SunPak V-Remote Digital Remote Controller

I've been wanting a Lanc controller for years. But as a hobbiest I didn't feel I needed one bad enough to spend 150 bucks or more for a controller I would only use periodically. Even used Lanc controllers on Ebay bring good money. It always seemed strange to me that Lanc controllers weren't being mass marketed (at a much more reasonable price). When I saw this unit in a Marketek ad [Videography magazine] on sale for $38.99 I got excited and quickly ordered one.

The purpose of this article is to help inform others about this controller. I will say up front that while I have researched a number of Lanc remote control devices and looked at a few in camera shops, I have no experience using any other than this unit. My sole purpose is to provide information about this device. Also, I am not affiliated with SunPak or any camera company. This information is provided to help other enthusiasts like myself.

About Lanc
For those not familiar with Lanc, it is a communication protocol created by Sony many years ago that allows camcorders, tape decks and other equipped devices to be controlled remotely through a multi-conductor cable. Before the days of affordable non-linear editing, Lanc equipped VCR editing decks and camcorders could be hooked to an A-B editing controller (eg. RME300). Today, many mid-level and most Pro-sumer Sony camcorders contain a Lanc jack. Many Canon camcorders and other brands also license Lanc from Sony. Look for a 2.5mm jack with a circle with a "L" in the center.

Lance remote controllers allow the operator to turn a camcorder on/off, zoom, focus, record, pause, play, FF/RR and control other functions. They are handy for tripod use because they let the operator pan and zoom at the same time. They are also useful for controlling boom cameras and in underwater housing applications.

For me, I have been looking for an inexpensive and compact Lanc controller for use on a camera boom (which I plan to make soon) and to adapt to an underwater housing.

The SunPack Kit
The SunPak controller is made in China (suprise). It comes in a blister package with instructions and a handy tripod clamp. The single-sided instruction sheet is well written and easy to read. It explains the function of each button and how to use the clamp [more on the clamp later]. As for Markertek, this was my first order with them. I have ordered many items from B&H over the years, and i have received a couple Markertek catalogs too. I ordered online and included a few other do-dads I had my eye on. Ordering went smooth and I received my package in a timely manor. I am happy with their service and will consider ordering from them again.

The Controller
The controller consists of a lightweight silver-colored plastic body with grey buttons and accents on each side. It is a stylish unit about the size of a mini-DV cassette and nearly as thick in some places. The buttons are somewhere between a soft plastic and rubber. The accents on each side are textured to aid in gripping the controller. The coiled cord contains a 90 degree 2.5mm plug and extends from 12 inches to between 5-6 feet. Markertek also sells Lanc extension cables in a variety of lengths at a reasonable price.

The SunPak controller gives you the basics: Standby (similar to on/off), Zoom control (one speed), Focus, Record/Pause, On-Screen Data, a Photo button and a handy Search control that lets you rewind the tape briefly while in the record mode.

Tripod Clamp
Included with the controller is a handy clamp assembly for use on a tripod, boom or other application. I wasn't expecting much for a tripod clamp so I was pleasantly suprised by it's quality. Where do I start... the jaws are rubber, to provide a firm non-marring grip on a tripod handle and the tensioning assembly and tension screw are made of metal. One nice touch is the tensioning screw paddle is hinged so once adjusted it can be folded out of the way.

My Impressions

Pro's: The SunPak Digital Lanc Controller is inexpensive, compact, lightweight and gives you control of the most basic functions. Overall I was pleasantly suprised with the quality of the controller, the cable and the included clamp. The tripod clamp has an infinite range of motion so I was able to adjust it to a position that was comfortable for me. All the functions perform as advertised and I didn't notice any strange quirks. It uses camera power so batteries are not needed. The L-shaped plug is nice in that it reduces the risk of accidental damage to the camera jack. The photo button (for those who like to take the occasional snap-shot with their camcorders) works in either the tape or memory stick mode on my two Sony camcorders depending on which record mode the camera is in. According to the directions, the Lanc controller can also be used with still cameras equipped with the Lanc feature.

Con's: Many users may be annoyed by the single-speed zoom. My tests show it is the second speed zoom (second from the slowest). So if you are looking to achieve a very sloooow zoom, you won't get it from this controller, and there is no way to select another speed. The focus is also single speed and non adjustable. Furthermore, it cannot be used with the zoom simultaneously. In other words, you can't pull a focus and zoom at the same time. It's either one or the other, baby! While I consider the unit light-weight and snappy, some users may consider it cheap and unsubstantial. I guess that's a matter of perspective.

Conclusion
Finally, a Lanc controller made for the hobbiest at a reasonable price! The SunPak Digital Remote Control unit (model: V-Remote) follows the 80-20 rule pretty closely. It does a good job providing users with the most basic control functions used most frequently: record/pause, zoom and focus. Those looking for a more full-featured Lanc controller may wish for more features, but for those looking for a basic Lanc controller at a great price, I think this really fits the bill.

Markertek.com
Link to Markertek Lanc-1 page - Click Here

Markertek also has Lanc cables in 6', 12', 25' & 100' lengths (Lanc-6F $7.99, Lanc-12F $9.99, etc). I was not able to find these cables by searching on their website, but they ARE listed in a flyer. If you need a cable you may consider ordering over the phone. Their cables are quite a bit cheaper than B&H's.