Do they make camcorders that can be controlled with a remote while filming puppets? I bought a JVC GR-770u for Christmas to learn with and I'm still learning. I'm just thinking of upgrading in the future and was wondering what folks might reccomend.

Billy D.

Yes they do, it bumps the price up a bit, I have one with full remote control of all the features of the cam corder.  I personally love Sony Brand and I believe they have the best cam corder's on the market for about the same price of competition.   Know what you are going to do with the camcorder before purchasing and then find the features that you need.  Anyone who sees my video's believe they are high definition quality video even though the cam corder is about 5 years old and uses mini tapes. 

 Of course IMO 

Daryl H

Thanks Daryl.................. I thought so! Ive watched some instructional videos on sculpture and they were using a remote to pan in on close ups. I'll check Sony out.

Billy D.

  Know what you are going to do with the camcorder before purchasing and then find the features that you need.

Excellent advice and worth repeating.  These are complex devices.  Features and the details of their functions vary from model to model.  No one camera is right for everyone so it's important to have a very clear idea of what you want/need to do and then do your homework.  This time so spent will be the most important part of your investment in a camera. There are many good sources of information on camcorders on the internet.  A good place to start would be here  http://www.camcorderinfo.com/

   

...Ive watched some instructional videos on sculpture and they were using a remote to pan in on close ups. I'll check Sony out.
Billy D.

A note of clarification, panning is not controlled by a camera's remote.  Remote control panning requires an external servo unit to which the camera must be mounted.  I expect what you meant to say was "zoom" not "pan."

You are correct I did mean to say zoom................ Thanks for catching that. See how much I know but I'm learning as we speak.


Billy D.

My Canon HV30 can zoom with the remote, and in the options I can set the zoom speed to like 1 of 4 or 5 speeds and then variable which only really works on the body of the camera itself with the zoom's rocker switch. So if I know in advance what zoom speed I want for the shot I can set it and then use the remote. But honestly it's hard to see the little camcorder screens from a distance alone let alone then using another hand to zoom in/out on the tiny remote.

I'd give my unborn for a good boom/crane and vari-zoom setup