Hi Rajiv.............
 

Hmm, are you asking for just one unit to do both?

Don't think so but you never know, may be enough commanality for the uses you require BUT.......

Beware the Canon A1 and focus control with Lanc remote.

You can get controllers with "Push AF" that will kick the Instant AF into action (no problem), the same controllers may have "Focus In Out" buttons, the problem is, they don't work all that well.

The reason?

Canon explains it as a "design limitation".

Don't count on focusing an A1 using buttons on any remote Lanc controller, I have yet to be convinced that any such controller exists.

If you can find a controller that will work with both a Sony and a Canon for the functions you require (less Canon focus) you'll be doing well.


CS

I thought the Canon ZR-2000 would do instant auto-focus and even the 1000 has a focus function?

maybe it's unreasonable to want a Lanc that works for Canon & Sony - they are competing products

This works with both and I'm looking at it for my A1, but I'm not clear about all the buttons.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=330007&is=REG

Cheers.

I believe Sony developed and still owns the patent on LANC. All others have to pay to use it.

I use a LANC on my Canon and I have used it on another persons Sony, so I believe they are compatible.

Mike

The Sony EX1 does *not* use LANC. Its remote lens controller jack is a different type of connection.

Chris
 

Today I tried my cheap Jessops Lanc (bought several years ago for my now defunct XM2) on the Canon A1. I had the A1 hooked up to a laptop via firewire, so was able to focus using the larger screen display (and I was recording direct to disk). The Lanc worked fine, once I got used to the delay between sending a signal and the result appearing on screen. I could focus manually, and zoom without any problems.

But I was focussing on a bird table that was still, and the camera was on a tripod (not wobbling on the end of a boom). And I think I would have had problems trying to follow-focus on a moving subject.

The biggest problem was that the A1 was automatically doing its power saving mode, even when it was recording to the hard disk. It wook a while, but eventually I found out how to switch auto power save off, and had no further problems (except the neightbour's cats frightening the birds off).

One other thing I did was try to use my remote pan and tilt head. I think the weight of the Canon might be just too much for it - it was far less responsive than when it was used with a Sony A1.

Interested in lanc controller. what do you use?
 

i like the concept of a lanc controller for my xha1. I recently bought the bogen mono pod with retractable feet. great item. so what is a good unit that works well with this cam giving control to the most options?

I've got this one pegged it's recommended for the XHA1, but I'd like to read more opinions about it.
Cheers.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=330007&is=REG

Thanks allan, I was looking at that one to, but since I've never used or owned one, would love to get feed back. let me know if you get it and what you think.

Ok and if I stumble on any reviews, I'll shout :)
Cheers.

I have the same Varizoom VZ-Rock, it's a good fit for the XH-A1. I mainly just use the zoom, start, stop, and stand by features, and they work great. Not a big fan of the focus feature, it's difficult for me to operate.

Try searching DV Info's Remote Lens Controllers forum, lots of information there.

Here's one thread specifically for the XH-A1
http://dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=83779

Varizoom Rock works
 

I find it invaluable. However, only two functions are worth anything, the start/stop and the zoom. The focus buttons are hard to push and the focus changes as fast as lightning. It would only be useful for getting something out of focus fast. One other niggle... the zoom speeds are not gradual and I find that keeping the zoom rocker in a constant position is tough especially when doing camera moves. Changing the zoom speed to "constant" on the camera has no effect on the Varizoom control.

Now, there might be some camera settings that would mitigate these issues, but I haven't found them yet.

Hi guys..........
 

You're probably already aware of this, but possibly not, so here goes......

The Canon A1/ G1 and Lancs have an issue with the "Focus" buttons. I cannot prove it affects Lanc's other than the Canon ZR 1000 / 2000 but strongly suspect that it does.

In short, due to a "design limitation" (Canons words, not mine) the "Focus" buttons on their Lancs give extremely insensitive movement of the focus mechanism on these cameras (under certain conditions).

My suggestion is to NOT look forward to, or "bet the farm" on any Lanc use of the "Focus" buttons in relation to these cameras, as the result could be bitter dissapointment.

There are no other issues I'm aware of with Canon Lancs with these cameras.

The biggest difference I have seen so far between Canon and other makes with regard to these cameras has been in the implementation (or otherwise) of the "Push AF" feature.

Available on the ZR2000, but extremely variable across other makes.


CS

My friend used the canon zoom controller on his tripod while i use the libec one which came with my tripod from zotz.

The main differences is that mine is simply starts / stop rec and zoom in / out. While his has a knob that allows you to adjust the speed of zoom and focus. We both agree that the focus is pointless.

Personally i prefer being able to control the speed of my zoom myself, while with his you set it to the speed you like and thats it, until you switch to a different number. As mentioned before keeping the speed constant while panning or tilting is fairly difficult, but Im not one to pan / tilt while zooming very often.

Here's one for the EX1

http://www.vimeo.com/655026

It can be set to control either Canon or Fujinon 8 pin lens controls, plus it has an adapter for use with the EX1.

The Varizoom linked to in this thread is an awesome utility that I use regularly. Definitely helps with event shooting. Very smooth zooming, too!

Chris I agree with you completely. I have however read that Bogen is making a newer version of their 523Pro that is going to be specific to the A1/G1 and the Lanc issue. Funny how they address the issue and not Canon...

Kell, where did you read that?

Hi Kellen............
 

As I understand it, Bogen can't address this problem as it isn't really a Lanc issue, but a camera issue.

From my limited understanding, it has something to do with the way the A1/ G1 cameras interpret the Lanc command to "seek forward focus" and "seek backwards focus".

Because of the design of the internal lens control, the fixed length "step" command results in widely differing amounts of focus shift due to the fact that at one zoom setting, 1 step command equals 4 inches of focus shift, at the other extreme of zoom the same single step command equals 40 to 80 feet of focus shift.

As this fixed length command is what comes from all Lancs, I do not perceive it to be a "fixable" problem from within the Lancs themselves.

Whether this "design limitation" will ripple through subsequent itterations of these cameras I do not know, but am not holding my breath.


CS

Hi Paul

Looks like the Libec ZC-9EX controls only zoom and Rec start/stop.
Got any control on focus?.

Reading this forum I realise that finding a remote for both A1 and EX1 is difficult
or no go. So for the time being I am considering a remote for the A1. Any one using a Manfreto 521 with the A1. I am considering it because it is cheap and ready available in India.

Rajiv

The libec ZC-9EX is the same as the Libec ZC-9pro (i think that's what it was),with an adapter lead,i know because i tried both on my EX1 today,i used the same adapter lead with both controllers.Anyone out there with the ZC-9pro maybe able to buy just the lead,it's about 100mm.

Chris Hurd,I took some pics,how do i upload ?
Paul.

Sussed it,here's the pics

Manfrotto 523 PRO LANC controller
 

Yesterday I finally could pick up my brand new Manfrotto 503HDV+525 Tripod Kit. What a great piece of hardware to support the Canon XH-A1.

Just before they carried in the 503set from the back of the shop I saw the 501 head and thought: 'Wow, that 501 looks great and BIG!' 1,325 seconds later I realised I had ordered the big brother of the 501....

But now for my question:

The salesman could not share any experience with me about the 523Pro Lanc controller. He simply didn't know it....

So please, if anyone has experience with that Lanc controller, combined with the Canon XH-A1, please write a reply.

I have the same head and I LOVE it. I also have used the 523PRO controller and love it as well. Everything that was stated on this thread is true. Push AF does nothing regardless of shooting mode. I have used it mostly in AF mode. The variable speed zoom works wonderfully. I know it's a lot more expensive than the clamp on controllers, but I feel it is definitely worth it. It looks much cleaner, and although I have not used any other controller, I could use all functions (except PAF) instantly as though it were second nature. Very easy to use and well built. If you have the means, go for it.

Thanks for the positive news Ray. I'm already looking around for the best price dealer (the price is about 300 to 350 Euro over here) and I may order it very soon.

Gert I bought a 523pro to use with my XHA1 it has three programmable zoom speeds a record start stop button an on/off button two manual focus buttons and a a/f button unfortunate the instant a/f button does not work with the XHA1 apart from that it works fine. I use mine on a Cartoni Focus head and the arm that comes with the 523pro does not fit the focus so I had a spigot turned out of 1 inch diametre aluminium bar 3 inches long. One end was turned down to the same diametre as my tripod head arm and the other end drilled out to suit the 523pro arm when that was done I drilled a hole through the side of the spigot with the 523 arm inserted and tapped a suitable size roll pin in to stop the arm coming out. Hope this is of help.

Alan

have the same issue with my xl1-s.....i think that is a canon issue.
b&h had different pan handle diameter (have a miller tripod)

zoom control
 

I have a 521 Pro and I can figure out how to set the zoom control for an XHA-1 . I just seem to be stuck with a very slow zoom. Where can I find a manual for this?

Thanks
Tim

LANC to Firewire for Canon
 

Hey all,
Experience shooter, but have an interesting question:

Given that the Console software can control virtually any parameter of the Canon XH line via Firewire, wouldn't it stand to reason that there could be a LANC to Firewire adapter constructed that would allow me to use the Foxi controller to run my focus and iris while I had a separate zoom controller?

Thanks!

Hi Tim.......
 

Er, you want to run that by us again, I've read your post at least 6 times and it still doesn't make any sense (to me).

What's a "Foxi Controller" for starters?

What are you ultimately trying to achieve, as it sound like you must have 4 hands available with all these button boxes you're describing?

Ahem, "a Lanc to Firewire" adapter - dream on (tho' I can "just" imagine a dual camera setup where that might "just" work, tho' what you'd gain on the swings.....).

CS

Hi Tim,

I think I understand your question.
First of all, I have the software and yes you van controll many parts of the camera with it. But, it is not realtime. Because there is a HDV signal running through that port, the rest is put on top of that, and I think it has a low priority within that connection. When I want to change the zoom or other functions of the camera remotely, it has a little delay.

Technicaly spoken I think it's possible to make such a device. But then you have to learn to work with that delay and I don't know if you will like to have that in a 'real time' situation.

Lanc and XH-A1
 

What Lanc controller works with the Xh-A1? I tried two cheaper units that were stated to work with all Sony and Canon camcorders. They didn't work at all with the Canon, but worked perfectly with a Sony.

I used the Bogen 521. Bogen's most basic unit but was awesome. Worked very well.

I have both the Canon ZR1000 (which I bought years ago for use with my Sony PD 150) and the Canon ZR2000 which I got for my XH A1.

I shoot mostly single camera, live event stuff, so zooming, reframing and trying to keep focus on the new subject is the name of the game.

Here's the interesting thing. While both controllers work on the XH, I prefer the 1000 to the newer 2000 despite the latter having features specifically for the XH. With the 1000 I can use the lanc to zoom and then use the camera's "push AF" button to focus simultaneously while zooming. With the ZR2000 it seems the camera's "push AF" button is disabled so zooming and refocusing automatically is impossible. I don't really know if this a fault with either my camera or ZR2000. Perhaps because this controller also has a "push AF" button thats just the way it is. Anyway, after trying and failing to get a definitive answer from Canon on this and because I only discovered after warranties had expired, I just let it be and now use the ZR1000. Annoying to purchase the new controller for about $400 and let it sit there but thats how it goes sometimes.

My point is if zooming/refocusing at the same time matters to your work, check to make sure whatever you buy will allow that.

I would be curious to know if other XH A1, ZR2000 owners have the same results as I do.

I've had the VariZoom VZRock for over a year which works well but only provides basic functionality (start/stop, focus, zoom). To be honest, I'm sometimes bad with documentation and really haven't read the VZRock instructions more than when I first got it. I can't say if the other buttons on the controller do anything because I haven't tried them. My bad.

One thing I don't like about the VZRock is that the zoom speed works in steps. They are closely spaced steps but it's too easy to have a smooth zoom go all pear shaped because my palsied hands can't hold it steadily. It also invokes variable speed even when the cam is set to a constant zoom setting, but that may be the way LANC works in the Canon.

I will give full marks to the durability of the thing. Whilst shooting the Oxford 250 race, there were multiple prolonged rain delays and during one of which the plastic rubbish bag I had over the tripod blew off and the VZ got a full soaking for nearly an hour. The VZ was full of water. I took it apart and quickly dried the components and it all worked except for the start/stop function. Once home, I disassembled it again and did a full dry and clean and all functionality returned. That was last July and it hasn't put a foot wrong since. Bloody solid unit. Next, I'll run over it with my car... kidding.

There might be better units out there, but the VZRock is quite brilliant.

Er, I don't think so..............
 

The Canon XH A1 stock lens, like the XL1s lens before it, and many others, has only one servo, which does double duty for both Zoom AND Focus.

It can either Zoom OR Focus, not both at the same time.

Never have, never will.

You need to jump forward to the very latest Canon X Series lenses for double servo operation (not an option with an A1, alas).

Neither the ZR1000 NOR the ZR2000 (nor any other compatible Lanc) will allow/ provide simultaneous zoom & focus, as the lens(s) simply cannot do it.

This IS NOT a Lanc issue.

The ZR1000/ ZR2000 do have a known issue with manual focus with the XH A1, or, perhaps it would be safer to say the XH A1/ G1 has an issue with Lanc manual focus whatever the controller - it simply cannot be controlled accurately enough to guarantee "spot on" focus, especially at extended zoom settings.

[This subject has been pretty well aired in other threads. Canon calls it "a system anomoly", amongst other things].

In this regard the "Push AF" button on the ZR2000 does offer a better option - at least the camera optics will sort themselves out automatically even if manual Lanc won't.

This does imply that you have a subject suitable for "Push AF" to latch onto (without hareing off into the background) and you are NOT pressing the Zoom button at the same time.

You will have to trawl the Controller Forum to see if any other controller offers a functional "Push AF" button, I personally know of none.

If "Push AF" is high on your need list, as far as I'm aware, the ZR2000 is it.

If spot on Lanc manual focus is up there at the top of your list - good luck, you're going to need it.


CS

Chris

Thanks for the info re one servo. I’ll have to search out the posts you refer to.

That said what I’ve written above re the differences between using the 2 controllers is true. At least with my gear.

The cam’s push auto focus is disabled when the ZR2000 is plugged in. With the ZR1000, I’m able to zoom with the lanc, and focus at the same time with the push auto focus on the camera.. I’ve checked the focus using the peak and magnfying functions and compared the distance readout between this and manual focus. I’m not talking about a last second focus when I release the zoom. I offer no explanation. I just know what I see. It works.

Well, stuff me...................
 

If I hadn't seen it with my own eye's, I would never have believed it!

I am now having to re - evaluate everything I thought I knew about the A1, ZR1000 and Zoom and Focus.

So certain was I, that I hoiked out the A1 and tripod and tested it for myself.

It bloody well WORKS!!! (What's that saying about old dogs and new tricks?)

I don't know HOW it works, but it does.

It's easy to test this for yourself, set the ZR1000 zoom speed to slowest, rack the lens as out of focus as you can, hit the (Lanc) zoom rocker and then press the "Push AF" button on the camera, anytime you like.

The picture will swim into focus in very short order without the zoom counter missing a beat.

Even more amazing, as long as you have the "Push AF" button on the camera depressed, it tracks the focus perfectly all through the zoom.

Now, what's REALLY interesting, is that if you stop the zoom, having achieved focus, and barely touch the zoom rocker to zoom the other way, it snaps out of focus even faster than it snapped into focus in the first place!!!

Confused? You bet your sweet bippy I am.

Not tested (as yet) but needs to be: Does this behaviour show up with camera zoom controls, as well as Lanc?

I'm sure that once people have taken this on board and seriously played, all sorts of other little gems will crawl out of the woodwork.

My question to you Jase, is this:

When you mentioned the ZR2000 disables the cams "Push AF" button, were you saying/ implying that it transfers this ability (focus whilst zooming) to the Lanc "Push AF" or it is lost entirely?

Anybody got any suggestions as to how this is possible?

I got really excited there for a while as I thought this might well be a way out of the impasse I've been in with the A1 for over a year now with this damn Lanc focusing.

At the end of the day, sadly not, as my subjects never (or very rarely) lend themselves to "Push AF/ Auto" focusing, so I'm still in a hole.

Exceedingly interesting developement, nevertheless.

Jase, thanks for teaching this old dog at least one new trick!


CS

Chris

Well I have to laugh. Have to because after your 1st response to me I too had to get out my camera to see if I was losing my mind. Truth is I haven’t been shooting much lately and only discovered this about the ZR1000 back in July and haven’t used the camera since.

Re the ZR2000 disabling the cam’s push auto: it simply won’t work if the ZR is plugged in whether I’m zooming or not. The ZR’s push auto works just fine but not when I’m zooming. When it comes to that its one or the other, zoom or focus. Hope thats clear.

ok, so I just thought of something. Had to get out the camera once again. Now this is really strange. With ZR2000 plugged in, I can use the zoom rocker on the camera and the push auto focus on the controller at the same time. Hadn’t tried that before because I got so used to using the push auto on my PD150 that thats how I’ve trained my hands when shooting. I’m not sure at this point if that will lead me to use the 2000 again. Not sure the ergonomics will work for me, but I will give it a try.

Anyway, glad to have been of assistance with this. Would be great for others to weigh in here as well. I’m out of town tomorrow so will check in on the thread on Wednesday.

Jase

Now, what's REALLY interesting, is that if you stop the zoom, having achieved focus, and barely touch the zoom rocker to zoom the other way, it snaps out of focus even faster than it snapped into focus in the first place!!!

Chris - just re read your post and didn't think to check that. I'll do it on Wednesday and let you know what I find