CASE Air Archives - On Davis Time

Note: Cheering Tech provided me with a Case Air to complete this review. All opinions are my own.

The CASE Air

The CASE Air is a wireless tethering system that uses it’s own built in wifi to connect and transfer images from your camera to a phone, tablet or computer, as well as control your DSLR directly from your smart phone or tablet.

In February 2016, I reviewed the original CASE Remote, and when offered the chance to review the new CASE Air, I jumped.

It seems that a portrait photographer like me wouldn’t have a use for this awesome piece of technology. I mean, I take pictures of other people, so I can just hold the darn camera, right? The problem is, I’m always preaching to people to make sure that the family photographer has photos of themselves…and I’m not always good at practicing what I preach. (random arms length selfies do not count). Having used the original CASE Remote to take photos of myself for the past year, I am excited to see what the CASE Air brings to the table.

What is Included, and how does it compare to the original CASE Remote?

The Case Air arrived in a small box containing the CASE Air, 5 cables, a strap and what I assume is a tool for putting the strap on the CASE Air. I never did figure out how to get the strap on it, but not a big deal because I really don’t need it anyway as I just connect it to my hot shoe. One of the supplied cables is used for charging the CASE Air, the other 4 are for connecting to different types of cameras (cables for both my Nikon D800 and D3 were supplied).

In comparison to the original CASE Remote, the CASE Air is smaller and lighter as would be expected. The charge indicator lights are tiny compared to the CASE Remote and does make it somewhat difficult to see the status unless you are right next to it.

The CASE Air uses the same smartphone app as the original CASE Remote, and I already had it on my iPhone so did not have to download. The included instructions are well written and easy to follow, connection to the built in wifi was just as easy as with the original CASE, and even though I did still have trouble with interference from my home wifi, once I turned it off the connection to the CASE Remotes built in wifi was fast and it stayed connected without any further issue.

Self Portraits with the CASE Air

The CASE Remote App interface allows me to adjust all of my camera settings remotely, including focus, which is incredibly helpful when trying to take a self portrait. Before the awesomeness that is CASE, I was reduced to pre-focusing on another object placed where I would stand or using a camera remote blind, and hoping that the focus point was on my face. The CASE Air and App allow me to see my composition while I am in the frame, which makes self portraits much easier.

I had issues with the original CASE Remote outdoors in the cold, so I decided to try the CASE Air outside. I was pleasantly surprised that the wifi connected quickly, and remained connected for the entire hour I was outdoors shooting – definitely a noticeable improvement.

A few of the shots I took using the CASE Air are at the bottom of this article. Isn’t my Maizie beautiful?

Pros

Easy to connect to the built in wifi, and connection remained solid while using, even outdoors
Smaller and lighter than the original CASE Remote
Ability to control camera settings through the App, including ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture, etc and modes (time-lapse, bracketing, etc)
LOVE the touch to focus, pinch to zoom through the iPhone app

Cons

When using continuous shots, there was a significant delay before the CASE App was ready to do another round of shots
Playback was slow(ish)

Overall

The CASE Air is smaller, lighter and faster than the original CASE Remote, and the connection more reliable – definitely an improved product (though I love the CASE Remote too!) It’s easy to use, and the creative possibilities are endless.

The CASE Air is currently available for $159.99.

To learn more about the CASE Air and other Cheering Tech products, visit http://www.caseremote.com/