HVX 200 remote zoom / focus

[John Fishback]

Check out: https://www.varizoom.com/controlsindex.html

I have no experience with them, but have heard of them.

John

Dual 2.5 G5 4 gigs RAM OS 10.4.8 QT7.1.3
Dual Cinema 23 Radeon 9800
FCP Studio 5 (FCP5.1.2, DVDSP4.1.1, Comp2.3, STP1.1, Motion 2.1.2)
Huge U-320R 1TB Raid 3 firmware ENG15.BIN
ATTO UL4D driver 3.50
AJA IO driver 2.1 firmware v23-28
Pro Tools HD w SYNC IO, Yamaha DM1000, Millennia Media HV-3C, Neuman U87s, Genelec Monitors, PrimaLT ISDN

[Michael Sacci]

I have the varizoom, the focus is okay but if you are looking for more of a true follow focus the Bebob might be better. As for the varizoom zoom control it works really well but I would like the speed control that the Bebob offers. But the Bebob combination is a lot more money but in hind sight I might be willing to spend that extra money now.

I wonder how responsive the electronic focus is to people that have used gear ones for years. I have never used a gear follow focus and while I think the response is good, a seasoned pro may think it is lacking.

[Vince Becquiot]

hmm, that looks nice. I would still like to see separate zoom and focus on each side. Trying to zoom and focus with one hand is just nearly impossible in action shots.

Thanks for the info.

Vince

[Michael Sacci]

The varizoom can be purchased either way

VZ-PFI Focus/Iris on one and Rock-DVX (works for HVX also) Zoom/Rec on the other

Or all together Rock-PZFI.

I have both sets for different set ups the two controllers for sticks and the all in one for jib.

[John Fishback]

I should have mentioned this in my first post. We have a Vocas remote zoom for our HPX500. I’m not sure if they work with the 200. However, it looks like they have a focus unit that works with the 200. It’s the MFC-1. It has a remote cable if you look in the accessories link.

Here’s their site:
https://www.vocas.com/

John

Dual 2.5 G5 4 gigs RAM OS 10.4.8 QT7.1.3
Dual Cinema 23 Radeon 9800
FCP Studio 5 (FCP5.1.2, DVDSP4.1.1, Comp2.3, STP1.1, Motion 2.1.2)
Huge U-320R 1TB Raid 3 firmware ENG15.BIN
ATTO UL4D driver 3.50
AJA IO driver 2.1 firmware v23-28
Pro Tools HD w SYNC IO, Yamaha DM1000, Millennia Media HV-3C, Neuman U87s, Genelec Monitors, PrimaLT ISDN

[Jeff Carson]

We are very happy with BeBob.

[Holycowseattle]

We bought a Varizoom AND a BEBOB before we realized our annoyance was with the HVX camera.

(There is no way to ‘feather’ slowly into a zoom on this camera as you can with full-size cameras. There is ALWAYS a ‘bump’ when you start the zoom from a dead stop. The zoom motor has a minimum operating speed….and there is a significant gap in that speed between MINSPEED & ZERO.) A 3rd party controller CAN’T help you overcome that limitation. We thought so. All 3rd party controllers do is relocate the on-camera controls…off-camera. You gain no functionality, only convenience.

Both controllers (VAR/BE) work equally well within the limitations of the camera. They send the same messages within the avalable protocol. They allow you to zoom/focus and contol the iris. If you need more control/better control than what they offer use a full-size camera/lens.

Ergonomics are the main difference. Find someone who sells ’em retail and try them for yourself.

Regards
-P

[Holycowseattle]

Sorry–forgot to mention my orignal point.

We ended up using the CAVISION gear and follow focus knob for follow focus work. For CRITICAL follow focus work, there is significant ‘lag’ and softness in both the electronic controllers we have. For everyday use they are convenient and wonderful…but if you are doing some serious cinematic stuff with very shallow depth of field….use the mechanical controllers. They allow you to feather much more precisely. (And yes, we tried the ‘big wheel’ option on the varizoom.)

Again, the electronics are great for everyday shooting.
Mechanical for critical follow focus.

Beyond that, remember as wonderful as the HVX is it can’t do everything as well as the ‘big-rigs’. Compared to our other rigs (whose lenses cost more than the HVX camera)….Zoom and focus are a limitation on this unit. Sometimes you have to consider using a more appropriate tool for certain shots—OR simply adjust your shooting style to compensate.

Regards
-P

[D. scott Dobbie]

I don’t have any problem with any sort of “bump” – starting or stopping. Are others experiencing this? And the Varizoom Rock-PZFI works great for me, by the way.

[Vince Becquiot]

Thank you for the overwhelming responses.

I would indeed like to get more input on that bump issue before I spend anymore on this camera.

This is obviously not a camera that can be used on larger, more critical productions, but I do love the amount of features and control packaged in what is really just a camcorder. When I compare its footage with that of similarly priced HDV cameras, it becomes clear that this is a different beast.

I would love to be able to add that remote zoom and really want to know if that bump does occur. I can understand the focus lag, since it isn’t mechanical, and that should be all right in none live productions.

Thanks again,

Vince