Hello! Thanks for the information. Is there a wireless lanc remote that will allow for starting and stopping of the recording??? It doesn’t matter if it has the zoom function for our use case.
I have the RL100 zoom controller for my Canon XF400 and have the exact problem you talk about. Looking to buy the Zoom Commander, I assume it'll work with my XF400.
Thanks for the video Doug. It's so frustrating trying to keep a steady zoom speed while running a camera live. Haven't used the push button, but will be highlight considering lobbying for it. I've been looking for a cost effective option for my church b.c of the issues with the VZ-Rock VariZoom.
Hey Doug, we have a Sony NX5U and are having a rough time finding a zoom controller that works. We have an LANC off brand rocker that says it works for our camera but it don’t, We plug it into our cannon and it works flawlessly. We are looking for push button but at this point will take anything.
Hi. Can one connect to a canon XF605? I purchased a rocker type (appreciate the insight for button over rocker - i will change) but have only 2.5 cable…thank you.
Hello Doug I just subscribed. I recently bought a Sony NX5U And was thinking about getting a LANC controller. I ran across your video and found it very interesting. Thanks for posting this on TH-cam. Keith Kuhn
Well, these controllers are just controllers... they don't actually attach to the lenses. It's up to the camera to actually do the zooming, so smoothness and fluidity are a function of how well the camera handles it, independently of what device is sending the zoom command.
@@djp_video Thanks for the comment, I have not bought it yet I am considering to buy the Panasonic Hc-X2000 Does it have a connection ..? And if so which one is recommended? { for wedding photography which camera is better.?}
I haven’t used either camera you’ve mentioned. But if I was to guess, I’d say the Panasonic is more suited to what you are doing. Don’t eliminate the Sony FDR-AX700 from your search though too. The HC-X2000 does have a remote connection, and controllers are easily available. Panasonic uses their own protocol, though, so most LANC controllers like the ones discussed in this video won’t work. Some do have a switch to change to Panasonic mode, but if you don’t see that listed in the specifications it isn’t going to be compatible. I don’t have any specific recommendations for you.
ive got a sony fdr-1x33 and I have the varizoom but the plug in appears to be to small, is there an adapter cord to make the varizoom work for this camera
Hello Doug, I have a 2011 sony hdr-cx650v I am new to camcorders. I am looking for a lanc that is compatible with this camera. Any info will help. Thanks! Brian
Thanks Doug, another great video. I have a couple of Canon XA40's and I have a generic wired remote that works fine, but I'm wondering if there exists a low-priced wireless option? I know that Canon makes their own RCV-100, but it costs a rediculous amount of money ($1700.00). Any thoughts you have would be appreciated.
Hey Doug! I tried reaching out to Sound Excellence several times to order those controllers. Did you have a specific person you contacted? I'm not sure if they're in business anymore.
Another helpful video, Doug. Thank you! Along with the ZC II you mention in the video, do you have any suggestions on a good tripod to use with it and a Sony Z190? We're a relatively young startup in live video of sporting events in our area so portability & price are important factors. Thank you.
That's a bit of a difficult recommendation to make. There are many factors that go into that decision -- where the tripod will be located, how high it needs to go, etc. For general use, if you need a good bargain, look at the E-Image EG05A2 (www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1220489-REG/e_image_eg05a2_two_stage_aluminum_tripod_with.html). It's relatively smooth at a bargain price. But it doesn't go that incredibly high so if you need to shoot over people, I'd shop for something with legs that extend farther, or start shopping for risers to get the tripod up off the ground.
@@djp_video I video soccer and softball utilizing one camera for zooming in on the action. Do you know what camcorder is compatible? I don't want to spend a lot of money. I have a Sony HandyCam that I can zoom with a controller but I can't get it to work properly with my switch board to use multiple cameras.
The Sony RM-30BP has iris control on it. As well as gain, white balance, and shutter speed. I've never tried a 50 meter cable. I've used a 50-foot cable with success.
Thanks Doug! Have you tried converting Sony AX43's MultiPort to LANC? On paper it should work (MultiPort --> AV, AV--> LANC), but I thought to ask you since you own the AX53. Thanks in advance
They say that Sony changed their Multiport after 2015 and that the conversion does not work, so I was wondering about the newer cameras like the AX53, AX43? Would you be able to check that for me please?
Rocker are better for filming owing on objects, in my experience the manfretto one is variable speed, the more you turn it the faster it will be. I mainly use mine filming steam locomotives, as it gets closer you pull out at a faster rate, so slow only would not make it back in time, while fast gets there two fast. The skill is matching you rate to the closing object.
Rockers can work well in situations where you need to constantly change speed, or ramp up or down. But for smooth consistent zoom moves, rockers don't work well with cameras only have 7 speeds to choose from (all LANC have this limitation). Unless you're always zooming at full speed, it is very hard to keep the rocker in a position that stays on a single speed. I've tried many models from different companies and they all have the same issue.
As mentioned in the video, I have a couple Manfrottos. They're alright, but like all analog-style controllers its hard to keep the zoom speed consistent.
The buttons are digital -- either on or off. The speed is set with the knobs above the buttons, so as long as you don't adjust the buttons, the speed doesn't change.
Anybody knows an automatic LANC solution to do zoom in/out that we can use like we use on a slider that goes left/right automatically? If it doesn't exist, it should. :)
I may be wrong, but I don't see a jack on that camera for any kind of zoom controller. And if there was, it probably wouldn't be compatible with these -- Panasonic doesn't use LANC.
I don't believe so. The zoom controllers here require a LANC port. It would also require lenses with powered zoom, which are very rare in the Canon ecosystem.
So strange that you didn't explain why push button is better than rocker switch? I briefly saw some kind of rotary speed adjustment but I feel none the wiser really.
I did talk about it. With only 7 possible speeds on the rockers (due to LANC limitations) and no haptic feedback as to which speed you're using, it is really difficult to keep the rocker in the same speed range for very long, so trying to do a smooth, consistent zoom during a shot is almost impossible. I tried many models over several years and just had to give up. I got tired of dealing with shots that would jump between zoom speeds inconsistently.
@@djp_video No you don't explain the functionality of the push button zoom. You only point out the potential for speed changes mid zoom with the rocker. Ok so I think I've worked it out. So you set a speed on the push switch and kind of stick with that with no risk of accidental speed changes mid zoom. I suppose my problem would be that when I need a quick re-frame to a tight shot I have to patiently wait until my slow zoom speed gets me to where I want to be. Compared with broadcast lenses I think any kind of zooming during a live shot is to be avoided as you can't end the zoom smoothly. It will always come to an abrupt end. For reframing between shots the rocker wins every time as you can choose your speed on the fly. I guess it's all down to creative style and perhaps not a completely binary decision.
That's why I like the controllers with two sets of control (buttons and dial) for zoom speeds. I set one at a slow speed for nice smooth zoom shots, and the other at a fast speed for reframing. I usually avoid starting or stopping a zoom movement while a shot is live. When I cut to a zoom shot it's already in motion, and I'll almost always cut away to another shot before the motion stops. Having the rocker doesn't help with this situation at all, as it still has the issue with the slow speed not being slow enough to make a smooth transition. That's just an issue with these inexpensive camcorders. As you noted, to get a smooth transition in or out of a zoom you have to get into broadcast lenses.
Thanks for showing us what they look like and what the buttons are for...too bad you couldn't demonstrate how they work, that would have been much better.
It varies so much from camera to camera I don't know that it would be that useful to see it. Yes, I could have shown how it works on my Sony PXW-Z150, but the end result is likely to be very different with a different model of camera.
some rocker-style controllers can be configured with a "fixed speed". like the original Canon zr-1000 we used for many many years... now switched to panasonic... here our clear winners are bebob and Manfrotto... both not having this feature... we miss it!
That's a nice thing to have, but it doesn't give you the flexibility you get to choose other speeds. I love having two speeds: one for a slow crawl, and one fast one for recomposing.
That's unfortunate. I assumed they were still around because the website is still up. Sound Excellence seems to be the current seller, though they are out of stock. soundexcellence.com/zoom.html
@@djp_video This supplier has been good to work with for our 20ft, 30ft and 40ft carbon fibre camera masts. They seem to stock the push button zoom controllers by that manufacturer. Service is good too in our experince: www.studio1productions.com/zoom_controller.htm
That controller seems awkward to use -- only a single pair of buttons for zoom, and push buttons to select the speed. I'd definitely prefer something that lets you switch zoom speeds much faster like a knob, and at least an additional set of buttons for a second zoom speed.
It's kinda huge. And very expensive. And still has the 7-speed limitation of LANC so if you aren't careful your zooms will change speed on you right in the middle of the move.
Totally disagree. VariZoom makes both push button and rocker. Rocker style is what you find on professional on high end cameras. The VariZoom rocker unlike the other is the most forgiving. If you have novice camera operators the push button can lock them in to the slowest speed which is good for a novice but this type of control defeats the purpose of variable zoom control. Even a novice with 10 minutes of practice can master the rocker style. What is not possible is ramping speeds up and down with a push button style which is why they are not popular. Nice video Thanks
Professional controllers also have more than 7 speeds to choose from, so moving from one speed to another isn't a problem. With LANC, there are only 7 speeds to choose from and the jump from one speed to the next is huge and quite visible. When cameras alternate between speed 1 and 2, for example, it is very distracting. I started with Manfrotto and VariZoom controllers and gave them up after they kept ruining my shots. It was happening constantly, no matter how good the operator was. It's one of those things where the theory of a rocker is great, but in practice they're a real problem.
Hello! Thanks for the information. Is there a wireless lanc remote that will allow for starting and stopping of the recording??? It doesn’t matter if it has the zoom function for our use case.
I have the RL100 zoom controller for my Canon XF400 and have the exact problem you talk about. Looking to buy the Zoom Commander, I assume it'll work with my XF400.
Ok someone help me out here. How can i make the Rocker zoom controller there work with my rx10 iv?
I don't think that camera has a LANC/Remote port, does it?
Thanks Doug, I needed to see this today.
Thanks for the video Doug. It's so frustrating trying to keep a steady zoom speed while running a camera live. Haven't used the push button, but will be highlight considering lobbying for it. I've been looking for a cost effective option for my church b.c of the issues with the VZ-Rock VariZoom.
What are the common distances do the wireless remote Lanc Controllers reach?
It's a simple serial protocol so long distances can be achievable. I've run one on a 100-foot cable before with success.
Been waiting for this video for a while. I really need to try out the push button vs the rockers.
Saved me from a bad purchase - many thanks Doug!
Thanks Doug, I really appreciate your insight about zoom rockers!! :)
3/32" plug. I was wondering about that. Would it be called TRS?
Now I'm wondering if I can find an extension for that.?
Technically it is TRS. But more commonly it would be referred to as a stereo mini plug. “TRS” is most often used with 1/4” connections.
Hello, I see that you are using the Zoom Commander. Do you know if this line is compatible with a Canon XA50? I really like the features.
Hey Doug, we have a Sony NX5U and are having a rough time finding a zoom controller that works.
We have an LANC off brand rocker that says it works for our camera but it don’t, We plug it into our cannon and it works flawlessly.
We are looking for push button but at this point will take anything.
A LANC controller that works on Canon should also work on Sony. Are you sure that your Remote port hasn't been damaged?
Is there a Zoom Controller you're aware of that's compatible with the Panasonic VX-981 Camcorder? Thanks very much.
Hi. Can one connect to a canon XF605? I purchased a rocker type (appreciate the insight for button over rocker - i will change) but have only 2.5 cable…thank you.
The XF605 should work with these.
Am I crazy or does Panasonic not have ANY zoom remotes? If so can someone please help me!!
out of stock on their website and no idea where to get them in europe
They haven't been sold in quite a while. The only source I've found in several years is eBay.
Sir: Thanks for your answer. How about Canon Camcorder XF305. Can I use with this Camcorder?. Thanks for your answer
The XF305 does have the required REMOTE jack.
Sir pls help me and till me what the best LANC zoom controller on my camera
Greetings, is there a remote control for Panasonic HC-V550 or hc-v770?
There are some options, but since those models don't use LANC none of the controllers in this video are compatible.
Good video Doug, thank you. I clicked on the link to order one but it says out of stock, do you know where I could get one of these?
Thanks
eBay is your best bet
Thanks! I was on the verge of getting one of the rocker ones
Hello Doug
I just subscribed.
I recently bought a Sony NX5U
And was thinking about getting a LANC controller. I ran across your video and found it very interesting. Thanks for posting this on TH-cam.
Keith Kuhn
Do these controllers have the same feeling, smoothness of the professional BCTV lenses?
Well, these controllers are just controllers... they don't actually attach to the lenses. It's up to the camera to actually do the zooming, so smoothness and fluidity are a function of how well the camera handles it, independently of what device is sending the zoom command.
Sir: I just subscribed. Can I use VariZoom VZ-Rock with: Canon EOS T7i or with Canon EOS 6D? Thanks in advance for your answer
No; those cameras don't have LANC inputs. And there are very few EF-mount power zoom lenses even if they did.
I have the canon xf400 camera and I want to buy a suitable remote control, which one is suitable and recommended?
As far as I can tell the XF400 doesn't have a connector for external zoom control
@@djp_video Thanks for the comment, I have not bought it yet I am considering to buy the Panasonic Hc-X2000 Does it have a connection ..? And if so which one is recommended?
{ for wedding photography which camera is better.?}
I haven’t used either camera you’ve mentioned. But if I was to guess, I’d say the Panasonic is more suited to what you are doing. Don’t eliminate the Sony FDR-AX700 from your search though too.
The HC-X2000 does have a remote connection, and controllers are easily available. Panasonic uses their own protocol, though, so most LANC controllers like the ones discussed in this video won’t work. Some do have a switch to change to Panasonic mode, but if you don’t see that listed in the specifications it isn’t going to be compatible. I don’t have any specific recommendations for you.
ive got a sony fdr-1x33 and I have the varizoom but the plug in appears to be to small, is there an adapter cord to make the varizoom work for this camera
I assume you mean FDR-AX33. It doesn't have a LANC port, so there's no way to hook up a zoom controller to it.
@@djp_video yes that’s what I meant and ok thanks
is there any way I can make them work with Sony A7siii??
No. The A7 series don't have a zoom controller input.
@@djp_video Thank You
Hello Doug,
I have a 2011 sony hdr-cx650v I am new to camcorders. I am looking for a lanc that is compatible with this camera. Any info will help. Thanks!
Brian
I don't see any indication that that camera (I assume you mean the CX560V) has the right connection for a zoom controller.
@@djp_video yes I am sorry it is a cx560v.
sony ax53 need one pretty quick where do you suggest buying?
djp.li/ax53
I have canon xf305 camcorder
What kind of zoo controller I need to buy for my camera
The XF305 uses LANC controllers like those demonstrated in this video
Sir good day pls till me what is the best and compatible LANC zo
Zoom controller on my Canon xf305
Only you can answer what is best for you. I know nothing about your needs.
do these work seperate of the setting u have on the top zoom button
The speed on the controller is fully independent of any speeds set on the camera's own zoom controls.
Thanks Doug, another great video. I have a couple of Canon XA40's and I have a generic wired remote that works fine, but I'm wondering if there exists a low-priced wireless option? I know that Canon makes their own RCV-100, but it costs a rediculous amount of money ($1700.00). Any thoughts you have would be appreciated.
Any luck?
Haven't found anything wireless yet.
@@Racontact
Hey Doug! I tried reaching out to Sound Excellence several times to order those controllers. Did you have a specific person you contacted? I'm not sure if they're in business anymore.
It has been several years since I last ordered one. I haven't had any communication with anyone over there for a very long time.
Another helpful video, Doug. Thank you! Along with the ZC II you mention in the video, do you have any suggestions on a good tripod to use with it and a Sony Z190? We're a relatively young startup in live video of sporting events in our area so portability & price are important factors. Thank you.
That's a bit of a difficult recommendation to make. There are many factors that go into that decision -- where the tripod will be located, how high it needs to go, etc.
For general use, if you need a good bargain, look at the E-Image EG05A2 (www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1220489-REG/e_image_eg05a2_two_stage_aluminum_tripod_with.html). It's relatively smooth at a bargain price. But it doesn't go that incredibly high so if you need to shoot over people, I'd shop for something with legs that extend farther, or start shopping for risers to get the tripod up off the ground.
Great feedback. What do you think about LANC for pulling focus? Anyone make a small pole mounted focus puller that you like?
I haven't found one I like.
I have a Canon VIXIA HF W10 and cannot find a zoom controller that works. Can you help?
I don't think that camera has the required LANC jack to work with a zoom controller
@@djp_video I video soccer and softball utilizing one camera for zooming in on the action. Do you know what camcorder is compatible? I don't want to spend a lot of money. I have a Sony HandyCam that I can zoom with a controller but I can't get it to work properly with my switch board to use multiple cameras.
Does the zoom commander work with blackmagic cams?
It should, as long as you have a compatible lens.
I have a canon Vixia hf w10. Will the lanc zoom controller work with it?
I don't believe that model has a LANC port on it
thank you. you've save me years or tries
Hey Doug, do you have experience with iris control over LANC? Is this even possible? Thanks for the video btw. Keep up the good work.
Also, I'm curious if it's possible to use a cable of 50 meters between the controller and the camera...
The Sony RM-30BP has iris control on it. As well as gain, white balance, and shutter speed.
I've never tried a 50 meter cable. I've used a 50-foot cable with success.
Thanks Doug! Have you tried converting Sony AX43's MultiPort to LANC? On paper it should work (MultiPort --> AV, AV--> LANC), but I thought to ask you since you own the AX53. Thanks in advance
I've done it on the PXW-X70, and it works just fine. I found a cable on eBay.
They say that Sony changed their Multiport after 2015 and that the conversion does not work, so I was wondering about the newer cameras like the AX53, AX43? Would you be able to check that for me please?
I just tried and it does not appear to work.
@@djp_video I have the same question if it's work with Sony CX440 or AX40. Thanks...
I don’t have either of those cameras to try
Rocker are better for filming owing on objects, in my experience the manfretto one is variable speed, the more you turn it the faster it will be. I mainly use mine filming steam locomotives, as it gets closer you pull out at a faster rate, so slow only would not make it back in time, while fast gets there two fast. The skill is matching you rate to the closing object.
Rockers can work well in situations where you need to constantly change speed, or ramp up or down. But for smooth consistent zoom moves, rockers don't work well with cameras only have 7 speeds to choose from (all LANC have this limitation). Unless you're always zooming at full speed, it is very hard to keep the rocker in a position that stays on a single speed. I've tried many models from different companies and they all have the same issue.
Looks like the zoom controller is no longer in stock. Do you know of any other controllers at that price range that control focus on a Canon xa40?
I haven't found any suitable replacements, unfortunately.
Doug Johnson Productions what a bummer. I guess I’ll have to step up the price point for a manfrotto. They’re supposed to be good. Thanks!
As mentioned in the video, I have a couple Manfrottos. They're alright, but like all analog-style controllers its hard to keep the zoom speed consistent.
You did not explain how the button version WILL make it possible to keep the same zoom speed...
The buttons are digital -- either on or off. The speed is set with the knobs above the buttons, so as long as you don't adjust the buttons, the speed doesn't change.
Anybody knows an automatic LANC solution to do zoom in/out that we can use like we use on a slider that goes left/right automatically? If it doesn't exist, it should. :)
hi how can I connect dslr canon 650d to remote control lanc
DSLR cameras do not support LANC.
Is this type of remote available for panasonic hc-v770?
I may be wrong, but I don't see a jack on that camera for any kind of zoom controller. And if there was, it probably wouldn't be compatible with these -- Panasonic doesn't use LANC.
no
Does this work on canon m50 cameras?
I don't believe so. The zoom controllers here require a LANC port. It would also require lenses with powered zoom, which are very rare in the Canon ecosystem.
So strange that you didn't explain why push button is better than rocker switch? I briefly saw some kind of rotary speed adjustment but I feel none the wiser really.
I did talk about it. With only 7 possible speeds on the rockers (due to LANC limitations) and no haptic feedback as to which speed you're using, it is really difficult to keep the rocker in the same speed range for very long, so trying to do a smooth, consistent zoom during a shot is almost impossible. I tried many models over several years and just had to give up. I got tired of dealing with shots that would jump between zoom speeds inconsistently.
@@djp_video No you don't explain the functionality of the push button zoom. You only point out the potential for speed changes mid zoom with the rocker. Ok so I think I've worked it out. So you set a speed on the push switch and kind of stick with that with no risk of accidental speed changes mid zoom. I suppose my problem would be that when I need a quick re-frame to a tight shot I have to patiently wait until my slow zoom speed gets me to where I want to be. Compared with broadcast lenses I think any kind of zooming during a live shot is to be avoided as you can't end the zoom smoothly. It will always come to an abrupt end. For reframing between shots the rocker wins every time as you can choose your speed on the fly. I guess it's all down to creative style and perhaps not a completely binary decision.
That's why I like the controllers with two sets of control (buttons and dial) for zoom speeds. I set one at a slow speed for nice smooth zoom shots, and the other at a fast speed for reframing.
I usually avoid starting or stopping a zoom movement while a shot is live. When I cut to a zoom shot it's already in motion, and I'll almost always cut away to another shot before the motion stops. Having the rocker doesn't help with this situation at all, as it still has the issue with the slow speed not being slow enough to make a smooth transition. That's just an issue with these inexpensive camcorders. As you noted, to get a smooth transition in or out of a zoom you have to get into broadcast lenses.
Thanks for showing us what they look like and what the buttons are for...too bad you couldn't demonstrate how they work, that would have been much better.
It varies so much from camera to camera I don't know that it would be that useful to see it. Yes, I could have shown how it works on my Sony PXW-Z150, but the end result is likely to be very different with a different model of camera.
some rocker-style controllers can be configured with a "fixed speed". like the original Canon zr-1000 we used for many many years... now switched to panasonic... here our clear winners are bebob and Manfrotto... both not having this feature... we miss it!
That's a nice thing to have, but it doesn't give you the flexibility you get to choose other speeds. I love having two speeds: one for a slow crawl, and one fast one for recomposing.
SignVideo is out of business. I just wanted to order one after your reasonable explanation. I always used rockers before.
That's unfortunate. I assumed they were still around because the website is still up.
Sound Excellence seems to be the current seller, though they are out of stock. soundexcellence.com/zoom.html
@@djp_video This supplier has been good to work with for our 20ft, 30ft and 40ft carbon fibre camera masts. They seem to stock the push button zoom controllers by that manufacturer. Service is good too in our experince: www.studio1productions.com/zoom_controller.htm
That controller seems awkward to use -- only a single pair of buttons for zoom, and push buttons to select the speed. I'd definitely prefer something that lets you switch zoom speeds much faster like a knob, and at least an additional set of buttons for a second zoom speed.
Sony RM-1000bp. The best and only LANC controller worth using.
It's kinda huge. And very expensive. And still has the 7-speed limitation of LANC so if you aren't careful your zooms will change speed on you right in the middle of the move.
You are good but pleace fix the noise sound 😉
What noise? The audio on this video is pretty clean.
Yeah. Rocker for me.
If you use the Sony Remote RTM1BP you'd find touch better.
The issues I run into with rocker-style are due to limitations within LANC itself. No controller is going to be able to overcome that.
Totally disagree. VariZoom makes both push button and rocker. Rocker style is what you find on professional on high end cameras. The VariZoom rocker unlike the other is the most forgiving. If you have novice camera operators the push button can lock them in to the slowest speed which is good for a novice but this type of control defeats the purpose of variable zoom control. Even a novice with 10 minutes of practice can master the rocker style. What is not possible is ramping speeds up and down with a push button style which is why they are not popular. Nice video Thanks
Professional controllers also have more than 7 speeds to choose from, so moving from one speed to another isn't a problem. With LANC, there are only 7 speeds to choose from and the jump from one speed to the next is huge and quite visible. When cameras alternate between speed 1 and 2, for example, it is very distracting.
I started with Manfrotto and VariZoom controllers and gave them up after they kept ruining my shots. It was happening constantly, no matter how good the operator was.
It's one of those things where the theory of a rocker is great, but in practice they're a real problem.
One of the first times I saw a scripted video.
Dont know how to feel about that..
No script. Off-the-cuff just like all my other videos.
Hello, there is a controller for vixia r800?
As far as I can tell the Vixia R800 doesn't have the required LANC connection