Remote Control Tripod for DVX at DVinfo.net

Carlos Leon · May 14th, 2004, 10:46 PM

Does anyone know if any remote control tripod (if any) works with the dvx100a? Can I use any remote tripod with the dvx (sony, canon) or is it just not possible to use it.

Does anyone know if you can control the dvx with ur remote from the back of the camera?

Ken Tanaka · May 14th, 2004, 10:54 PM

Carlos,
A tripod and a remote control are separate devices (although I'm aware that Sony makes a tripod that features a remote)

There are relatively few choices for DVX remotes. Varizoom makes a version of their "Stealth" controller and Bebob makes a Zoe-brand controller. Browse here and in the Support for more info, as they have been discussed relatively recently.

You should note that the DVX does not use the LANC control protocol. Consequently, only the Record/Pause and lens zoom functions can be controlled remotely with these devices.

Carlos Leon · May 15th, 2004, 12:11 AM

Ken,
Thanks for your rapid responce. I am a little confused. So are you saying that a tripod with a remote control (like the one Sony and Canon make) that use the LANC protocol will NOT work on the DVX's and only a zoom controller specifically made for Panasonic cameras will?

Sorry if I sound redundant but im about to get my dvx100a and im trying to find the best, cheapest accesories around.

ps: what is the name of the shotgun mic featured on the dvx promo pics? is it any good?
many thanks...

Ken Tanaka · May 15th, 2004, 12:43 AM

Quote:

So are you saying that a tripod with a remote control (like the one Sony and Canon make) that use the LANC protocol will NOT work on the DVX's and only a zoom controller specifically made for Panasonic cameras will?

Yes, that's precisely what I'm saying.

Quote:

Sorry if I sound redundant but im about to get my dvx100a and im trying to find the best, cheapest accesories around.

I think we can all understand budgetary constraints and restraints. At this time there really isn't a wide price variety in DVX controllers. Compared to the market for LANC controllers which have a broad range of compatible cameras (i.e. manufacturers that license LANC from Sony), the market for DVX-compatible controllers is quite tiny. So there's little incentive for many competitors to chase it.

A side note to the wise, not specifically germane to this product: be thoughtful of where you economize. General "accessories", such as sound and lighting gear, will likely long outlive your current camera ownership. It's often far wiser and less expensive to buy good equipment from the start than to undergo frequent replacements if you expect to continue your interest in video. Resale value on good equipment is also much better than it is on junk.

Quote:

ps: what is the name of the shotgun mic featured on the dvx promo pics? is it any good?
many thanks

I've no idea what photos you reference but I suspect that, if they're Panasonic advertisements, it's a Panasonic mic.

Carlos Leon · May 15th, 2004, 01:07 AM

awesome, wow, I couldnt get this much info from anyone, not even Panasonic!

The funniest thing is a cheapy tripod with a remote was 48 hours away from getting shipped with my dvx100a. The bastards at the place I bought the camera told me:
1. the tripod was professional (upon reviewing the model # and specs, it was a cheap 40 dollar tripod)
2. the tripod would work with the dvx (now i know it wouldnt have)
on top of that, they wanted to charge me 130 for it. Nuts!
Thanks for your invaluable info..

Bartholomew Boge · May 18th, 2004, 10:41 AM

For less han $20 in parts you can make your own remote zoom/record controller.

http://www.dvxuser.com/articles/remote/

The only problem is that Panasonic made no electronic allowances for remote focus, which sucks. You have to do it yourself via prefocusing on your subject prior to remote operation and managing your depth of field so that if the subject moves around a bit your shot isn't toast.

Speaking of "remote tripods," I just got a Bescor MP-101 from B&H Photo and I love it. This is a motorized yoke that you bolt between your camera and tripod that allows you to tilt and pan remotely.

The MP-101 has a 30º tilt range (+ or- 15º) and a 180º pan range (+ or - 90º). I bought two remote cable extenders so that I can be 100 feet away from the camera while operating it. On its slowest setting the movement is workably smooth to use on medium and wide shots. At full zoom its a bit twitchy and too fast, but I'll never use it for anything other than static framing of the image anyway.

Can't beat that for $160 for everything--power supply, 100 feet of DIN cabling, and the unit itself. Oddly enough, B&H's price was one of the lowest.

By using two of these MP-101s with monitors at a central location, I should be able to man a three-camera live shoot myself.

May 14th, 2004, 10:46 PM	#1
Carlos Leon Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 46	Remote Control Tripod for DVX Does anyone know if any remote control tripod (if any) works with the dvx100a? Can I use any remote tripod with the dvx (sony, canon) or is it just not possible to use it. Does anyone know if you can control the dvx with ur remote from the back of the camera?

May 14th, 2004, 10:54 PM	#2
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Carlos, A tripod and a remote control are separate devices (although I'm aware that Sony makes a tripod that features a remote) There are relatively few choices for DVX remotes. Varizoom makes a version of their "Stealth" controller and Bebob makes a Zoe-brand controller. Browse here and in the Support for more info, as they have been discussed relatively recently. You should note that the DVX does not use the LANC control protocol. Consequently, only the Record/Pause and lens zoom functions can be controlled remotely with these devices. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

May 15th, 2004, 12:11 AM	#3
Carlos Leon Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 46	tripod Ken, Thanks for your rapid responce. I am a little confused. So are you saying that a tripod with a remote control (like the one Sony and Canon make) that use the LANC protocol will NOT work on the DVX's and only a zoom controller specifically made for Panasonic cameras will? Sorry if I sound redundant but im about to get my dvx100a and im trying to find the best, cheapest accesories around. ps: what is the name of the shotgun mic featured on the dvx promo pics? is it any good? many thanks...

May 15th, 2004, 01:07 AM	#5
Carlos Leon Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 46	awesome, wow, I couldnt get this much info from anyone, not even Panasonic! The funniest thing is a cheapy tripod with a remote was 48 hours away from getting shipped with my dvx100a. The bastards at the place I bought the camera told me: 1. the tripod was professional (upon reviewing the model # and specs, it was a cheap 40 dollar tripod) 2. the tripod would work with the dvx (now i know it wouldnt have) on top of that, they wanted to charge me 130 for it. Nuts! Thanks for your invaluable info..

May 18th, 2004, 10:41 AM	#6
Bartholomew Boge New Boot Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Lombard, IL Posts: 5	For less han $20 in parts you can make your own remote zoom/record controller. http://www.dvxuser.com/articles/remote/ The only problem is that Panasonic made no electronic allowances for remote focus, which sucks. You have to do it yourself via prefocusing on your subject prior to remote operation and managing your depth of field so that if the subject moves around a bit your shot isn't toast. Speaking of "remote tripods," I just got a Bescor MP-101 from B&H Photo and I love it. This is a motorized yoke that you bolt between your camera and tripod that allows you to tilt and pan remotely. The MP-101 has a 30º tilt range (+ or- 15º) and a 180º pan range (+ or - 90º). I bought two remote cable extenders so that I can be 100 feet away from the camera while operating it. On its slowest setting the movement is workably smooth to use on medium and wide shots. At full zoom its a bit twitchy and too fast, but I'll never use it for anything other than static framing of the image anyway. Can't beat that for $160 for everything--power supply, 100 feet of DIN cabling, and the unit itself. Oddly enough, B&H's price was one of the lowest. By using two of these MP-101s with monitors at a central location, I should be able to man a three-camera live shoot myself.