Will LANC start/stop work with Panasonic?

Jason R. Johnston

Jason R. Johnston

Well-known member
I am pretty much certain the answer is "no", but I wonder if anyone knows for a fact a start/stop controller using the LANC protocol will or will not work on a Panasonic camcorder; ie, DVX200. Thanks.

More info: I am looking into a handgrip for my DVX200. It'd be nice if I could control start and stop rec from the handgrip but all I can find so far are only LANC-compatible. My other option seems to be throwing a Panasonic-compatible FIZ controller onto a LWS rod or ARRI rosette arm.
 
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Right, because they're different. LANC is a Sony protocol that was also implemented by others like Canon and JVC. Panasonic has their own. Because they're different languages, basically, that tells me there's no way LANC will talk to a canera that does not share those protocols. That's why universal FIZ/Rec controllers have a switch that toggles between LANC or Panasonic. The Panasonic protocol uses the same cables for zoom/rec as LANC, but focus/iris are completely different. So, that's why I was wondering if maybe something could work between them...but I am guessing they don't.

I am going to purchase a universal zoom/rec controller and use the lanc protocol on the DVX200 to see what [doesn't] happen before switching it properly to the Panasonic one.
 
I recall an outfit called Studio1 that did a controller which I think could be switched between Canon LANC and Panasonic. Pretty cheap, and I think all that was needed was a cable or adapter. Can't find a link at the moment, but last time I looked at their site about a month ago I couldn't find the item. May be worth a call to see if it's as I recall and still available. Looked like an item they made themselves.
 
Sure. There's lots of controllers that have a Sony LANC/Panasonic Control-M toggle, but they aren't handgrips. I can't find a single handgrip that toggles between LANC and Panasonic. The only handgrip I've found is the one made for Varicam LT, which uses a LEMO connection. I need a 2.5mm TRS connection. So, I'm wondering if LANC can trigger rec start/stop on a Panasonic camera as that function in Control-M is also communicated via a 2.5mm TRS. They're similar protocols but if the implementation is different enough, then it won't work. Because if I have to buy a LANC handgrip but LANC will start/stop the rec function of the DVX200, then that's all I need. I don't need FIZ control in my right hand while shoulder-mounting the camera.
 
I'm reading lots of people saying "hey this works on GH4" etc, and saying LANC. I don't believe GH4 or 5 are LANC. They'd be using the Panasonic protocols, wouldn't they? These guys are saying rec start/stop works. I'm thinking they're using old tripod panbar remotes that are switchable between Sony and Panasonic...and they are. Erik Naso using the old Bebob DVXL: switchable. Videos on YT showing GH4 or GH5 with a remote doing powered zooms: they're using the cheap Libec ZC3D...which is switchable. And there's no continuity for any of it. Panasonic is Control-M, but the consumer side says Cam Remote. Sony switches between saying LANC and Control-L for their bidirectional interface, and they have a unidirectional version called Control-S. Canon just calls their implementation of LANC "remote." There's a third protocol by JVC called Joint Level Interface Protocol. Competition much?

Anyway, I've found a Sony LANC panbar/remote combo at work. I'm going to try it out on the DVX200 tonight and see what happens. In fact, there's a JVC sitting around here somewhere, too. I should try it out on that one. It'd be neat if rec start/stop was universal across all three of these protocols.

Oh, and Google is no help. As I search for "will LANC control start/stop recording on DVX200" it shows this thread. Nice.
 
Ok, so I found that zoom doesn't work and pressing the rec trigger does nothing. However, switching the controller from Lock to Standby triggered rec start/stop.

IMG_6651.jpg
 
"However, switching the controller from Lock to Standby triggered rec start/stop." That does not sound good. Not sure you can operate like that. Have you found a controller that will work? Are you going to buy a new system?
 
Well, Control-M will certainly work. Zacuto makes a universal system but it's stupid-expensive. LANC simply won't work. Doesn't really matter..i went and bought a smallrig system that has no triggers at all. When i do my tripod event videos i will use a panbar controller that will switch from LANC and Panasonic. No biggie.
 
I am in the same situation. I use a Vari-Zoom PG-PZ panhandle controller on some Zacuto rods. It works but it is a bit awkward. It zooms and starts/stops. I would kill for a nice handgrip. I use a Zacuto Gratical HD viewfinder and baseplate. But still no really good answer for a grip. Zaccuto is coming out with something this fall but I think it is Lanc and overkill for my needs. If you find something, please let me know.

Tom Whaley
Owner - TW Teleproductions, Inc.
 
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