Lanc Controller for the Canon XH A1 at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > The Tools of DV and HD Production > Support Your Local Camera > Remote Lens Controllers

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old November 6th, 2006, 02:06 PM   #1
Major Player
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 206
Best Controller for the Canon XH A1...

Hello,

I have read through lots of threads but don't feel satisfied with my research results, so I want to pose this to the forum.

I realy want a tripd mounted zoom/focus controller for my new A1. I want a rocker style zoom and would really like as many compatible features as possible.

It seems that only a few can deliver full functionality to the Canon A1.

They are:

VZ-Rock (Varizoom)
VR-2000 (Canon)

Is this correct?

I also saw the nifty controller (I think Panasonic) that replaces the whole tripod arm.

Since I am ready to buy, any advice would be wonderful. Thanks all.
__________________
www.CodemanStudios.com
Cody Lucido is offline   Reply With Quote
Old November 6th, 2006, 02:29 PM   #2
Major Player
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Coalville America
Posts: 244
I am not sure if you want to go this route but it is a cheap alternative.

Check out ebay and buy one of those crappy remote tripods. The are crappy tripods, but the remotes are very useful.

I just took apart the handle and rigged it to my bogen handle
(it took some work) and the end result is a very nice remote with variable zoom. I would suggest it if you have the time. It only cost me a total of $39 with shipping

Hope this helps.
Holly Rognan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old November 6th, 2006, 02:48 PM   #3
Obstreperous Rex
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: San Marcos, TX
Posts: 27,366
Images: 513
The Canon ZR-2000 is going to give you the greatest degree of flexibility since a number of XH features such as the focus controls (peaking, magnifying) are available only on it and not on any other controller. I've never been a fan of how plastic it is though.

You can't go wrong with the controllers from Bogen, VariZoom and Bebob (Zoe). As always in this business, you get what you pay for. Searching through this forum should turn up quite a bit of feedback on all of these various models... anything listed as Canon compatible will work with the XH G1 or A1.
__________________
CH

Search DV Info Net | 20 years of DVi | ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!
Chris Hurd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old November 22nd, 2006, 04:41 PM   #4
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Wilmington, NC
Posts: 117
I'm interested in a controller as well. Varizoom's site says the focus control features of the Rock do not have full functionality with the XL1 and XL2. Anyone know if this applies to the A1?
Wade Hanchey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old November 23rd, 2006, 08:07 PM   #5
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Wilmington, NC
Posts: 117
Quote:
Originally Posted by Holly Rognan
I just took apart the handle and rigged it to my bogen handle
(it took some work) and the end result is a very nice remote with variable zoom. I would suggest it if you have the time. It only cost me a total of $39 with shipping.
Holly,

Are you using this on your A1? If so, what control do you have of focus.

Thanks
Wade Hanchey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 4th, 2006, 06:05 PM   #6
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Wilmington, NC
Posts: 117
I just got the Zoe-DVXL and can't figure out how to use the focus features. Is there anything I have to set up on the camera to recognize or allow the control from the Zoe?
Wade Hanchey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 4th, 2006, 06:18 PM   #7
Obstreperous Rex
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: San Marcos, TX
Posts: 27,366
Images: 513
Yes, you'll need to make sure that you're shooting in any Program Mode except Green Box (Easy Recording), and also make sure that the AF/M switch is set to M for manual focus control. Otherwise the controller has no effect.
__________________
CH

Search DV Info Net | 20 years of DVi | ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!
Chris Hurd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 4th, 2006, 07:07 PM   #8
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Wilmington, NC
Posts: 117
OK. It's working somewhat. With the camera switched to manual, I am able to focus with the Zoe. Two features are not working though. I am not able to switch between auto and manual from the Zoe, nor am I able to activate the push IAF from the Zoe. Do you think that's normal? There is a note on Varizoom's website saying something about focus compatibility of the Rock controller with the XL1 and XL2. Could it be a similar compatibility issue between the Zoe and the A1?
Wade Hanchey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 4th, 2006, 08:55 PM   #9
Major Player
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: california
Posts: 342
have a bogen 523 for my xl1-s.
the bogen web site has a nicle little chart

http://www.bogenimaging.us/

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ist&sku=357848
Karl Heiner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 7th, 2006, 11:52 AM   #10
Major Player
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Surprise Arizona
Posts: 297
Alternative to the rocker

What alternatives for the Canon A1 do I have?
Greg Clark is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 7th, 2006, 06:12 PM   #11
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Wilmington, NC
Posts: 117
Anything using the LANC interface. Libec, Manfrotto, Bebob, and of course Canon.
Wade Hanchey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old January 12th, 2007, 09:30 PM   #12
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 26
Lanc Controller for the Canon XH A1

I have ordered the Spiderbrace 2 for my XH A1. Now I am interested in getting a Lanc controller that works with the A1 and fits the Spiderbrace 2. Canon lists the ZR-2000 ( 360.00 ) for the A1. Will the ZR-1000 (175.00 ) or the Manfrotto 521 ( 170.00 ) work with the A1 and fit the handle?? Libec ZC-3DV is simple with just zoom and record buttons. Who is using a Spiderbrace 2 with a Lanc controller out there? Any recommendations? Thanks in advance.
John K. Anderson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old January 12th, 2007, 09:47 PM   #13
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Alabama
Posts: 31
I'm using Libec. Not fancy but works for cheap.
Joe Bryan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old January 12th, 2007, 10:11 PM   #14
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: United States
Posts: 93
I have the Spiderbrace and the Canon A1. I bought the Varizoom Rock LE for my Spiderbrace, I just never got the chance to test the Rock LE out yet.
Anthony Leong is offline   Reply With Quote
Old January 20th, 2007, 05:39 AM   #15
Major Player
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 210
Lan-c

Can highly recommend bebob DVXL. Can limit zoom speed, and rocker is absolutly the way ALL zoom rockers should work. The feel of it is excellent. Focus toggle, @ other stuff too.
I bought the version that supports Sony/Canon/Pana, so it will outlast my camcorder. Just $20 more @ B&H.
James Harring is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > The Tools of DV and HD Production > Support Your Local Camera > Remote Lens Controllers

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 01:38 PM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network