DVX100 controllers with zoom only?

Ken Tanaka · April 28th, 2004, 02:21 PM

Yes, I wrote a review of the Zoe LANC controller. And Zoe does make a DVX controller. But it's a completely different product, since the DVX does not use (license) the LANC control protocol. It appears to offer some embellishments over the Stealth, but fundamentally it also only offers zoom and record control.

Wayne Orr · April 28th, 2004, 03:51 PM

They had to coax that reference to the Zoe out of you, Ken.

Wayne

Chris Hurd · April 28th, 2004, 04:28 PM

It took a crowbar to get it out of him, eh? For Jacques, just an FYI, focus control is not supported on a Pansonic DVX or DVC camcorder's Aux input. In other words, lack of remote focus control is a limitation of the camera, not the controller.

And by the way, Jacques, it was great to see you again at NAB, as always!

Ken Tanaka · April 28th, 2004, 04:34 PM

Wayne,
Oh no! I really like the Zoe and still have my LANC model. Actually, I recalled seeing a reference to the Zoe DVX recently but had not looked into it closely. Looking it up on 16x9's site, it looks like a good controller. I might just have to grab one of those, too. I can use a 2nd controller, one for tripod pan handle mount, one for my DV Rig shoulder brace.

Just to set the record straight, the folks at Bebob (Zoe's manufacturer) were really top-drawer in helping with my LANC review. I highly recommend their products. Really!

Jacques Mersereau · April 28th, 2004, 05:07 PM

It was great to see you too Chris. NAB is/was an amazing experience.
I think I wandered 8 hours a day for three days and saw most everything . . .
once.

You confirmed what the guys at Varizoom told me. It seemed a bit
unlikely that Panasonic wouldn't offer remote focus control, but I guess you
never get it all in a single package. The DVX-100a is still the camera
in its price range to buy IMO. I also liked the Century follow focus and
matte box rig . . . cool accesssories.

I really like the VZ Rock. I might sell my old controller and get one of those
soon.

Joe Lloyd · April 29th, 2004, 02:55 AM

who needs a zoe, when u can get mr. chrosziel's pull focus system....

yes yes theres more to it than focus and the focus pull system is twice the amount of my very first car... ( VW beetle with half the floor) but cmon, its the ultimate. Now if only i knew how to use one........

Tim Borek · May 16th, 2005, 12:45 PM

I THOUGHT a saw a $149 zoom controller on the web a month or two ago, but now I can't remember who made or where it was sold. B&H doesn't sell one for less than $189 right now. Any ideas who might make this controller?

Thanks,

T.J.

Tim Borek · May 16th, 2005, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Borek

I THOUGHT a saw a $149 zoom controller on the web a month or two ago, but now I can't remember who made or where it was sold. B&H doesn't sell one for less than $189 right now. Any ideas who might make this controller?

Thanks,

T.J.

Must have been the SignVideo one for $129.95. Any experience with this piece of gear?

Wayne Orr · May 16th, 2005, 05:58 PM

Ouch, Tim. You spend the dough for a really good camera, and you're going to skimp on the zoom controller? Hang on to your money till you can step up in quality. I prefer the Zoe which is available for $275.00 for the DVX, but others have their choices, some costing a bit less. But please, don't buy that unit from Sign Video. This is the one accessory you will use more than any other. This is not the place to save money.

Wayne Orr, SOC

Craig Terott · May 16th, 2005, 06:10 PM

I'm just currious Jacques... Considering it's the year of HD, how could you justify making such an investment in standard definition??? I'm a bit perplexed.

April 28th, 2004, 02:21 PM	#16
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Yes, I wrote a review of the Zoe LANC controller. And Zoe does make a DVX controller. But it's a completely different product, since the DVX does not use (license) the LANC control protocol. It appears to offer some embellishments over the Stealth, but fundamentally it also only offers zoom and record control. __________________ 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

April 28th, 2004, 04:28 PM	#18
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	It took a crowbar to get it out of him, eh? For Jacques, just an FYI, focus control is not supported on a Pansonic DVX or DVC camcorder's Aux input. In other words, lack of remote focus control is a limitation of the camera, not the controller. And by the way, Jacques, it was great to see you again at NAB, as always! __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

April 28th, 2004, 04:34 PM	#19
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Wayne, Oh no! I really like the Zoe and still have my LANC model. Actually, I recalled seeing a reference to the Zoe DVX recently but had not looked into it closely. Looking it up on 16x9's site, it looks like a good controller. I might just have to grab one of those, too. I can use a 2nd controller, one for tripod pan handle mount, one for my DV Rig shoulder brace. Just to set the record straight, the folks at Bebob (Zoe's manufacturer) were really top-drawer in helping with my LANC review. I highly recommend their products. Really! __________________ 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

April 28th, 2004, 05:07 PM	#20
Jacques Mersereau Trustee Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 1,334	It was great to see you too Chris. NAB is/was an amazing experience. I think I wandered 8 hours a day for three days and saw most everything . . . once. You confirmed what the guys at Varizoom told me. It seemed a bit unlikely that Panasonic wouldn't offer remote focus control, but I guess you never get it all in a single package. The DVX-100a is still the camera in its price range to buy IMO. I also liked the Century follow focus and matte box rig . . . cool accesssories. I really like the VZ Rock. I might sell my old controller and get one of those soon. __________________ Jacques Mersereau University of Michigan-Video Studio Manager

April 29th, 2004, 02:55 AM	#21
Joe Lloyd Major Player Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Auckland, NZ Posts: 202	who needs a zoe, when u can get mr. chrosziel's pull focus system.... yes yes theres more to it than focus and the focus pull system is twice the amount of my very first car... ( VW beetle with half the floor) but cmon, its the ultimate. Now if only i knew how to use one........ __________________ Catalina Productions http://www.catalina.co.nz

April 28th, 2004, 03:51 PM	#17
Wayne Orr Major Player Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Northridge Ca Posts: 734	They had to coax that reference to the Zoe out of you, Ken. Wayne

May 16th, 2005, 12:45 PM	#22
Tim Borek Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Westfield, IN Posts: 353	Cheap zoom controller for DVX/DVC camcorders I THOUGHT a saw a $149 zoom controller on the web a month or two ago, but now I can't remember who made or where it was sold. B&H doesn't sell one for less than $189 right now. Any ideas who might make this controller? Thanks, T.J.

May 16th, 2005, 05:58 PM	#24
Wayne Orr Major Player Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Northridge Ca Posts: 734	Ouch, Tim. You spend the dough for a really good camera, and you're going to skimp on the zoom controller? Hang on to your money till you can step up in quality. I prefer the Zoe which is available for $275.00 for the DVX, but others have their choices, some costing a bit less. But please, don't buy that unit from Sign Video. This is the one accessory you will use more than any other. This is not the place to save money. Wayne Orr, SOC

May 16th, 2005, 06:10 PM	#25
Craig Terott Major Player Join Date: May 2005 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 691	I'm just currious Jacques... Considering it's the year of HD, how could you justify making such an investment in standard definition??? I'm a bit perplexed.