Canon ZR-1000 LANC controller

[Law Tyler]

Trying to get a external LANC control for my VX2100 and also DSR-250.

From B&H, it seems there are two option -- one mentioned already as the Varizoom, close to $400. The only is the Canon at $180, perhaps not as dynamic as the Varizoom, but actually I only want it to give me one-speed slow zoom (kind of like the handle zoom on VX2100), so maybe the cheaper Canon one will do.

Question is, does it work on Sony cams? Any one using the Canon unit (ZR-1000 Zoom Remote Control) on the VX2100 or similar camera?

[Law Tyler]

Does anybody have one of these? I did a search and there seems to be little discussion on Canon ZR-1000.

BTW, I intend on using it on my Sony DSR-250 and VX2100, presume all LANC controller regardless of brand will work on all LANC camera.

I just want a simple one-speed slow zoom in a more convenient location on the camera, it looks like the ZR1000 is small enough for me to velcro it almost anywhere.

[Wayne Orr]

I used to have one, and I think it is the best controller for the money. That's not saying it's the best controller. They are meant to be attached to your pan handle on your tripod, but you can velcro it anywhere, I suppose.

You have to more than double your investment to get a better device. And, yes, it will work perfectly fine on your VX2K.

Wayne Orr, SOC

[Law Tyler]

Wayne,

Thanks.

BTW, is the zoom button one-speed? Perhaps the speed is vary by another adjustment knob or something?

[Wayne Orr]

Law, it has either a manual setting, or a speed control knob. In the manual setting it reacts to the amount of pressure you place on the zoom control. In the preset speed setting, you set the speed at which it will zoom. For example, if you set it to "5," you will start at 5 instantly with no ramp up effect, or ramp down as you stop. The zoom control is a rocker, which is a reasonably professional method. Button controllers are to be avoided, IMO.

Wayne

[Allen Brodsky]

I've used the Canon ZR-1000 with my TRV-900 for several years. I keep it attached to my tripod handle. The controller works very well, and I would recommend it.

[Mike Rehmus]

Varizoom's Stealth Zoom is about $200 isn't it?

[Helen Bach]

I've used the ZR-1000 on my VX2000 for a couple of years with no problem. Because I also use a Glensound box (which draws its power from the LANC socket) I have a LANC splitter to connect to both the Glensound and the ZR-1000. This hasn't caused problems. The ZR-1000 is usually mounted on a hand grip on the support rods.

Best,
Helen

[Law Tyler]

I just got it, it is GREAT! In fact, perfect. Worth every cent.

This should be the "industry standard" for shooting from a tripod, whether one is shooting DSR-250 or VX2100.

[Law Tyler]

I just got it, it is fantastic.

Both variable zoom and fixed zoom (via a locking adjustment knob, 5 speed settings).

In fact, it is god send. Crazy not to have one for tripod shooting.

[Bryan McCullough]

I've been putting off getting one of these for a very long time. Just didn't want to spend the money. Well, I finally got a shoot were it really made sense to have zoom control on the tripod so I bought one.

I'm pretty darned impressed with it. I wish I'd gotten it sooner.

It's made of plastic so it doesn't feel like the most sturdy thing in the world (don't step on it) but the build is ok. It's real light (for whatever that's worth) but the controls are very smooth. The variable zooming is sweet. I also think I'll be using the rec search function more now, the other buttons were never really convenient to hit real quick.

It also looks pretty cool on the tripod. :)

I'm very happy I got it. It's going to help a lot.

So, for anyone that's on the fence about this thing, I say go for it.

[Chris Hurd]

I know what you mean, Bryan. You could call me the poster boy of remote zoom controls. I really like the VariZoom line but the Canon ZR-1000 is a great deal for the money. If you look at all the zoom controller reviews I've done on the DV Info main site, in each one of 'em I like to say that it's the Number One accessory you can't afford to shoot without.

[David Ho]

I've always debated... whats the real diff. between the ZR-1000 controller and the Wireless remote controller that comes with the GL2 package? I mean..... the ZR-1000 is quite expensive, but I want to hold something in my right hand to zoom in and zoom out while my left hand on the tripod doing the pans.

[Chris Hurd]

Actually the ZR-1000 is one of the least expensive controllers you can buy.

Traditionally in television production, the right pan handle controller is for zoom and the left pan handle is for focus. Typically they are combined into one unit for prosumer DV purposes. Most tripods for DV have only one pan handle anyway.

A stock "wireless remote" is worse than useless during serious DV production. You don't want to be thinking about where to point it while you're shooting; if you tape it to the pan handle you can't be sure of a good IR signal between it and the camera. Besides, it offers only a single zoom speed and the whole point of the wired controllers like the ZR-1000 is the option of variable-speed zooms or whatever speed you want.

In 35mm film production there is such a thing as a wireless lens controller, but there's also an entire camera crew with a person dedicated to running that controller.

[David Ho]

What's an IR signal?