AC130: Tripod Handle Zoom Control for HMC 130 / 160
- Thread starter tolyinoz
- Start date
scapsinger
Well-known member
Varizoom VZ-ROCK-PZFI. Operates zoom, focus, iris and record functions. Works on DVX, HVX, HPX, HMC and now AC camcorders.
Mike Warren
Well-known member
The VZ-ROCK is for Sony and Canon cameras. The VZ-ROCK-PZFI is for Panasonic cameras. It has 2 plugs. One controls zoom and start/stop and the other controls focus and iris.
Given the 130/160/250 share the same chassis, I imagine the VZ-ROCK-PZFI should be compatible with the AG-HPX250 as well.
Mike Warren
Well-known member
I'm certain of it. Panasonic won't have changed the protocol and left the same plugs and naming.
Terry_Martin
Active member
I have used a varizoom, bebob, and manfretto 522P on a HMC 150, HMC40, and HPX250. The varizoom is the worst at controlling slow zoom rates (= instant amateur jerks), the bebob is fine, and the 522 is the best in its manual mode. The electronic presets are great, but it took me three units to get one that worked correctly.
Mike Harvey
Veteran
I've used the Bebob on both my HMC150 and my DVX when I had it, and loved it.
I use a cheap one for my hmc151 with a jib and works well
http://www.studio1productions.com/zoom-controller-dvx.htm
http://www.studio1productions.com/zoom-controller-dvx.htm
Hi Everybody,
Thank you for this wonderful forum i read since many months...
Does someone use the Manfrotto "522 P Remote for Panasonic" on the AC160 ?
I'm looking for a remote which can achieve a slower zoom than the built-in AC160 slow zoom. Is this remote able to do that ?
This very slow zoom effect greatly emphasizes keypoints during interviews, in a very professional way.
I don't want to manage this effect during post-production (because of the resolution loss), nor do i plan to use a Dolly.
I already use the Manfrotto MVR901ECPL which works perfectly on the AC160, except the zoom speed range which only match the AC160 default built-in zoom speed capabilities...
Thanks
Thank you for this wonderful forum i read since many months...
Does someone use the Manfrotto "522 P Remote for Panasonic" on the AC160 ?
I'm looking for a remote which can achieve a slower zoom than the built-in AC160 slow zoom. Is this remote able to do that ?
This very slow zoom effect greatly emphasizes keypoints during interviews, in a very professional way.
I don't want to manage this effect during post-production (because of the resolution loss), nor do i plan to use a Dolly.
I already use the Manfrotto MVR901ECPL which works perfectly on the AC160, except the zoom speed range which only match the AC160 default built-in zoom speed capabilities...
Thanks
kwkeirstead
Well-known member
The ability to slow zoom is great but what we all really need is a monitor where you can
1) draw a frame with your finger
2) trace an arc from your current crosshair position
3) have the camera auto slow zoom to your desired framing along the arc you have traced.
Tricky of course if your target is off the LCD but not impossible to put in navigation that would take you through intermediate scenes.
I find it VERY difficult to pan/tilt/zoom in a seamless manner from one scene to another.
When you are zoomed in, you can easily have trouble finding your new point of focus.
Any recommendations?
And what about fixing on, say, a person, and having the camera follow that person (sports events etc).
Am I over the edge here or are things like this going to come to us? Maybe these features already exist in more expensive camera systems.
1) draw a frame with your finger
2) trace an arc from your current crosshair position
3) have the camera auto slow zoom to your desired framing along the arc you have traced.
Tricky of course if your target is off the LCD but not impossible to put in navigation that would take you through intermediate scenes.
I find it VERY difficult to pan/tilt/zoom in a seamless manner from one scene to another.
When you are zoomed in, you can easily have trouble finding your new point of focus.
Any recommendations?
And what about fixing on, say, a person, and having the camera follow that person (sports events etc).
Am I over the edge here or are things like this going to come to us? Maybe these features already exist in more expensive camera systems.
Last edited:
Hi Walter,
HeeHee, your creative juices are flowing again- I think you have just described a laser guided bomb sight! Have you any friends in the military?? Wouldn't that be something- but yes, it could happen- just look at the mercurial development of touch screen technology and phones with a brain the size of the planet. Not so many years ago this was the stuff of startrek sci fi. Maybe your wish is already under development and we might see it next year!
Cheers
Rod
HeeHee, your creative juices are flowing again- I think you have just described a laser guided bomb sight! Have you any friends in the military?? Wouldn't that be something- but yes, it could happen- just look at the mercurial development of touch screen technology and phones with a brain the size of the planet. Not so many years ago this was the stuff of startrek sci fi. Maybe your wish is already under development and we might see it next year!
Cheers
Rod
I have two varizoom controllers.
One has two plugs, zoom focus iris. The other controller just zoom.
I like them. Use them on hmc150, dvx100b and dvc60.
On the hmc150 seem to be able to do better zooms then without the controller, but can't manage a silky smooth start every time. I really like smooth start / stops. Just most. They'll work on the ac130 ac 160 and hpx250 I'm pretty sure. The protocol is the same.
One has two plugs, zoom focus iris. The other controller just zoom.
I like them. Use them on hmc150, dvx100b and dvc60.
On the hmc150 seem to be able to do better zooms then without the controller, but can't manage a silky smooth start every time. I really like smooth start / stops. Just most. They'll work on the ac130 ac 160 and hpx250 I'm pretty sure. The protocol is the same.
ChrisHarding
Well-known member
Hi Guys
The zoom controller itself is a very simple passive circuit (no batteries) and yes the controls work on all HMC cams and AC cams too. I built my own one from the sticky on the HMC forum and it works very well..if you change the potentiometer value or even better use a multiturn one you can achieve really micro zoom with it that no commercial unit could give you....Cost would be under $20 ...you just need a plastic box, a control and knob and a switch and cable/plug to the camera remote socket. I have some pics of mine posted there but mine has the "works" including focus shift ....if you need just zoom it's even easier to DIY!!!
Link : http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?222141-Remote-control-circuit-posted/page3
Chris
The zoom controller itself is a very simple passive circuit (no batteries) and yes the controls work on all HMC cams and AC cams too. I built my own one from the sticky on the HMC forum and it works very well..if you change the potentiometer value or even better use a multiturn one you can achieve really micro zoom with it that no commercial unit could give you....Cost would be under $20 ...you just need a plastic box, a control and knob and a switch and cable/plug to the camera remote socket. I have some pics of mine posted there but mine has the "works" including focus shift ....if you need just zoom it's even easier to DIY!!!
Link : http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?222141-Remote-control-circuit-posted/page3
Chris
Terry_Martin
Active member
I use the Manfrotto 522 P with both the HMC150 and HPX250... my favorite zoom controller because it is good at slow zooms. It is a powered unit with actively controlled zoom presets. My first two were returned because the zoom in/out speeds didn't match in the presets, but the third one worked.
Last edited: