Touchy zoom control at DVinfo.net

Rob Simon · September 22nd, 2004, 11:58 AM

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!

Boyd Ostroff · September 22nd, 2004, 01:19 PM

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...

Shawn Mielke · September 22nd, 2004, 06:30 PM

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

Rob Simon · September 30th, 2004, 10:01 AM

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?

Samuel Birkan · September 30th, 2004, 12:49 PM

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

Juan Parra · September 30th, 2004, 01:19 PM

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

Thanks a bunch

John Cloy · October 1st, 2004, 10:20 AM

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...

Mike Pendola · October 22nd, 2004, 01:45 PM

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

Richard Mellor · October 22nd, 2004, 08:02 PM

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

Robert Simon · October 22nd, 2004, 08:03 PM

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?

September 22nd, 2004, 11:58 AM	#1
Rob Simon Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 37	Touchy zoom control 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! __________________ "Shoot them all. Let FCE sort 'em out"

September 22nd, 2004, 06:30 PM	#3
Shawn Mielke Major Player Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Santa Rosa, California Posts: 745	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 __________________ Breakthrough In Grey Room

September 30th, 2004, 10:01 AM	#4
Rob Simon Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 37	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? __________________ "Shoot them all. Let FCE sort 'em out"

October 1st, 2004, 10:20 AM	#7
John Cloy Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Escondido, CA Posts: 50	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... __________________ John You mean I can get paid to do this?

September 22nd, 2004, 01:19 PM	#2
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,802	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...

September 30th, 2004, 12:49 PM	#5
Samuel Birkan Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Cincinnati Ohio Posts: 79	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

September 30th, 2004, 01:19 PM	#6
Juan Parra Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 110	Anyone here has experience with the Sony RM-VD1 and the PDX10? Thanks a bunch

October 22nd, 2004, 01:45 PM	#8
Mike Pendola New Boot Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 5	I use the remote, it zooms slower and its free :)

October 22nd, 2004, 08:02 PM	#9
Richard Mellor Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: cambridge ma Posts: 247	http://www.thorlabs.com/ProductDetail.cfm?&DID=6&ObjectGroup_ID=214&Product_ID=1486

October 22nd, 2004, 08:03 PM	#10
Robert Simon New Boot Join Date: May 2004 Location: Aurora, IL Posts: 16	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?