Canon ZR-2000 zoom control opinions?

Jeff Nelson · January 29th, 2007, 09:25 PM

Thanks again, Chris. This is the info I'm looking for. Does the Varizoom -- I'm assuming it would be the VZRock LE Compact -- does it have a variable speed control function as well as remote focus?

I have had a varizoom controller on my JVC DV5000, works great with a dial to control zoom speed (and have the separate varizoom focus control, too). Last for years.

Jeff Nelson · January 30th, 2007, 12:57 PM

Update: Just ordered the varizoom.

Alex Leith · January 30th, 2007, 04:53 PM

Chris, in your experience, how easy is it to get reasonable results out of the focus wheel on the ZR2000? Could you actually do an in-vision pull focus with it?

And I'm a bit confused as to whether there are any other controllers that offer a manual focus that actually works with the XH-A1?

Eugene Kim · January 31st, 2007, 03:27 AM

The Canon should fit around my Vinten Vision 3 pan handle right? What do you think of it's chances of fitting a DV Rig Pro/DV Multirig Pro handle setup?

Finally, if I were to get a 540 line, 1024x600 lcd resolution portable DVD player as a jib/outdoor monitor, basically the highest res you can get for these, do you think it would be sufficient for achieving focus in tandem given the ZR-2000's access to the onboard peak/magnifying/instant auto focus aids?

The problem, of course, would be that these top of the line portable DVD players still only accept composite input, whilst offering component output...bummer.

Anyway, I'm on the fence, because I already own a Studio ONE LCD lanc for Canon cameras that I like, simply because I like having an indepent read out and dials for telephoto and wide zoom speeds--plus I'm just used to its layout by now.

It's also pretty robustly built, never crushed it in one of my clumsier Norbit moments that's for sure...that, and the biggest sentimental benefit of all, I already own it.

Alex Leith · February 1st, 2007, 01:40 PM

Cody, can you use the focus wheel to do usable focus pulls?

Cody Lucido · February 2nd, 2007, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Leith

Cody, can you use the focus wheel to do usable focus pulls?

I have not tried that yet. When I do I will be shure to let you know.

Alex Leith · February 2nd, 2007, 06:14 PM

Thanks Cody. My decision over which control to buy will be based on whether you can pull focus with the canon controller.

Mark Woollard · February 6th, 2007, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cody Lucido

My mini review...

Still, if you own an A1,H1 or G1 you will really find this to have all your cool new features at your finger tips.

What about using the ZR-2000 with Sony cameras, the Z1U in particular? Do you know which controls work?

Thanks

Mark Woollard · February 6th, 2007, 01:07 PM

Just answered my own question at my local retailer by trying the ZR-2000 with my Z1U. The only controls that work are on/off, data screen on/off and variable zoom. The following do not work with the Z1U: Push-auto focus, manual/auto focus switch, AE, magnify, and peaking.

So I bought the Manfrotto 321 Pro and am delighted. Has a great feel and solid construction. All of its controls work. I was especially interested in having push-auto focus. The unique extra controls on the Canon would have been nice to have, but were not critical to my purchase decision. And the Manfrotto is designed to nicely fit on a pro pan handle and comes with rubber cushioning to avoid scraping the paint (unlike the Canon). And the Manfrotto was $100 cheaper.

Kipjaz Savoie · April 13th, 2007, 04:58 PM

Anyone tried the ZR-2000 with their A1 yet? I bought the ZR-1000 and tried it out but I wasn't satisfied with the results - it's virtually impossible to feather into a nice slow zoom. I'm not sure if it's a limitation of the zoom motor on the A1 or a limitation of the ZR-1000. I noticed the ZR-2000 has more than double the number of zoom speeds on the dial, so I wonder if it might be better equipped to ramp up to a nice slow zoom on the A1. Thanks.

Even Solberg · April 13th, 2007, 05:25 PM

I have one, but I've never tried that, to be honest. I'll dink around with it and let you know.

Kipjaz Savoie · April 13th, 2007, 05:40 PM

Yeah thanks I'd very curious to know if you can get a nice slow start and finish on a zoom.

Richard Hunter · April 13th, 2007, 06:41 PM

Even, while you're playing with it, can you please check if it has a "push auto focus" function that works with the A1? Thanks.

Richard

Eric Weiss · April 13th, 2007, 06:56 PM

i've had no problems with the zr-1000.
what's the issue?

Kipjaz Savoie · April 14th, 2007, 09:55 AM

The issue is that I can't seem to feather into a zoom without getting extraordinarily lucky. The controller just seems uneven in ramping up and down on zooms. Are you able to get a nice smooth start and finish on your zooms? I'm used to using large cameras with pro rear zoom controls by Canon And Fujinon - so maybe I'm expecting too much from this little device, or maybe it's a limitation of the camera itself.

January 30th, 2007, 04:53 PM	#18
Alex Leith Major Player Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Northampton, England Posts: 500	Chris, in your experience, how easy is it to get reasonable results out of the focus wheel on the ZR2000? Could you actually do an in-vision pull focus with it? And I'm a bit confused as to whether there are any other controllers that offer a manual focus that actually works with the XH-A1? __________________ Alex

February 1st, 2007, 01:40 PM	#20
Alex Leith Major Player Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Northampton, England Posts: 500	Cody, can you use the focus wheel to do usable focus pulls? __________________ Alex

February 2nd, 2007, 06:14 PM	#22
Alex Leith Major Player Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Northampton, England Posts: 500	Thanks Cody. My decision over which control to buy will be based on whether you can pull focus with the canon controller. __________________ Alex

February 6th, 2007, 01:07 PM	#24
Mark Woollard Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Mississauga, Ontario Posts: 54	Just answered my own question at my local retailer by trying the ZR-2000 with my Z1U. The only controls that work are on/off, data screen on/off and variable zoom. The following do not work with the Z1U: Push-auto focus, manual/auto focus switch, AE, magnify, and peaking. So I bought the Manfrotto 321 Pro and am delighted. Has a great feel and solid construction. All of its controls work. I was especially interested in having push-auto focus. The unique extra controls on the Canon would have been nice to have, but were not critical to my purchase decision. And the Manfrotto is designed to nicely fit on a pro pan handle and comes with rubber cushioning to avoid scraping the paint (unlike the Canon). And the Manfrotto was $100 cheaper. __________________ Mark Woollard

April 13th, 2007, 04:58 PM	#25
Kipjaz Savoie Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: New York, NY Posts: 35	Canon ZR-2000 zoom control opinions? Anyone tried the ZR-2000 with their A1 yet? I bought the ZR-1000 and tried it out but I wasn't satisfied with the results - it's virtually impossible to feather into a nice slow zoom. I'm not sure if it's a limitation of the zoom motor on the A1 or a limitation of the ZR-1000. I noticed the ZR-2000 has more than double the number of zoom speeds on the dial, so I wonder if it might be better equipped to ramp up to a nice slow zoom on the A1. Thanks.

January 29th, 2007, 09:25 PM	#16
Jeff Nelson Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 194	Thanks again, Chris. This is the info I'm looking for. Does the Varizoom -- I'm assuming it would be the VZRock LE Compact -- does it have a variable speed control function as well as remote focus? I have had a varizoom controller on my JVC DV5000, works great with a dial to control zoom speed (and have the separate varizoom focus control, too). Last for years.

January 30th, 2007, 12:57 PM	#17
Jeff Nelson Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 194	Update: Just ordered the varizoom.

January 31st, 2007, 03:27 AM	#19
Eugene Kim Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 166	The Canon should fit around my Vinten Vision 3 pan handle right? What do you think of it's chances of fitting a DV Rig Pro/DV Multirig Pro handle setup? Finally, if I were to get a 540 line, 1024x600 lcd resolution portable DVD player as a jib/outdoor monitor, basically the highest res you can get for these, do you think it would be sufficient for achieving focus in tandem given the ZR-2000's access to the onboard peak/magnifying/instant auto focus aids? The problem, of course, would be that these top of the line portable DVD players still only accept composite input, whilst offering component output...bummer. Anyway, I'm on the fence, because I already own a Studio ONE LCD lanc for Canon cameras that I like, simply because I like having an indepent read out and dials for telephoto and wide zoom speeds--plus I'm just used to its layout by now. It's also pretty robustly built, never crushed it in one of my clumsier Norbit moments that's for sure...that, and the biggest sentimental benefit of all, I already own it.

April 13th, 2007, 05:25 PM	#26
Even Solberg Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Oslo, Norway Posts: 106	I have one, but I've never tried that, to be honest. I'll dink around with it and let you know. __________________ "Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night." -- Edgar Allan Poe

April 13th, 2007, 05:40 PM	#27
Kipjaz Savoie Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: New York, NY Posts: 35	Yeah thanks I'd very curious to know if you can get a nice slow start and finish on a zoom.

April 13th, 2007, 06:41 PM	#28
Richard Hunter Trustee Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Lipa City Batangas, Philippines Posts: 1,110	Even, while you're playing with it, can you please check if it has a "push auto focus" function that works with the A1? Thanks. Richard

April 13th, 2007, 06:56 PM	#29
Eric Weiss Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Philly,PA Posts: 360	i've had no problems with the zr-1000. what's the issue?

April 14th, 2007, 09:55 AM	#30
Kipjaz Savoie Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: New York, NY Posts: 35	The issue is that I can't seem to feather into a zoom without getting extraordinarily lucky. The controller just seems uneven in ramping up and down on zooms. Are you able to get a nice smooth start and finish on your zooms? I'm used to using large cameras with pro rear zoom controls by Canon And Fujinon - so maybe I'm expecting too much from this little device, or maybe it's a limitation of the camera itself.