Ultra Slow Zoom at DVinfo.net

Ron Edwards · August 21st, 2004, 05:20 PM

I have set the GL-2 at different speeds for the zoom and those settings seem to be working as designed ... but I would like for the zoom to be much slower yet. Anyone know a way to get a very sloooooooooow zoom?

Boyd Ostroff · August 21st, 2004, 06:03 PM

I'm not familiar with the GL-2, but you may need a LANC zoom controller to accomplish this, or at least that seems to be the case on my Sony cameras. I ended up getting a Varizoom Pro-L because it has a dial which lets you choose the absolute minimum zoom speed allowed by your camera. I'm sure there are other controllers with a similar feature as well.

However, this still may not do what you want. The zoom speed is limited by the capability of the servo motor in the camera. You will also probably notice a bit of a jolt when the zoom starts, since that's just how most of our prosumer cameras are built.

I'm sure someone else with specific GL-2 experience will have some specific input on this.

Ken Tanaka · August 21st, 2004, 11:43 PM

Boyd is quite correct. The main rocker on the GL-2 can access the full range of its zoom speeds. But the range of speeds is limited to, I believe, 4-5 speeds. A LANC controller may make it easier for you to run the slowest speed, particularly the controllers that feature a separate speed dial (such as Varizoom's Pro-L controller).

But the GL-2's zoom servo motor, like those of the lenses on all of its peers, is not the same as is found on broadcast lenses. In particular, they have only stepped motion curves.

To accomplish a completely smooth "zoom" don't use the zoom at all. Use a very smooth dolly, such as a wheelchair.

Alan McCormick · August 22nd, 2004, 01:19 AM

The ZR1000 provides those presets and the slowest zoom is OK for what I do, a lot better than the standard Cam zoom. I suggest you try some out if you can before buying.

Graham Bernard · August 22nd, 2004, 02:22 AM

Alan is correct. But, there is a "snatch" at the beginning of the zoom - no matter how careful you are and you will be anticipating this "jerk" and not be thinking about the shot! . . . The effect of this is that from STILL to MOVE can be quite different in the "feel" of that beautiful zoom your are trying to accomplish. Solution: Take account of this and "design" your zoom "take" so that you have a short "lead-in" wasteage to the actual zoom. This you can then remove/dissolve-over on the timeline - get it?

Grazie

Alan McCormick · August 22nd, 2004, 01:56 PM

Grazie,

I will have to look a lot closer because I did not see "the snatch" as you call it.

Maybe it is those experienced eyes of yours again striving for perfection (I am 1yr behind you but still have the same aim).

Ron Edwards · August 22nd, 2004, 02:57 PM

Hey guys ... great ideas. Edit the "start-up of the zoom" and move the entire camera are both very good! Not able to test any controllers here ... out in the middle of 1M acres of corn....ha. Any other ideas out there?

Thanks!

August 21st, 2004, 05:20 PM	#1
Ron Edwards Regular Crew Join Date: May 2004 Location: Fairview Heights, Illinois Posts: 148	Ultra Slow Zoom I have set the GL-2 at different speeds for the zoom and those settings seem to be working as designed ... but I would like for the zoom to be much slower yet. Anyone know a way to get a very sloooooooooow zoom?

August 21st, 2004, 11:43 PM	#3
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Boyd is quite correct. The main rocker on the GL-2 can access the full range of its zoom speeds. But the range of speeds is limited to, I believe, 4-5 speeds. A LANC controller may make it easier for you to run the slowest speed, particularly the controllers that feature a separate speed dial (such as Varizoom's Pro-L controller). But the GL-2's zoom servo motor, like those of the lenses on all of its peers, is not the same as is found on broadcast lenses. In particular, they have only stepped motion curves. To accomplish a completely smooth "zoom" don't use the zoom at all. Use a very smooth dolly, such as a wheelchair. __________________ 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

August 22nd, 2004, 01:19 AM	#4
Alan McCormick Major Player Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Chatham, UK Posts: 282	The ZR1000 provides those presets and the slowest zoom is OK for what I do, a lot better than the standard Cam zoom. I suggest you try some out if you can before buying. __________________ Alan McC

August 22nd, 2004, 02:22 AM	#5
Graham Bernard Old Boot Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London UK Posts: 3,633	Jerky Snatch! Alan is correct. But, there is a "snatch" at the beginning of the zoom - no matter how careful you are and you will be anticipating this "jerk" and not be thinking about the shot! . . . The effect of this is that from STILL to MOVE can be quite different in the "feel" of that beautiful zoom your are trying to accomplish. Solution: Take account of this and "design" your zoom "take" so that you have a short "lead-in" wasteage to the actual zoom. This you can then remove/dissolve-over on the timeline - get it? Grazie

August 22nd, 2004, 01:56 PM	#6
Alan McCormick Major Player Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Chatham, UK Posts: 282	Grazie, I will have to look a lot closer because I did not see "the snatch" as you call it. Maybe it is those experienced eyes of yours again striving for perfection (I am 1yr behind you but still have the same aim). __________________ Alan McC

August 21st, 2004, 06:03 PM	#2
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,787	I'm not familiar with the GL-2, but you may need a LANC zoom controller to accomplish this, or at least that seems to be the case on my Sony cameras. I ended up getting a Varizoom Pro-L because it has a dial which lets you choose the absolute minimum zoom speed allowed by your camera. I'm sure there are other controllers with a similar feature as well. However, this still may not do what you want. The zoom speed is limited by the capability of the servo motor in the camera. You will also probably notice a bit of a jolt when the zoom starts, since that's just how most of our prosumer cameras are built. I'm sure someone else with specific GL-2 experience will have some specific input on this.

August 22nd, 2004, 02:57 PM	#7
Ron Edwards Regular Crew Join Date: May 2004 Location: Fairview Heights, Illinois Posts: 148	Hey guys ... great ideas. Edit the "start-up of the zoom" and move the entire camera are both very good! Not able to test any controllers here ... out in the middle of 1M acres of corn....ha. Any other ideas out there? Thanks!