android smartphone. Arsenal will support any iOS phone running 9.0 or newer, and any Android phone running KitKat (4.4) or newer.
Can I use Arsenal from an iPad or Android tablet?
When Arsenal ships, the app will only support phones. We plan to support iOS and Android tablets in mid 2018.
What is the timeline for shipping?
Based on our production schedule, we plan to ship units to Early Bird supporters starting in January 2018, with other pre-orders to follow.
Backers at the “VIP” reward level will have the opportunity to participate in the beta program, which will start in late 2017.
What's in the box?
Arsenal ships with:
- 1 Arsenal hardware device
- 1 USB cable for connecting to your supported camera (we’ll send an email before we ship so you can choose the cable type, or buy more than one)
- 1 USB charging cable
- 1 USB wall adapter for charging (USA-style plug)
Is Arsenal waterproof?
No, Arsenal is not waterproof, and we haven’t had it tested for water resistance. We’ve used Arsenal in some wet situations and it’s held up fine so far, but we recommend keeping it dry.
How long does the battery last?
Short answer: Approximately four to five hours with typical use.
Long answer: Arsenal’s battery life completely depends on environmental conditions, how you use it, and on which device. If you’re doing a lot of stacking the battery will drain faster. If you will be shooting for more than four hours at a time, please plan on charging. To make that easier, Arsenal can be charged while in use through a micro USB-compatible battery pack (not included).
How is Arsenal charged? Can Arsenal be charged while it's being used?
Yes, in addition to the USB port for connecting your camera, there is a second micro-USB port for charging.
Can Arsenal charge off a USB battery pack?
Yes, and Arsenal supports USB IQ for fast 2-amp charging from a USB battery pack or computer (not included) — or from the included USB wall adapter if you have AC power handy.
Can I charge my camera with Arsenal?
Maybe! We designed Arsenal to provide voltage to charge any USB device while in operation. So if your camera supports charging over USB, this may be possible. Unfortunately, right now only some Sony cameras support this functionality.
Can the firmware be upgraded in the future?
Yes, since Arsenal communicates with your iOS or Android smartphone, firmware upgrades can be loaded from the app. When new firmware is ready, the app will let you know and give you the option to update.
Does my phone need to be connected during a timelapse?
Arsenal’s hardware handles the timelapse. Once the timelapse is set up, you no longer need your phone. You can walk away and come back later. Your phone will update to the current progress and let you see a preview or change settings while the timelapse is running.
How about Panasonic, Pentax, and Olympus support?
As much as we would like to support every camera and every camera brand, we're limited by how many cameras we can get our hands on to test. After we ship in January 2018, we'll start working on adding support for more cameras. Please wait until then to buy. In the mean time, signup below to get notified when new cameras are added:
Does Arsenal need an internet connection?
No, the image database model is stored on the device.
Does Arsenal work with manual focus lenses?
Yes, but with a few limitations. Without autofocus on a lens the following happens:
- - Arsenal's AI won't set our variant of the hyperfocal distance.
- - No tap to focus
- - Focus stacking switches to manual mode, where it tells you the distance markings to move the focus ring to and waits for you to move it and push a button before it takes each shot.
Can you use Arsenal handheld? (without a tripod)
Yes!
On DSLR's there is a handsfree mirror-down AI mode. It constantly adjusts settings to Arsenal's suggestions instead of changing them when you push the button on the app. Since Arsenal doesn't have access to the live view data, some of the attributes it looks at when choosing settings are only updated after you press the shutter. (So if you move to a new location, you'll need to take a photo to update Arsenal's suggestions)
On Mirrorless cameras, there's a handsfree mode that does all of the AI calculations and continually updates settings.
Both of these modes must be started from the app, but then you can turn your phone off and start shooting.