Optefex is a new filter manufacturer for our industry. Their first offering is a series of streak and star-pattern filters in various sizes. What’s particularly interesting is that they are available in a variety of colors as well.

Lens manufacturers have long-strived to eliminate any strange aberrations or optical artifacts from their designs so that they can deliver an accurate image. Of course one man’s aberration is another man’s art, and many miss the “personality” of certain older lens designs. One common visual artifact was the blue horizontal flare that some older anamorphic lenses would create off bright highlights. A streak filter is an effective and easy way to replicate this look. Watch the video to see how simple and effective these colored streak filters are.

Recently, I was able to get my hands on the new Sony PMW-F3. This compact camera features a 35mm sized sensor and all the formats and functions of the EX1R and EX3. Sony has also incorporated several features previously only available on the highest end cameras, including dual link HD-SDI output (for 4:2:2 1080 50/59.94P as standard; and RGB 1080 23.98/25/29.97PsF as an option) and S-Log gamma modes. Both of these features will be add on features in the future. The sensor is a new design with pixels four times larger than those on a Sony DSLR, which makes it very sensitive and very low noise. We are now taking orders on both the F3L model (without lenses) and F3K model which comes with three Sony branded PL lenses. Watch my video above to learn more about this exciting new camera.

Until recently, filtering the Panasonic AG-3DA1 was a challenge. Basically you had to use a 6×6 mattebox with a sliding base plate, or engineer a smaller mattebox to fit the housing for the lenses. Neither option was optimal given the small and compact nature of this camera.

Thankfully, Vocas has introduced an adaptor (114mm to AG-3DA1) for their existing MB-450 mattebox. The platform for mounting the mattebox is the Vocas MBS-100 15mm rail support.

As far as filtration, I found that using ND filters on the 3DA1 is a must. The camera handles interiors well, but after you open to your widest stop, the camera starts increasing gain to raise luminance levels. Exterior daylight shots will definitely need an ND, so having a set of straight NDs and a set of grad NDs would come in handy. Watch my video above for more on this mattebox setup for the 3DA1.

This week there have been three important firmware updates for XDCAM EX cameras, the Convergent Design NanoFlash and the Zoom H4n. Read on for the details.

Sony XDCAM EX Firmware Update

If you are interested in using the new 64GB or 32GB SxS-1A cards, your XDCAM EX camera will need a firmware upgrade. The SxS-1 32GB cards have been out for sometime now, but the new SxS-1A cards have just recently starting shipping. These cards have faster transfer speeds, up to 1.2Gbps, which really makes a difference when downloading your footage through the ExpressCard interface. The following cameras require the firmware upgrade to work with these cards: PMW-EX1, PMW-EX1R, PMW-EX3 and the PMW-350. The new PMW-320 and PMW-500 cameras should work with no upgrade necessary. The firmware can be downloaded from the Sony website, which also includes instructions for installation.

Convergent Design NanoFlash

Convergent Design has updated the NanoFlash to version 1.6.226 (beta). This update adds many features including the ability to hot-swap cards and switch between cards on the fly. They have also added support for playback of Canon XF305 files, which makes the NanoFlash the only deck that can playback the Canon XF305/300 video. There are several other updates and bug fixes that every NanoFlash user will appreciate. This firmware is currently in beta, but worth checking out. Click here to download the firmware and learn more (bottom of the page).

Zoom H4n

The popular Zoom H4n has just been updated to version 1.70, which allows independent level controls on the unit’s two XLR inputs. This is very important for anyone using the H4n as a recording device for video work. Download the latest firmware here.

At Abel, we’ve been seeing strong interest in the ARRI ALEXA for all types of production. With any new technology, there are lots of questions as to the virtues of the system, how it functions on set and what it is like to carry it through post. To help answer these questions, Abel Cine Tech has been building a library of Technical Resources on the ALEXA.

ARRI ALEXA Overview
Key features of the ALEXA with links to brochures and articles – including Jon Fauer’s Special Edition Film & Digital Times profile of ALEXA.

There’s Something About ALEXA
Unique and interesting functionality of the ARRI ALEXA from Abel’s perspective.

FAQ for ARRI ALEXA
A detailed camera FAQ that is useful for both technical and non-technical readers.

ALEXA Camera Online Tools
Arri’s ALEXA Camera Simulator is an interactive training tool for learning the camera’s simple and efficient menu structure. The virtual interface is identical to the one found on the actual camera. The ALEXA Frame Line Composer allows for the construction of custom frameline markings that can then be imported into the camera.

ALEXA Sample Footage
Basic footage from the ALEXA, captured in various levels of ProRes on the camera in both REC709 and LOG-C. Ideal for testing post workflows and color correction capabilities.

ARRI ALEXA Post Workflow: Options, Quality & Ease
A discussion of the various post workflow options available with the ALEXA and how each is supported in the industry today.

ARRI Digital Workflow Diagrams
Diagrams of common ALEXA workflows from production through post.

There are a few types of filters that need to be rotated in the mattebox in order to be adjusted for proper use. The most common is the polarizer, which alters its effectiveness based on its relative direction to the light. On a rotating filter stage in a mattebox, it is simple enough to turn the tray and set the polarizer, but many matteboxes do not have rotating trays, or only have a single stage that rotates. The RotaPola is a special filter holder that rotates a polarizing filter within. The various size models fit into standard matteboxes and adjust the filter rotation with a geared wheel. This wheel can be adjusted with a finger, but can also be controlled by a standard follow focus or lens motor. Watch my video to learn more uses for the clever RotaPola.

Panasonic’s latest full-bodied camcorder combines the sensor from the HPX3000 and the body of the HPX370, making it a small form factor camera with a beautiful 2/3″ 1080P 3-CCD sensor. The camera has all the features of the HPX3000, and a couple from the HPX3700 as well, including FilmRec up to 600% and dual color filter wheels. The HPX3100 maintains the high quality of the Panasonic P2 lineup with AVC-Intra 100 recording, but is also sleek and compact. Check out the camera and Panasonic’s new B&W viewfinder (AJ-HVF21KG) in the video above.