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Camera Controller Review: Varizoom StealthZoom

$229
VariZoom
(888) 826-3399
www.varizoom.com

The StealthZoom is, by design, a rather unassuming piece of equipment. The small and solidly built remote lens controller sits at one end of a 40-inch wire and is compatible with most camcorders with a LANC connection. The unit has three simple features: power, pause/record, focus and zoom. Perhaps the most obvious use is to control a camera on a tripod without touching (and potentially bumping) it. Of course you can do this with your camcorder's wireless remote, if you can get your remote around to hit the front IR port.

It wasn't until we actually began our tests that we realized the true utility of this product. While the power button, the pause/record button and the focus rocker are all convenient, the zoom is the real star here. Everyone who tried the zoom was similarly impressed. It is much more sensitive and responsive than the variable speed zooms on a camcorder. We were amazed at the sense of tension we could create in a dialog by executing an almost imperceptibly slow and relentlessly steady zoom using the StealthZoom. This useful and simple device does exactly what the manufacturer claims.

TECH SPECS
Model StealthZoom
Functions Power, Pause/Record, Focus, Zoom
Connection LANC (40-inch wired)

STRENGTHS

  • Silky-smooth operation
  • Simple and durable

    WEAKNESSES

  • A bit pricey

    SUMMARY

  • The StealthZoom gave us the smoothest and most controllable remote zoom we've ever seen.

    • D. Eric Franks | July 2003

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