I'm hearing bad things about the PDX10's focus ring's control (which may or may not be true), and I was wondering if the focus control on a VariZoom would by pass this possible problem. Yes, no?

What problems? The only thing I've heard is the usual complaint about the consumer-grade focus ring that will turn forever. I think people, including myself, want a real focus control.

Yeah, that is the problem I heard about, but I was wondering if a VariZoom (with focus control) would counter this...

I would guess so, but not sure.

Yes it will.

I just bought a Varizoom for largely that reason -manual focus is all but impossible on the PDX10. With the Varizoom you get to step the focus a little with each button press - my only gripe is that the button is rather small...

Julian

ok, great to hear (=

is the varizoom device-independent? I don't like stuff like that beachtek xlr to mini box that has three varieties, one for each major brand (canon version, sony vx1000/2000 version, and the sony trv version). If I were to buy one of these varizooms, I expect it to work on any LANC-capable cam...

They describe themselves as "controls for nearly all cameras". There's only one flavour of the device, and all their photos show Sonys and Canons.

Other than that, see if you can test it before buying.

how good is that manual focus on the varizoom? I notice it is a rocker switch, which to me woud suggest about as much control as the focus dial on the cam.

Hey Derek. Since you live in Los Angeles, you might want to demo the Zoe controller at Abel Cine in North Hollywood. Talk to Marianne in sales and she'll hook you up. If you have the time, you might even check out a genuine Steadicam, which they rent.

Check out my review of the Zoe at http://www.digitalprods.com/workshop.htm

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll look for them next time I'm up there, which will probably be soon. :)