OT: Sony LANC specs

Serena wrote on 10/18/2006, 9:54 PM
There was discussion on another post about LANC capabilities and specifically getting a VERY slow zoom. Someone suggested that the minimum speed is set by the camera electronics. Having got some information from the tech guys, that appears to be so.
The Sony LANC communicates digitally with the camera (Panasonic seems to employ DC voltages, from other information). "LANC™ is a bidirektional serial open collector communication port, where two devices can communicate with each other. The camcorder gets its commands and sends back counter, status and other data."
Pertinent is the command: "00 variable speed zoom Tele: slowest speed" and "10 variable speed zoom Wide: slowest speed". If you want details go to Sony LANC.
This indicates that 23 seconds is indeed the slowest that will be achieved by LANC.

Comments

apit34356 wrote on 10/19/2006, 4:23 AM
Serena, one could easily write a program for controlling zoom, in selected stages, over a timed event. With a motorized head, fun, fun,.....
Serena wrote on 10/19/2006, 5:42 AM
What I had thought would be nice is a LANC follow-focus. But one needs feedback on focus (lens) position and I think that's not available.
BrianAK wrote on 10/19/2006, 5:56 AM
Serena,

I have built a LANC control board that talks to Sony cams, I haven't tried those command but when I get a minute Ill try them and see what kind of results I get.

Brian
richard-courtney wrote on 10/19/2006, 7:38 AM
Brian I would be interested in your project.
I had an old Sony tripod and modified a Miller pan arm to accept the Sony handle.
I would love to fix it up.

Encoding the lens on my camera would not be possible but I love the idea.
I have seen audio mix board that have motorized sliders....really cool.
Serena wrote on 10/20/2006, 12:16 AM
Brian,
If you make a reliable electronic follow-focus you'll have a market for it. The Z1 (and FX) has a facility for electronic transition from A (zoom/focus) to B (different zoom/focus). So, internally the camera has the means for follow-focus. But is that accessible via the LANC?

Serena