Control L/Lanc functions at DVinfo.net

Bret Corbin · December 15th, 2003, 10:10 AM

Does anyone have a complete list of functions available via the Lanc jack on the VX2000/2100? If so please include functions available when in camera mode and vcr mode if applicable. I have contacted Sony Customer Service but am having trouble getting an answer.

Thanks, Bret

Mike Rehmus · December 15th, 2003, 12:30 PM

You might also want to search the net for Lanc web sites. They may have the list you are seeking.

Bret Corbin · December 15th, 2003, 03:57 PM

Thanks Mike, I don't know why I didn't think of that.
I just got a second reply from Sony Cust. Srv. and they can't answer my question. They suggested asking a local dealer and I know that won't do much good. Anyway I spent a little time searching the web and my first impression is that anything that can be contolled using the remote for a given piece of equipment can be done via the Control L/Lanc jack. The bad news is that you need some extra interface hardware and need to know how to write code to send the commands using said hardware. I believe the remote controlled tripods use the Lanc jack to control start/stop/zoom etc. That gives me an idea of whats readily available out there.

Thanks again. This is the first time posting to this or any other board and I have learned a great deal from all of you. I'm sure I'll be back as I am about to buy some new equipment.

Bret (for hobby only)

Don Bloom · December 15th, 2003, 07:22 PM

I use the Varizoom Stealth for my 150 and it controls "Record, focus and zoom". It's not THE best but for what I use it for it works fine.
Don

Shawn Mielke · December 16th, 2003, 03:18 PM

What might be considered THE best of these?

Don Bloom · December 16th, 2003, 03:45 PM

hard to say, I like my Stealth but the zoom function can be a bit abrupt sometimes but as long as I remember that, I can really ease the zoom in.
Don

Drew Long · December 16th, 2003, 04:08 PM

I use an electronic housing and these functions are available in camera mode on top of those of the varizoom:

1. white balance
2. momentary auto focus
3. instant playback for 10 secs (although I think the period is adjustable)
4. menu

I know you also have focus control and zoom speed control.

Mike Rehmus · December 16th, 2003, 08:20 PM

What is an 'electronic housing?'

Don Bloom · December 16th, 2003, 08:46 PM

Drew,
What is the name of the unit you have. I don't remember seeing one that has white balance capabilities on it. It sounds interesting although I'm not sure I see the purpose of WB being on a LANC control.
Don

Wayne Orr · December 17th, 2003, 12:52 AM

For ninety percent of the shooters out there, the primary reason to buy one o these devices is to control the zoom lens. Although abhorred by purists, the zoom is one more tool in your box to allow you to add variety to your camera movement, as well as change focal lengths quickly. The smoother you can "zoom" the camera lens, the better. Usually, this means the addition of an external zoom controller attached to the pan handle.

My personal preference is the Zoe, which seems to mimic the feel of a true professional controller very well. I also like the Bogen, but I find their controller that is meant to be an extension of the pan handle to be too limiting as far as placement. The "mini" size of the Zoe makes it quite handy for "steady" devices and jibs. As far as extras, it provides the "big four" for most Sony and Canon cameras: zoom, record start/stop, focus, and on/off (power down) and a number of others, such as low battery, tape run-out. Again, this pretty much mimics professional camera controllers. I can't imagine a reason to have a white balance button, but I am sure someone else will. If I could just get it to start my car...

Wayne Orr, SOC

Drew Long · December 17th, 2003, 02:17 AM

video housing. Made by Amphibico.
Other companies like USVH and Sea & Sea also use lanc to control camera functions.
In the past, it was possible to access anything that was an electronic button function on the camera thru lanc.

Mike Rehmus · December 17th, 2003, 05:46 PM

White balance capability. That one's easy. Camera is on a boom that cannot be dropped because . . . well, just because. PA holds up a white card, zoom in and :-)).

Don Bloom · December 17th, 2003, 07:21 PM

Hey Mike, you know, I never even thought about a boom camera. Never used one so outa site outa mind.
Thanks for the reminder!
Don

December 15th, 2003, 10:10 AM	#1
Bret Corbin Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Vista, California Posts: 25	Control L/Lanc functions Does anyone have a complete list of functions available via the Lanc jack on the VX2000/2100? If so please include functions available when in camera mode and vcr mode if applicable. I have contacted Sony Customer Service but am having trouble getting an answer. Thanks, Bret

December 15th, 2003, 12:30 PM	#2
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	You might also want to search the net for Lanc web sites. They may have the list you are seeking. __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!

December 16th, 2003, 03:18 PM	#5
Shawn Mielke Major Player Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Santa Rosa, California Posts: 745	What might be considered THE best of these? __________________ Breakthrough In Grey Room

December 16th, 2003, 04:08 PM	#7
Drew Long Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 64	Here is a list of functions I do know is accessible via lanc+ I use an electronic housing and these functions are available in camera mode on top of those of the varizoom: 1. white balance 2. momentary auto focus 3. instant playback for 10 secs (although I think the period is adjustable) 4. menu I know you also have focus control and zoom speed control.

December 16th, 2003, 08:20 PM	#8
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	What is an 'electronic housing?' __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!

December 15th, 2003, 03:57 PM	#3
Bret Corbin Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Vista, California Posts: 25	Thanks Mike, I don't know why I didn't think of that. I just got a second reply from Sony Cust. Srv. and they can't answer my question. They suggested asking a local dealer and I know that won't do much good. Anyway I spent a little time searching the web and my first impression is that anything that can be contolled using the remote for a given piece of equipment can be done via the Control L/Lanc jack. The bad news is that you need some extra interface hardware and need to know how to write code to send the commands using said hardware. I believe the remote controlled tripods use the Lanc jack to control start/stop/zoom etc. That gives me an idea of whats readily available out there. Thanks again. This is the first time posting to this or any other board and I have learned a great deal from all of you. I'm sure I'll be back as I am about to buy some new equipment. Bret (for hobby only)

December 15th, 2003, 07:22 PM	#4
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	I use the Varizoom Stealth for my 150 and it controls "Record, focus and zoom". It's not THE best but for what I use it for it works fine. Don

December 16th, 2003, 03:45 PM	#6
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	hard to say, I like my Stealth but the zoom function can be a bit abrupt sometimes but as long as I remember that, I can really ease the zoom in. Don

December 16th, 2003, 08:46 PM	#9
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	Drew, What is the name of the unit you have. I don't remember seeing one that has white balance capabilities on it. It sounds interesting although I'm not sure I see the purpose of WB being on a LANC control. Don

December 17th, 2003, 12:52 AM	#10
Wayne Orr Major Player Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Northridge Ca Posts: 734	For ninety percent of the shooters out there, the primary reason to buy one o these devices is to control the zoom lens. Although abhorred by purists, the zoom is one more tool in your box to allow you to add variety to your camera movement, as well as change focal lengths quickly. The smoother you can "zoom" the camera lens, the better. Usually, this means the addition of an external zoom controller attached to the pan handle. My personal preference is the Zoe, which seems to mimic the feel of a true professional controller very well. I also like the Bogen, but I find their controller that is meant to be an extension of the pan handle to be too limiting as far as placement. The "mini" size of the Zoe makes it quite handy for "steady" devices and jibs. As far as extras, it provides the "big four" for most Sony and Canon cameras: zoom, record start/stop, focus, and on/off (power down) and a number of others, such as low battery, tape run-out. Again, this pretty much mimics professional camera controllers. I can't imagine a reason to have a white balance button, but I am sure someone else will. If I could just get it to start my car... Wayne Orr, SOC

December 17th, 2003, 02:17 AM	#11
Drew Long Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 64	The housing is an underwater electronically controlled+ video housing. Made by Amphibico. Other companies like USVH and Sea & Sea also use lanc to control camera functions. In the past, it was possible to access anything that was an electronic button function on the camera thru lanc.

December 17th, 2003, 05:46 PM	#12
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	White balance capability. That one's easy. Camera is on a boom that cannot be dropped because . . . well, just because. PA holds up a white card, zoom in and :-)). __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!

December 17th, 2003, 07:21 PM	#13
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	Hey Mike, you know, I never even thought about a boom camera. Never used one so outa site outa mind. Thanks for the reminder! Don