For the life of me I just can't do a smooth zoom with my TRV 950. I shoot lots of sporting events and while I often edit out zooms, there are times when being able to smoothly zoom slowly or even quickly is necessary to keep the action in the frame.

Are there any tips to zooming better with this cam? Do I need an external zoom controller? Is there a recommended (and cheap) one for this cam? Thanks!

Hi Rob. If you do a search you'll see that most of us with PDX-10's and TRV-950's have the same problem. If you want slow zooms I think you'll need a controller. There's a lot of discussion on them elsewhere at DVinfo, just do a search. The TRV-950 should work fine with any LANC model that says it supports Sony cameras. I use a Varizoom Pro-L but it isn't a cheap one...

Here is a cheaper Varizoom that does the job:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=240135&is=REG

Cost is an issue for me, and it seems like a lot of money for these zoom controllers.

I just saw a Sony tripod with a zoom control on the handle for less than $100. I believe the zoom only has 2 speeds, rather than variable speed.

Does anyone has experience with tripods that come with a zoom control?

There is also this Sony model for only $35. I dont know if it is variable speed though.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=278376&is=REG

Anyone here has experience with the Sony RM-VD1 and the PDX10?

Thanks a bunch

I have both a PDX10 and 950 and use both on Sony VCT-870RM tripods. The tripod remote seems to pretty much duplicate the zoom on the camera - in other words touchy. I have learned to get smooth zooms in and out using the tripod but it takes a light touch and conscious effort.

It is MUCH easier to get a smooth zoom on the Sony tripod handles than up on the cameras.

Someday I'll upgrade at least one of my tripods and I would love to get an upgraded remote handle like a Bogen, but there is other gear higher up my "wanna get" list...

I use the remote, it zooms slower and its free :)

http://www.thorlabs.com/ProductDetail.cfm?&DID=6&ObjectGroup_ID=214&Product_ID=1486

Don't you have to hold the remote out front of the camera and aim it back in order for it to work? Are you able to do that while panning?