Zoom rocker or zoom ring?

[Bo Sundvall]

Hi
One of the most common complains for the Canon XF300 camcorder is the zoom functionality, where you can't use the zoom rocker at the same time as you use the zoom ring. This is controlled by a switch.

I've read the manual for the AG-AC160 and as I understand, the zoom works about the same way as on the XF300. You can EITHER use the zoom rocker on body/handle, OR you can uset the zoom ring, but not both at the same time. The manual also states that using the zoom ring in servo (rocker) mode might damage the camcorder. I've got this info from the pdf-manual, part 2, page 17.

Does anyone who owns/using the AG-AC160 camcorder found this to be a problem?

Regards,

/Bo

[Andy Turner]

No lens I have ever owned allowed you to operate both at the same time. If you are asking if it would be problem to try to use it manually while it is set to servo...yes. You would have a lot of tension there and would most likely damage the servo if you forced it.

[NoahK]

Well the ring is mechanical so it has to be decoupled from the servo motor in order to operate- which is why it's either manual ring or servo but not both at the same time. But it's a switch you can make in mid-shot so it's not really a handicap in any way I can see.

Noah

[Bo Sundvall]

OK, thanks for the info. As I understand from your answers it's hard to turn the zoom ring by mistake if the servo is engaged as it will be 'stiff'.


Regards,

/Bo

[kwkeirstead]

I would not test it, it's just asking for trouble - the book flat says don't adjust it manually when it is on auto. I leave it off all of the time and turn it on only when I specifically want auto