I want to get a remote to use on the tripod so I dont have to use the on camera controls.
What would you sugest?
Is there any that can control both focus and zoom, switch from af to mf etc. ?

The camera comes with a wireless remote control.

The remote will do zoom, but no focus or af/mf -

I believe the ones you mount on the tripod are smoother and easier to use than the wireless remote that comes with the unit.

There are several manufact. of remote units via LANC that handles focus and zoom, some are even packed with pan/tilt heads. Don't know if the ones I'm thinking of are sponsors of the forum, but Google LANC and REMOTE and XH A1 and I'm sure you get plenty of hits.

There is the Canon ZR-2000 Zoom Controller (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/410314-REG/Canon_0973B002_ZR_2000_Zoom_Remote_Control.html). It gives you control over many of the XH A1/G1's functions above and beyond 3rd party zoom controllers.

I would look at more brands than the Canon, but that's me.

The Canon ZR-2000 works great and has features the other remotes don't. It's a little chunky and the plastic of it feels cheap but it works well.
--Josh

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=91453&highlight=ZR-2000

I just bought the Varizoom VZ rock, and am going to return it. WHile it does have a decent feeling rocker, it doesnt work with many of Canon's features( like focus speed control or instant auto-focus) From what ive read, none of them do except the Canon, which is a flimsy piece of plastic. If you really need those features, then Canon seems to be the only option. If you just need a good rocker and focus, I say the Bogen 521 is the best for the money. Plus with the Bogen you can have two of the same controller, one for focus and one for zoom. Of course, you need an optional splitter and second 521, which makes this option alot more expensive. But I think it offers the best control of those features. Hope this helps.

Hello,

You can always use the Sony rm-95. It does a lot. Extra long cord and a display to show you are actually recording.

Angelo

Have a look at the manfrotto 523 pro Just bought one. it does zoom, focus, camera standby. it has zoom presets for three different speeds that are progammable or you can have them at a fixed speed. you will have probably have to have a spigot made to suit your tripod head if not using a manfrotto head

Alan