Is there a fixed zoom on the EX1R? at DVinfo.net

Les Wilson · July 28th, 2010, 08:29 PM

I rented one of these cameras today but could not figure out how to get the grip rocker to perform a fixed speed zoom. I found the top handle zoom Hi/Low speed settings in the menu and they worked fine. But neither the Varizoom Pro EX or grip rocker would do anything other than a variable speed zoom.

Did I miss something?

Alister Chapman · July 30th, 2010, 02:43 AM

No you didn't miss anything. That's how it works.

Eugene J. Kulak · July 30th, 2010, 06:13 AM

Les you could use the shot transitions feature to program a fixed zoom and execute from there. However you will be saddled with a fixed zoom range.

Eugene J. Kulak · July 30th, 2010, 06:33 AM

One more thing Les: I use a Manfrotto 521EX lens controller and it has a speed control knob. If you turn it all the way down you get the equivilent of a #10 speed zoom when you engage it.

Les Wilson · July 30th, 2010, 12:16 PM

Eugene....thanks...it's good to know....I am accostomed to the Varizoom PG-L for tripod mounted ops and if I go with an EX1R, I'd get the EX version of the Varizoom. I took fixed speed rocker for granted on from my XH-A1 that does let you run the handgrip rocker in variable or fixed speed mode. Ironically, I don't use the handgrip rocker all that much on the XH-A1 but I would definitely use it more on the EX1R because of the rotating handgrip (of which I am now a big fan). Come to think of it tho, in handheld, I wouldn't zoom while recording that much anyway...just set up the next shot.

Eugene J. Kulak · July 30th, 2010, 02:00 PM

I hear you; I also own a Canon XLH1a and at times do appreciate the fixed zoom option. But as you say when shooting hand held one usually zooms to set up a shot. If you go with the Sony EX series check out the Manfrotto 521EX as it does have a zoom speed adjustment, fast zoom buttons, record and replay last clip functions. It also allows you to mount it to just about any kind of jig or fig rig, and is priced reasonably. Anyways, good luck with your next camera choice, and don't get rid of your Canon because it has CCD's instead of CMOS and that can come in handy at times.

Regards, Gene...

Steve Kalle · July 30th, 2010, 02:42 PM

I use the Varizoom Pro version that has its own handle and is solid metal, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE this thing.

FYI, at least with my Varizoom, I can turn the speed dial WHILE zooming in order to perform a perfectly feathered zoom.

I don't know if its me or my EX1, but changing the Hi and Low zoom speed in the menu didn't change much if anything.

On a side note, I rented an EX1r recently and its lens did not stick or judder on slow zooms like my EX1 and so many others.

Les Wilson · July 30th, 2010, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Kalle

I don't know if its me or my EX1, but changing the Hi and Low zoom speed in the menu didn't change much if anything.

Ya Steve, I found those settings did nothing until I used the handle zoom. Those menu settings are for the Hi/Lo two speed zoom on the handle. Glad to hear the Varizoom PG EX works well. We're spoiled but we paid a decent chunk of change for it.... :-)

Sverker Hahn · August 6th, 2010, 01:40 AM

The zoom settings in the menu affects the zoom on top of the handle, at least on EX1 and I think also on the EX1R.

Steve Kalle · August 6th, 2010, 10:49 AM

Well, I discovered why the zoom speed wasn't changing - I had the Varizoom plugged in. As soon as I unplugged it, the zoom speed using the rocker did change in speed.

July 30th, 2010, 02:43 AM	#2
Alister Chapman Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bracknell, Berkshire, UK Posts: 4,957	No you didn't miss anything. That's how it works. __________________ Alister Chapman, Film-Maker/Stormchaser http://www.xdcam-user.com/alisters-blog/ My XDCAM site and blog. http://www.hurricane-rig.com

July 30th, 2010, 06:13 AM	#3
Eugene J. Kulak Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: New Britain, CT Posts: 95	Les you could use the shot transitions feature to program a fixed zoom and execute from there. However you will be saddled with a fixed zoom range. __________________ Gene, Black Hole Video

July 30th, 2010, 06:33 AM	#4
Eugene J. Kulak Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: New Britain, CT Posts: 95	One more thing Les: I use a Manfrotto 521EX lens controller and it has a speed control knob. If you turn it all the way down you get the equivilent of a #10 speed zoom when you engage it. __________________ Gene, Black Hole Video

July 30th, 2010, 02:00 PM	#6
Eugene J. Kulak Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: New Britain, CT Posts: 95	I hear you; I also own a Canon XLH1a and at times do appreciate the fixed zoom option. But as you say when shooting hand held one usually zooms to set up a shot. If you go with the Sony EX series check out the Manfrotto 521EX as it does have a zoom speed adjustment, fast zoom buttons, record and replay last clip functions. It also allows you to mount it to just about any kind of jig or fig rig, and is priced reasonably. Anyways, good luck with your next camera choice, and don't get rid of your Canon because it has CCD's instead of CMOS and that can come in handy at times. Regards, Gene... __________________ Gene, Black Hole Video

July 28th, 2010, 08:29 PM	#1
Les Wilson Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 3,014	Is there a fixed zoom on the EX1R? I rented one of these cameras today but could not figure out how to get the grip rocker to perform a fixed speed zoom. I found the top handle zoom Hi/Low speed settings in the menu and they worked fine. But neither the Varizoom Pro EX or grip rocker would do anything other than a variable speed zoom. Did I miss something?

July 30th, 2010, 12:16 PM	#5
Les Wilson Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 3,014	Eugene....thanks...it's good to know....I am accostomed to the Varizoom PG-L for tripod mounted ops and if I go with an EX1R, I'd get the EX version of the Varizoom. I took fixed speed rocker for granted on from my XH-A1 that does let you run the handgrip rocker in variable or fixed speed mode. Ironically, I don't use the handgrip rocker all that much on the XH-A1 but I would definitely use it more on the EX1R because of the rotating handgrip (of which I am now a big fan). Come to think of it tho, in handheld, I wouldn't zoom while recording that much anyway...just set up the next shot.

July 30th, 2010, 02:42 PM	#7
Steve Kalle Trustee Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,554	I use the Varizoom Pro version that has its own handle and is solid metal, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE this thing. FYI, at least with my Varizoom, I can turn the speed dial WHILE zooming in order to perform a perfectly feathered zoom. I don't know if its me or my EX1, but changing the Hi and Low zoom speed in the menu didn't change much if anything. On a side note, I rented an EX1r recently and its lens did not stick or judder on slow zooms like my EX1 and so many others.

August 6th, 2010, 01:40 AM	#9
Sverker Hahn Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Posts: 157	The zoom settings in the menu affects the zoom on top of the handle, at least on EX1 and I think also on the EX1R.

August 6th, 2010, 10:49 AM	#10
Steve Kalle Trustee Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,554	Well, I discovered why the zoom speed wasn't changing - I had the Varizoom plugged in. As soon as I unplugged it, the zoom speed using the rocker did change in speed.