Lanc control for different cameras

Hello all,

 

I'm seriously thinking about buying the Sony HVR-A1U. I already have a housing that could accomodate the camera size-wise, but am unsure wether I will be able to control the camera.

 

The housing is from an italian manufacturer (Isotecnic) and uses eletronic controls for the basic functions(Rec, Zoom, and Wide). My question is, can I simply connect a camcorder via the Lanc-cable to check if it works or do I risk "frying" it?

 

I have already mailed the manufacturer a couple of times but never got an answer - so much for service.

 

Any input/advice will be greatly appreciated

 

 

Max

Sound like it should be safe to try. Lanc controllers for use on tripods are pretty universal so this should be similar... in theory. What camera was your housing originally made for?

 

You could always get the Sony dealer himself to plug in the cable and test it then walk away faking a late appointment if things go wrong

Sound like it should be safe to try. Lanc controllers for use on tripods are pretty universal so this should be similar... in theory. What camera was your housing originally made for?

 

You could always get the Sony dealer himself to plug in the cable and test it then walk away faking a late appointment if things go wrong

 

Hello Nick,

 

thanks for your reply.

 

The housing is a so-called universal housing and was made for the Sony TRV series (at the moment it houses a DCR-TRV24).

 

I had already checked Lanc controllers on the web, but the outcome was a bit inconclusive - it seems they come for certain series as well. I will definitely take the housing to a Sony dealer to check things out - in the end I'll need to know wether it works or not - but am a bit concerned about trashing the camcorder right then and there ..... I might have to run fast with that heavy aluminium housing then

 

Maybe someone has tried something similar and can chime in.

 

thanks again

 

Max

Maybe someone has tried something similar and can chime in.

 

thanks again

 

Max

fwiw, I've plugged three different cameras, 2 8MM and 1 HI-8 into an old Lanc controlled housing and all functioned normally. LANC controllers get their power from the camera port so I don't think you'll "fry" anything.

YMMV though.

I don't know if you'll be able to access all the features though as your controller was created for a "dumber" camera.

I do know someone using an older Top Dawg housing designed for TRV-series cameras with their HDR-HC1, so I'm guessing it will be all right.

You're also not going to have MWB control through LANC, it has to be done manually by touching the screen or via the assign button on the HVR-A1U, so save yourself some money and buy the HDR-HC1 if you can still find one. Or the HC3, but it's been kind of dumbed down so read the camcorderinfo.com review first.

fwiw, I've plugged three different cameras, 2 8MM and 1 HI-8 into an old Lanc controlled housing and all functioned normally. LANC controllers get their power from the camera port so I don't think you'll "fry" anything.

YMMV though.

I don't know if you'll be able to access all the features though as your controller was created for a "dumber" camera.

I do know someone using an older Top Dawg housing designed for TRV-series cameras with their HDR-HC1, so I'm guessing it will be all right.

You're also not going to have MWB control through LANC, it has to be done manually by touching the screen or via the assign button on the HVR-A1U, so save yourself some money and buy the HDR-HC1 if you can still find one. Or the HC3, but it's been kind of dumbed down so read the camcorderinfo.com review first.

 

 

Thanks for the info - that was exactly what I was looking for!

 

Of course there will be no control over WB with the A1 with this housing but I wouldn't go for the HC1, as there are some features in the A1 that I wouldn't want to miss (XLR input for topside shooting for example).

 

.... and I can always upgrade to an Amphibico or Gates housing in the future and get MWB that way - which is not possible with the HC1.

 

Thanks again

 

Max