For Sony Camcorder Lanc Zoom Controller – Wireless & Wired Remote Control with IRIS Focus Zoom ND White Balance Adjust for Sony ILME-FX6,PXW-FX9,PXWZ280V/Z280T,PXWZ190V/Z190T; Replaces Sony RM-30BP

An excellent controller with plenty of funtionality.
I am an amateur photographer as a personal hobby, but I also have a job where, as part of my role, I have to create media content. I have access to a Sony PXW-Z280 camcorder, and so when this controller came up for review I jumped at the chance. This remote control offers both wireless and wired options, giving you options depending on the different shooting setups, whether on location (in my situation) or shooting in a studio environment.On arrival, it comes in a sturdy branded box, and inside the controller is protected with cut-out foam. The instructions are refreshingly nice and clear. I had it set up in no time. The dual function of wireless and wired controls is fantastic. I particularly appreciate the wireless option, which allows for a lot of freedom during shooting, especially when moving around or filming in tight spaces. Switching to wired mode is just as seamless for more stable control when needed.The controls are initially overwhelming, but you do quickly find them to be intuitive and responsive. The zoom function works smoothly, and adjusting settings like focus, ND filters, and white balance via the remote is a real game-changer for on-the-fly adjustments without having to manually reach for the camcorder. The remote feels solid and well-constructed and yet it is light in weight, but doesn’t feel flimsy, and the buttons are tactile, providing a satisfying click when pressed.The IRIS, focus, zoom, and white balance features are incredibly useful, allowing you to fine-tune your shots without disrupting your workflow. The ability to adjust multiple settings with one remote makes it an invaluable tool for filming in real-time.There are a couple of negatives that prevent this being a 5 star review. Whilst the wireless connection is convenient, the range could be a bit better. I found that it worked well for most situations, but in larger venues or at greater distances, the signal seemed to lose strength, requiring me to be within a relatively close range of the camcorder.As mentioned, the remote has a lot of functions, which can be a bit overwhelming at first. If you’re new to using Lanc controllers or this particular model, there might be a slight learning curve to fully understand how to use each feature efficiently. However, once you get the hang of it, it becomes a valuable asset.At the time of review in late March 2025, it is listed at £139.99 which is more expensive than many other controllers, but they tend to have a lot less to offer in terms of capabilities.

A must-have for Sony camcorder users
This Lanc Zoom Controller is a fantastic tool for enhancing control over your Sony camcorder. The wireless and wired functionality offers flexibility, while the IRIS, focus, zoom, ND, and white balance adjustments allow for precise, professional-level control. It’s a real upgrade for anyone serious about their video production.Replacing the Sony RM-30BP, this controller brings all the same great features with added convenience. Whether filming in the studio or on location, it provides an effortless way to adjust key settings with ease. I’m loving it and find it to be a worthwhile investment for anyone using the Sony ILME-FX6, PXW-FX9, or PXWZ series camcorders.

*** The good 👍 ***✅ The spring-loaded knob at the bottom is very intuitive to use. It feels robust.✅ The black-and-white display is particularly easy to read in broad daylight and in dim light. This is a clever choice, probably made by photography and videography experts.✅ The way the cables are held in place, with an accidental “bend & unplug” protection is another clever design decision.*** Additional Comments ***👎 I’m removing a star only due to the fact that vendor’s website does not use a secure certificate. This is a bit scary and I did not dare connect my W11 laptop to update the firmware. In 2025, this is not to be expected.Verdict: 4⭐I hope my real-life review will be helpful to you.

I used it for the first time and it worked seamlessly. You just have to get used to. Where all the controls are located, the tactile knobs are a nice touch

If you have a camera that fits the specifications of this controller, this unit offers a lot of options for using your camera. It can control up to four different cameras, in fact, which enables you to capture multiple shots / angles / sets in real-time from a single controller. Once you learn the features and become familiar with the details, you can get a huge variety of shots.The control is immediate and seamless, and any “bad” shots are due to the operator rather than the equipment.This is a good and affordable substitute for the name brand equivalent. It’s very good value.I’m happy with this product.