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Middle Things has released Middle Control 3 Pro, a Mac OS application that enables Sony camera control through Blackmagic Design ATEM switchers. The software acts as a bridge between ATEM’s camera control protocol and Sony’s network-based control system, allowing operators to adjust iris, ISO, focus, zoom, white balance, and color correction parameters directly from ATEM software or hardware control panels.
For live production professionals running mixed camera setups, this development addresses a longstanding workflow limitation. ATEM’s camera control was designed exclusively for Blackmagic cameras, leaving Sony shooters without unified control options. Middle Control 3 Pro changes that equation by translating ATEM camera control commands into a format Sony cameras can process over IP networks.
The integration requires placing Sony cameras on the same IP network as the ATEM switcher and the Mac running Middle Control. The software continuously monitors ATEM camera control commands and converts them in real time to Sony’s proprietary control protocol, sending adjustments over Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet depending on the camera model.
Supported parameters include iris, ISO, shutter speed, white balance, focus, and zoom. When the camera’s picture profile is disabled, operators also gain access to contrast, saturation, tint, sharpness, and black level adjustments. Recording can be started and stopped remotely, and some models support info display toggling and remote menu navigation directly from the control room.
The compatibility list spans Sony’s mirrorless, camcorder, and cinema camera lines. Mirrorless bodies include the A7 IV, A7S III, and ZV-1 series. Cinema cameras extend to the FX3, FX6, FX30, and the high-end Burano. PTZ cameras like the FR7 and BRC-AM7 are also supported with pan, tilt, and zoom control alongside standard camera parameters.
The latest software version (3.1.0) added support for the HXR-NX800 camcorder and Sony ILX-LR1, along with Live View and MultiView functionality for the FX6, Burano, FR7, AM7, Z200, and NX800. Wired LAN control on the FX3 and FX30 requires the latest camera firmware.
Middle Control 3 Pro displays a low-resolution preview of the selected camera’s video feed within the application. Operators can tap anywhere on the preview to trigger autofocus on that area, switch between continuous autofocus and manual tap-to-focus modes, and enable subject tracking on compatible cameras.
The MultiView feature displays up to nine cameras simultaneously (expanded from four in the initial release). When connected to an ATEM switcher, individual camera labels automatically adopt the ATEM camera names, and red/green borders indicate tally status for program and preview outputs.
For larger productions, Middle Control 3 Pro enables multi-operator workflows by assigning specific USB joysticks to individual camera IDs while maintaining a master joystick for overall control. Operators can set custom joystick colors and names, and create unique button mappings for each secondary controller.
The software also includes a built-in VISCA over IP server, allowing control from third-party VISCA controllers. Bitfocus Companion integration provides additional automation options, including remote Sony menu navigation, custom button triggering (C1-C6), and status feedback for recording, autofocus, and digital zoom states.
The base Middle Control 3 application (free) received substantial updates alongside the Pro release. A new virtual joystick enables gimbal control directly via mouse, while axis lock buttons allow operators to restrict movement to pan or tilt during shows. Pan, tilt, and zoom speed settings can now be configured per camera rather than globally, and the invert zoom option follows the same per-camera logic.
For users with APCR or APCR Mini hardware, Middle Things implemented significant under-the-hood improvements including lower latency, stronger Wi-Fi stability, and improved network performance. Custom endpoint controls for DJI RS2, RS2 Pro, and RS3 Pro gimbals help prevent cable tangles during operation.
Middle Control 3 Pro is available as a one-time purchase for €199 (excluding VAT for EU customers). The license includes all version 3.x updates but does not cover future major releases like a potential Middle Control 4.0. A 30-day free trial provides access to all Pro features before purchase.
The base Middle Control 3 application remains free and includes full Blackmagic camera control plus gimbal control when paired with APCR or APCR Mini hardware. Sony camera control, the ATEM link feature, MultiView, VISCA over IP, and multi-operator support require the Pro license.
Could Middle Control 3 Pro simplify your multi-camera live production workflow? Are you currently running mixed Sony and Blackmagic setups that would benefit from unified control? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!
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Nino Leitner, AAC is Co-CEO of CineD and MZed. He co-owns CineD (alongside Johnnie Behiri), through his company Nino Film GmbH. Nino is a cinematographer and producer, well-traveled around the world for his productions and filmmaking workshops. He specializes in shooting documentaries and commercials, and at times a narrative piece. Nino is a studied Master of Arts. He lives with his wife and two sons in Vienna, Austria.