Camcorder zoom question

[TrackingError]

Note the zooms in the amateur (non-TV-screen) portion of this video. They are fairly fast and "snappy", yet smooth.

This video was likely shot on a VHS camcorder - the exact equipment used is unknown; many VHS camcorders had manual zoom rings.

Manual zoom (ring). This is a zoom ring on the lens housing which is rotated manually, typically by the left thumb and index finger.
Advantages: Speed (you can do super-fast zooms); doesn't require power (so no drain on your battery).
Disadvantages: More difficult to control; harder to get smooth zooms.

It doesn't seem that there are any modern camcorders with these zoom rings; hence, my question.

Are there any consumer/prosumer-level camcorders available today which allow for a smooth-ish, yet very "fast" zoom with little motor noise? This seems to be quite rare, at least from what I have seen (every camcorder I have tried as of late has fairly "slow" zoom speed).

Thank you for any information you can provide, in advance.

Lawrence

[sanlyn]

AMateurs sho0uld not be allowed to buy video cameras with zoom lenses.

[TrackingError]

Your question proves my point.

And what, exactly, do you mean by that?

I asked a very simple question about zoom lenses. While I don't claim to be a professional videographer, I have taken my share of footage over the years and feel I have a grasp of the technology as well as the technique.

By "analog", do you mean MiniDV? I know those cameras store the data digitally, but "tapes" are still required. Or are you referring to VHS tape, the lo-fi godess of distorted video? Or perhaps Betacam?

Thanks,

Lawrence

[budwzr]

Hence the popularity of the Canon T3i as a camcorder AND still camera. Both having a manual zoom ring, and a manual focus ring.

[sanlyn]

@budwzr: yes, I finally found info on the Canon T3i, but you beat me to it. Just couldn't remember the model name. I hear it's a pretty smooth zoom and a nice Canon lens. I don't own one myself, but a family member has it and that lens has great clarity.

Sorry, TrackingError, but zooms are the most over-used and abused feature on movie cameras, with trembly long-tele shots a close second.. The fast trombone act is so prevalent it gets annoying, and it's one of the first things movie production trainees learn to avoid. But suit yourself, I realize how popular it is.

By analog I refer to film. Digital is too slow and blurry IMO. To each his own. Anyway, the T3i is good stuff.

[TrackingError]

Yes, I understand that zooms can look awful if over-used. Some of the footage I shot when I was just starting... ouch.

[sanlyn]

No problem, trackingerror, I'm not one to dictate how you shoot. Everyone does what they want. I might've sounded cranky about an old-time film production major's pet peeves, for which I apologize. You wouldn't have wanted to hear how one of my early trainers ripped the hell out of my stuff! . My ears are still ringing, and that was some years back. Technically, however, problems arise when you try to clean up visual elements that many zoom techniques wreck because the operator exceeded the capabilities of the equipment or the media. Then, all you have is a mess that can't be fixed.