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Zoom Servo (Zoom Demand)

Zoom Servo (Zoom Demand)

Rental Price: $ 35.00/day

Uses a sensitive pressure rocker switch to continuously adjust the zoom speed, giving the operator absolute control over the lens movement.

The electronic Servo controller ensures smooth zoom movements without jerkiness or vibration, which is critical for live broadcasts and high-quality film production.

Integrated Function Buttons: Often features convenient buttons like REC/VTR (Record/Playback) and Zoom Speed/Limit, allowing quick access to camera functions.

Ergonomic Design: Available in various designs (handheld, handle-mounted) to suit different shooting environments, from EFP (outdoor production) to Studio.

Wide Compatibility: Uses standard connection ports (typically 8-pin or 12-pin) to ensure compatibility with most Canon and Fujinon Broadcast lenses.

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Description

The Zoom Servo / Zoom Demand is a professional handheld controller designed to provide precise electronic zoom control for compatible broadcast ENG/EFP and studio lenses.

Mounted to the camera’s tripod pan handle, the zoom demand allows the camera operator to smoothly control the lens zoom without reaching for the lens itself. The variable-speed control is particularly valuable for live sports, television, concerts, corporate events, and other productions where smooth and repeatable zoom movements are required.

Depending on the specific lens and controller, advanced functions may include variable zoom speed, speed presets, frame presets, and shuttle-shot operation.

Key Features

  • Professional electronic zoom control
  • Handheld tripod-handle design
  • Smooth variable-speed zooming
  • Ergonomic rocker/zoom control
  • Designed for broadcast servo lenses
  • Suitable for ENG/EFP camera systems
  • Precise control for live production
  • Compatible with select Canon and Fujinon servo lenses
  • Can provide preset and advanced zoom functions on supported systems
  • Designed for fast-access operation during live shooting

Professional Zoom Control

A zoom demand provides much more precise control than operating the lens zoom rocker directly from the lens.

The operator can use the controller to perform:

  • Slow cinematic zooms
  • Fast sports zooms
  • Smooth push-ins
  • Smooth pull-outs
  • Controlled framing adjustments
  • Repeatable zoom speeds
  • Preset zoom movements on compatible systems

Canon describes digital zoom-demand systems as providing fine control over zoom speed and additional functions such as Shuttle Shot, Speed Preset, and Frame Preset.

Ideal Applications

Live Sports

Excellent for baseball, basketball, soccer, football, table tennis, and other sporting events where operators need to quickly follow changing action.

Broadcast Television

Designed for ENG/EFP and studio-style broadcast camera systems.

Concerts & Live Events

Allows operators to make controlled zooms while maintaining continuous camera operation.

Corporate Events

Useful for conferences, presentations, award shows, and multi-camera productions.

Studio Production

Provides precise zoom control when paired with compatible studio or broadcast lenses.

Jimmy Jib & Remote Camera Systems

A compatible zoom demand can be integrated into a remote camera or jib system when the lens and control system support electronic zoom operation.

Lens Compatibility

Zoom demands are not universal. Compatibility depends on the specific controller, lens servo system, connector, and communication protocol.

Examples include:

  • Canon broadcast servo lenses
  • Fujinon broadcast servo lenses
  • ENG/EFP lenses
  • Studio/field lenses
  • Compatible B4-mount servo lenses

Canon, for example, offers dedicated Zoom Demand systems for specific broadcast lens families, while Fujinon offers zoom-rate demand units for its Premier, Select, and Broadcast servo lenses.

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