
Review Summary
2014-08-04T20:00:00
When everything is quiet, you can hear the noise from the pan/tilt motors while it is moving. I wish the pan/tilt had an variable speed control. When the camcorder is zoom out, you can run into an situation where the pan/tilt jerks from where it is to past where you want it to stop. Overall, I am satisfied with the CTRL1 and my panasonic camcorder
TomInIowa
The Panasonic VW-CTR1 Pan-Tilt Cradle for Camcorders from Panasonic uses a motion sensor featured on compatible Panasonic camcorders to automatically track a moving subject when mounted between the camera and a tripod. The cradle has a 352deg. (+/-176deg.) range of horizontal motion and a 30deg. (+/-15deg.) vertical range. In addition, the VW-CTR1 features Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing the pan and tilt functions to be operated manually from a smartphone or other mobile device. In manual operation it can be used with most small camcorders. Provided sufficient signal strength it can even be operated from another room making it suitable as a baby monitoring solution.
The VW-CTR1 features a 1/4"-20 screw for mounting a camera and features a 1/4"-20 threaded hole on the bottom so that it can be attached to most tripods. It can power from either two AA batteries or from and external power source via USB. An AC power supply is included.
Remote Tracking
A motion sensor on select Panasonic camcorders allows the VW-CTR1 to follow a moving subject. Compatible models interface through a USB port on the unit. These include: HC-W850, HC-V750, HC-V550CT and HC-V250.
Wi-Fi Controllable
Using the Panasonic Image App for Android or iOS and a Wi-Fi-enabled mobile device you can control the VW-CTR1's pan and tilt operation remotely, even from another room - as long as you are within Wi-Fi range.
AA Battery Powering
When powered from alkaline AA batteries the VW-CTR1 remains operational for up to 170 minutes or up to 240 minutes when using Ni-MH rechargeable batteries.