AC130: Tripod Handle Zoom Control for HMC 130 / 160

I use the 522p with my HMC150 kits. Really like it, EXCEPT...on my first two units, I have had the plastic ring right below the rocker crack and break, which causes the zoom rocker to hang up or require manual positioning. That happened on my first two, 2nd two have been just fine. Just be careful to protect that plastic ring below the rocker!

On the AC160, I use a cheap zoom/start/stop only unit. It was bought to control the cam on a small 5' crane. It does a decent job on contrlling those functions.
 
delite74 said:
I don't want to manage this effect during post-production (because of the resolution loss), nor do i plan to use a Dolly.
Click to expand...

I know you say you won't do this in post because of the resolution loss, but I actually do this all the time in post and NEVER lose resolution because I shoot in 1080p24 and edit at 720p24, so I have plenty of room to move around the frame. I do this to help with cutting between shots, smooth zooms, etc....very flexible solution for post.

However, if your material MUST retain the highest resolution (1080p) then this isn't an option. I just wanted to point out the 1080 > 720 workflow if you hadn't thought of it that way.

I do use the Varizoom ROCK PZFI unit and the zooms are pretty good...it was a lot better on creeping zooms on the HMC150 because the zoom range was much smaller...the AC130 with its 20x range is a bit speedier but I've still gotten good long creeping zooms from it.
 
For those who do not wish to build their own, I have the following news from Studio 1 "We are designing two new controllers for the Panasonic cameras, which includes the AG-AC160. The new controllers will be ready in about 4 to 5 weeks, depending on the holidays and the machine shop. The basic controller will be $49.95 and the advanced controller will be $89.95"
 
Hi Guys,

First of all, many thanks for all your replies.
I highly appreciate your help :cheesy:

building its own device is a great idea so i will keep this in mind and try it as soon i have time...
and yes Scapsinger, your solution is also a good idea as i probably edit SD DVD or publish on the internet as let's say 720P. I think this approach will increase with the futur 4K camcorders...
I will also keep an eye on Studio 1...

On my side, i also asked the Panasonic technical support.
They told me that the Remote Control Protocol actually did not change in new AC camcorders (as you said Firehawk)
They gave me the technical protocol. I post it as an attachment in case you are interested in it.
They also gave me an old list of compatible remotes and told me that this list still applies to the new AC camcorders.

View attachment Panasonic Camcorder Remote Control Protocol.pdf
View attachment Remote Controls List (old list but still applies to new AC serie).pdf

So far, i decided to buy the Manfrotto 522P (until i have time to build my own). Terry_Martin made me confident.
It will probably arrive next week, so i should be able to compare it with the MVR901ECPL i already have and give you a feedback by one week or two...
 
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Hi guys,

- For those who are interrested in the feedback of the Manfrotto 522P remote with the AC160 -
I Just received it and unfortunatly, it does not work as expected with the AC160 :cry::
Actually, this remote has two modes.
1) When using the Analog mode, it behaves great and offers exactly the same control as the MVR901ECPL does.
2) However, when using the Digital mode (which is its added value), at the slow preset speed level, it zooms in but does not zoom out at all.
There is also a custom zoom speed but it does not work either.
Playing with the options which work and whatever the previous disfunctions, in all cases, this remote control is not able to zoom at a slower speed than the AC160 built-in slow zoom speed (speed #1).
Sadly, my only choice is to return it to the seller.

This Manfrotto product is either defective (as Terry experienced it on 2 units) or incompatible with the AC160.
I also asked Manfrotto for information but after beeing transferred to the dedicated department, I never get any answer. Hence, i will give up with Manfrotto.
ok, now, I don't have so many choices left as bebob and varizoom does not offer more zoom control capabilities than these the MVR901ECPL already does.

I will keep an eye on studio 1 (thank you Kwkeirstead) and wait 5 weeks (wow... it means next year...) or build my own.
ChrisHarding, the video in the thread you mentioned is locked as private. Any suggestion to watch it ?

Thank you all for your posts.
of course, any other positive experience on a very very smooth zoom control is always welcome :happy:.
 
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Well I have a 250 and when on a tripod use a 521PFI Focus Remote Control of the left and 521 for zoom on the right. I have not had any issue with these units. I bought each on ebay used and could not imagine not having such a smooth zoom and great iris control and focus.
 
delite74, it should definately work for you. Must be a defective unit. I have two that work fine, although you must be careful not to damage the ring below the zoom rocker, its kinda delicate.
 
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delite74,
Sorry that you got a bad unit. After the second bad one from B&H, I got Manfratto to fix it. It was a pain, took a while, but they eventually sent one that worked fine. I got the feeling that they had a bad factory run, and knew about the problem.
 
Hi guys ;-)

Hi rzr219 >
Yes, you're absolutly right: the 521PFI and 521P remotes are great and work very well. Actually, i talked about the MVR901ECPL because it's the new model that replaces the 521P. I use 2 AC160A for multicam recording and i already use this remote for the so called "master" cam.
I just wanted to improve the zoom on the "slave" camera. That's why i'm looking for another more powerfull remote.

Hi Sewolla >
I read carefully your first post and took more care about this famous ring than the camcorder itself ... lol. In my case, i think the ring was ok. At least it seems to be...

Hi Terry >
I guess you are right. It should be a defective set of units, considering Panasonic answered me very quickly and nicely that the protocol never changed and is the same than this of previous series and therefore should and must be compatible without any doubt. I don't have the oportunity of trying several units, and my local Manfrotto office (Vitec financial group) seems to be more focused on its shareholders than on its customers.... so i give up with this 522P remote.
Many thanks for your feedback and warnings.

In case i give a try to the Studio 1 model (2013 Q1), I won't forget to give you a feedback.
Since then, have i nice Christmas... :Drogar-Happy(DBG):
 
I have the 521PFI - its ok. A bit sensitive on focus but manageable. I can test it a bit if you like. I have been doing stage recordings all winter so have not had much need to use it.

I would check out Studio 1 and try to go for zoom, focus, iris, start/stop - they told me they would have something by January for AC160

http://www.studio1productions.com/zoom-controller-dvx.htm

I wonder what their LCD monitor would be like.

The pricing looks ok for most of the stuff they list

Anyone know this vendor?
 
I'm in the UK and took delivery of my Studio1 today - very pleased with early results. I have it mounted on the left arm of my DVTEC Multirig. Once you get used to what direction you need to turn the various knobs it works a treat! Thanks to whoever recommended it!
 
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