American Cinematographer - December 2007 - 120

1080/24p, 200 minutes in AVC-Intra 50 at 1080/24p, 160 minutes in other AVC-Intra 50 formats, and 80 minutes in other AVCIntra 100 or DVCPro HD formats. Recording times will double with the release of Panasonic’s 32GB P2 card in November. In addition to offering P2 HD’s nomoving-parts reliability and innovative recording modes, the HPX3000’s solidstate benefits result in a fast file-based workflow, providing immediate access to video content from all cards simultaneously for confidence viewing. For creative picture enhancing, the camera has a three-level Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS) function that varies the gamma correction to match the contrast within the image. A Scan Reverse function allows the HPX3000 to use an ultra prime lens or an anamorphic lens adapter to create a 2.35:1 aspect image for widescreen cinematic shooting without image cropping. In addition, the camera offers dual optical filter wheels for separate control of ND and CC, and a flip-out, 3.5-inch color LCD monitor for easy viewing. Available interfaces include IEEE 1394A in/out, USB 2.0 in/out, genlock in with HD Tri-Level Sync or VBS in, and SMPTE time code in/out. An HD/SD-SDI input for external line recording is offered as an option. The HPX3000 can record full 48kHz/16-bit digital audio on all four channels, and is equipped with an RCU terminal for connecting the optional AJRC10G remote control unit for superb image and control adjustment. Panasonic offers a five-year limited warranty (Panasonic Broadcast’s normal 1-year basic warranty plus an extended warranty for years two through five). The AJ-HPX3000 is available at a suggested list price of $48,000. For more information, visit www.panasonic.com. Century Five-Filter Kit for DV/HDV Cameras Schneider Optics, maker of professional add-on lenses, has introduced the Century 4"x4" filters. Each member of this new five-filter kit has been specifically selected to meet the 120 December 2007 needs of today’s DV/HDV cinematographers. The filters combine superior-grade materials, high-end performance and affordability. To best handle exposure, Century offers two ND filters. The Neutral Density .6 Solid filter reduces transmission by 75 percent, controlling exposure or depth of field under various lighting conditions without affecting color or contrast. Century’s Neutral Density .6 Soft Edge Graduated filter employs a surface that’s 50 percent clear and 50 percent with a neutral density of 0.6 (2 stops), to balance exposure within a scene — for example, the exposure of sky and earth in a landscape, which avoids overexposed blank white skies. The Century Polarizer reduces glare and unwanted reflections, saturates colors, deepens blue skies, improves contrast, and penetrates haze. For subtle enhancement of a scene, the Black Frost 1⁄2 Diffusion filter can be used to flare highlights, mute colors, and tone down contrast, without degrading image quality or black saturation. Century’s Skintone Enhancer Warming filter adds warmth to skin tones and accentuates foliage and architecture while reducing excessive blue in outdoor open shade. The ideal tool for romantic close-ups, it can be effectively combined with Century softening filters. The new Century DV/HDV series will be offered as 4"x4" size filters, which fit neatly in any standard mattebox filterholder. Filters may be purchased separately, in a hard plastic box designed for safe storage and maximum protection, or together as a kit, complete with a lightweight, multicompartment padded case and a convenient belt loop. Retail price is $129 for single filters and $499 for the five-filter kit. For more information, contact Schneider Optics, in Los Angeles, (818) 766-3715; fax (818) 505-9865; or in New York, (800) 645-7239 or (631) 761-5000; Web site: www.schneideroptics.com. Pro8mm Pro814 Super 8 Camera Pro8mm has introduced the Pro814, a newly rebuilt, recalibrated Super 8 camera modified to optimize the results of modern film stocks. Pro8mm chose the popular Canon 814 as the platform for the technical improvement. Already one of the better Super 8 camera systems, the Canon 814 can be dramatically improved and upgraded to support modern film stocks. Three major improvements have been made to the 814 that will produce above average results in the image. These include calibration to an advanced exposure system, the removal of the 85 filter system and fine adjustments to the camera’s take-up system. The Advanced Exposure Calibration System in the Pro814 provides accurate film exposures for all modern film stocks that range from 50500 ASA. Most Super 8 cameras were designed and calibrated to make their best pictures using Kodachrome film. With the discontinuance of Kodachrome 40, it was time to establish new standards and to calibrate cameras to the modern film stocks now widely used. In Pro8mm’s testing of eight Canon 814s, the internal exposure was off by an average of 2 stops. The new Pro8mm notch system is designed to provide accurate film exposures over a range of six ASA designations. Calibrated in 2⁄3 f-stop increments, this system can tell a properly calibrated camera the best way to expose all Super 8 film

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American Cinematographer - December 2007

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of American Cinematographer - December 2007