Whilst achievable without the need for the AF button for stills photography, this feature would come into its own when shooting a movie, to be able to switch focus mid-shoot. And that's why we think there's an autofocus button on the BR-E1. It may also relate to the operation of the PZ-E1, but until there's a compatible camera for both the lens adapter and remote, we can’t test this concept.
Update April 2021: The Power Zoom PZ-E1 is still only compatible with the EOS 80D, which doesn’t have Bluetooth, so this would seem to be a red herring...
Benefits of the BR-E1
• Always connected – a Bluetooth connection is always on. Regardless of the settings on your camera, it won't go to sleep whilst the BR-E1 is connected. With the RC-6 remote, for example, where you have to disable the Auto power off setting.
• Works from any angle – Bluetooth works on a near field signal, meaning that, so long as the remote is near to the camera (rated at up to five metres), you will be able to operate the camera with the BR-E1. This is unlike the Canon RC-6 remote controller, which requires line-of-sight.
• One-to-one relationship – once paired, the camera and remote can only talk to each other. There's no interference from other Bluetooth devices or competing remote/camera pairings.
• Simple, small, light – it's easy to connect, easy to use and weighing in at only 23g will add hardly any weight to your kitbag.
Verdict
We're excited to see the technology move on, particularly from the limitations of infrared, as deployed by the RC-6. And, because it's small, affordable and rather tactile, we like it! Best of all, the set-up is so simple.