American Cinematographer - January 2008 - 114

the CXX zoom lens. Because the Red camera features built-in support for Cooke’s /i Technology, no additional equipment is needed. For more information, visit www.cookeoptics.com. New Filter Gauge from Formatt Formatt Filters recently announced that its entire range of standard and HD glass filters — around 600 total — will be made available in 4mm gauge. The company has traditionally manufactured its filters to a thickness of 3mm, and Formatt Filters’ managing director David Stamp says this change is a direct response to industry demand. “The feedback we have received from major rental companies, particularly in the U.S., is that their cinematographer customers want Formatt quality, but the filters should look and feel the same as others.” While Formatt’s 3mm filters come with a frame, the new 4mm filters will be edged with a hard protective resin to aid longevity of use. Additionally, thanks to the company’s newly introduced water-jet cutting and lasermarking technology, filters can be made to order and shipped within two weeks. For more information, visit www.formatt.co.uk or call +44 1685 870 979. Dfx Digital Filter Suite Tiffen has expanded its filter line into the digital realm with the introduc- tion of the Dfx digital filter suite software. Simulating the extensive range of Tiffen’s optical filters as well as Kodak Wratten filters, the new software is available as a robust stand-alone application and as an array of plug-in suites for those preferring to work within already installed video-post applications such as Apple Final Cut Pro, Adobe After Effects and Avid Editing Systems, or still-image applications such as Adobe Photoshop. Every Dfx digital filter suite offers precision adjustments over its range of effects. A complete edition includes the most comprehensive array today, emulating more than 1,000 traditional workhorse and special-effects optical glass filters and gels. Additionally, both the plug-in and stand-alone editions are compatible with Windows XP, Vista and Macintosh OS X v10.4. For users who choose the Dfx plug-in, two options are available. A Select Edition features a range of popular filter effects, while the Complete Edition provides the entire range of over 1,000 effects. Regardless of the version used, Tiffen expects the Dfx filter suite to become an invaluable tool for cinematographers as they communicate their intended look with others. The Tiffen Dfx digital filter suite Complete Stand-alone Boxed Edition retails for $199.95. For more information, visit Tiffen online at www.tiffen.com. Manfrotto 503HDV Pro Fluid Head Bogen Imaging, the U.S. distributor of Manfrotto products, has introduced the Manfrotto 503HDV pro fluid head. Based on Manfrotto’s earlier 503 fluid head, this new version is designed specifically for use with HDV camcorders and boasts several new features, including Manfrotto’s new triple-spring adjustable counterbalance system. Combining state-of-the-art features with an easy to use design, the 503HDV touts large ergonomic locks and knobs for a more solid grip and better control. An adjustable switch controls the counterbalance settings, allowing the user to adjust the triple-spring system to accommodate various payloads for different filming needs. The counterbalance system can be adjusted to four positions ensuring both smoother tilt movements and greater equipment safety, and for enhanced ease of use, all of the controls are located on the left side of the head. The 503HDV also features an illuminated LED bubble level, making it easy for operators to level the camera in low-light conditions. Furthermore, the pan handle rosette on the 503HDV is fully replaceable, allowing users to change out a worn rosette without having to send the head away for repair. For more information, visit www.bogenimaging.us or www.man frotto.com. ¢ 114 January 2008

http://www.cookeoptics.com http://www.formatt.co.uk http://www.tiffen.com http://www.bogenimaging.us http://www.manfrotto.com http://www.manfrotto.com

American Cinematographer - January 2008

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of American Cinematographer - January 2008