ZoomCommander DVX by Sign Video

[Anartiste]

I just bought a Zoom Commander DVX at Sign Video's.
Great product. Cheaper than Varizoom's or Zoe ($125) and just as convenient, if not more.
The small box has two programmable speeds for zooming in and two more for zooming out (modifiable in real time !).
Very well crafted, sold with a clamp and kilometers of cable.
I think this product needs advertising so that's what I do (of course, this is free ad, out of pure desire to reward their work — I don't work for them, nor do I have any connection with them.)
Check it out at :
http://www.signvideo.com/zoom-comman...x100-dvx80.htm

[Guest]

There are also other controllers sold on eBay and elsewhere on the internet that work pretty good too!

[Anartiste]

What's great with this one, though, is that you can repeat the exact same zoom speed thanks to the interface :
1/ you set the speed you want
2/ you just press a button... and voilà !
I know it's a bit expensive for what it is, but I'm quite happy with this one.

[Zoomforce]

yeah its got some nice features.. too bad it looks so ghetto.

[Anartiste]

I kind of like it — but my tastes are sometimes odd, so... Anyway, I rather look at my viewfinder while filming.

[DVX100Shooter]

LOL@ the ghetto comment! It does look cumbersome though! Some of the other zoom controllers I have seen for the DVX on the market are smaller.

[John C Lyons]

nonetheless thanks for the recommendation Anartiste.

[Terry_Lasater]

Talk about Ghetto with a capital 'G', check this out... http://www.studio1productions.com/dvx100.htm

I've been looking at zoom controller options for my DVX100A so I can operate it while on my jib.

Does anyone have any personal experience with the Stealth Zoom, the Zoe, or both?

For some basic zooms I've used the remote control's zoom function while the DVX is on the jib in motion. If executed properly, the abrupt stop can be disguised with the continuation of the jib move.

However, if the Stealth or Zoe offer the smooth starts and stops that they claim, then it would be worth getting one of them.

[Elvis]

Why is it Ghetto? * :-/

[Marc]

It's my understanding that with the servo zoom there is no such thing as a smooth start or stop with DVX (pre-A version).

From having built my own zoom controller (using the awesome diagrams provided compliments of Jarred) it appears that there are three fixed speeds at which the zoom operates. I could be mistaken, and also it could be different in the 100A, but I think you have to zoom manually if you want anything even resembling a smooth start/stop (unless you mask zooming with camera motion, which works fairly well).

You get the benefit of nice ergonomics with one of the Stealth or Zoe controllers, but if you have the time and the tiny bit of knowledge necessary (or a friend with the skills) you'll probably be better off saving your money and building your own... You get to choose your own components, it's fun, and you get much more of a sense of accomplishment