I recently had a chance to use the StealthDVX
Zoom controller from Varizoom on a big VFX shoot. For the unfamiliar,
this controller lets you zoom in and out at variable speeds and
also includes a pause/record button. The StealthDVX comes with
a long cable that connects into the Panasonic DVX100's cam remote
port. It can then be clamped onto your tripod or any other convenient
surface.
In this setup I was shooting groups of
costumed extras in front of a green screen from a variety of
camera supports for an upcoming summer release. We used tripods,
platforms and a cherry picker to film the extras from a variety
of positions and heights. I found the StealthDVX to be incredibly
useful and convenient. First and most importantly I was able
to control the camera without touching it. This was critical
for green screen shots because they all needed to be lock-offs
with no shaking. I could lock my tripod down and start recording
anytime; completely confident I hadn't disturbed the camera at
all.
Later, when we began to shoot out of
the cherry picker high off the stage floor, the StealthDVX again
saved me. Truth be told, I'm quite afraid of heights and in this
setup I was 30 feet up in a little metal cage! I had the DVX100
clamped to the side of the cage and pretty much just wanted to
hold on for dear life. I affixed the StealthDVX to one of the
bars in the cage and ran the cable up to the DVX100. I could
then hold onto the cage firmly with both hands and still control
the camera. This helped me complete my shots and remain calm
(please don't tell my boss I was scared.)
The zoom controller section was also
quite useful. I could creep in and out until I had the exact
frame size the VFX supervisor wanted. I could also quickly pop
out for a super wide so he could position all the extras on the
green screen. All in all a fun shoot made all the more enjoyable
by a great little piece of gear. I can reveal which movie this
was for sometime later this summer
Noah Kadner
moderates several forums on 2-pop including the Panasonic 24p
forums. This summer he makes his feature film directing debut
in New Mexico. Read all about it at www.highroadproductions.com
Links for this article:
StealthDVX Zoom - http://www.varizoom.com/
Panasonic DVX100 - http://www.panasonic.com/PBDS/subcat/dvproline/index.html