American Cinematographer - March 2009 - 73

able battery and a comprehensive software package. A high-quality leather case is available as an optional accessory, as are a range of products designed to extend the camera’s potential. For more information, visit www.leica-camera.com. Leica Unveils S2 dSLR Leica Camera AG has introduced the Leica S2 digital SLR, featuring a custom 37.5-megapixel, 30x45mm CCD sensor in the company’s classic 3:2 aspect ratio. In designing the camera, Leica’s engineers took a close look at the best existing dSLR designs, combining them in a practical camera body that incorporates the performance parameters of a medium-format digital camera with the ergonomics, form factor and handling ease of a 35mm SLR. The resultant S2 boasts an advanced dual-shutter system with an in-body focal-plane shutter and in-lens leaf shutters, an ultra-high-precision auto-focusing system, a new series of lenses designed to work with the new sensor, and a Maestro image-processing system that reduces power consumption and provides in-camera JPEG capability. For more information, visit www.leica-camera.com. Zacuto Supports dSLRs Zacuto is now supporting dSLR cinematography with a line of accessory kits accommodating varying needs: the Docu kit, the Cine kit, the Newsman kit, the Indie kit and the Filmmaker kit. The kits allow users to work with dSLR cameras in much the same way they would a prosumer camcorder. All kits are balanced for smooth movement and low user fatigue in both tripod and handheld use. Zacuto’s trademarked Z-Release (quick release) allows for fast installation of such components as an articulating arm, mattebox, follow focus, wireless microphone, on-board monitor and more. The combination of Zacuto’s height-adjustable Universal Baseplate and Z-Spacer allows users to mount any mattebox or follow focus to any dSLR, and the new Zacuto Zwing-Away Adapter — included in the Filmmaker kit — can turn any mattebox into a swingaway mattebox. Zacuto has also created a universal case that keeps the camera package assembled for shipment. For more information, visit www.zacuto.com. Southpaw Ships Tactic 2.0 Soutphaw Technology Inc. is now shipping Tactic 2.0, the next generation of its fully customizable workflow infrastructure. Available for Mac OSX, Windows and Linux, Tactic 2.0 offers a single software solution to manage the complex flow of digital assets, ensuring dependable, efficient and cost-effective workflow pipelines. New features of Tactic 2.0 include project-customization tools, a visual node-based pipeline editor intended to visually create pipeline processes, a browser and custom-view builder designed for creation of custom views within the Tactic Web interface, and a powerful client API enhanced to control every aspect of Tactic. “Our goal has always been to keep everything open and all things possible,” says Remko Noteboom, CTO of Southpaw. “With Tactic 2.0’s innovative and advanced new features, facilities can construct and integrate their own pipelines seamlessly across various departments, creating limitless potential for project and tool customization.” Southpaw has also announced that Digital Domain has integrated Tactic into its workflow. “It’s very exciting to work with Digital Domain’s dedicated, creative and talented group of digital artists, and we are thrilled they have chosen to integrate Tactic into their production pipelines,” Noteboom adds. Phil Peterson, Digital Domain’s senior technology officer, notes, “Tactic promises to provide us with a solid infrastructure for managing the complex flow of digital assets through our pipeline.” Tactic 2.0 has a suggested retail price of $895 per user; this includes all software upgrades and technical support for the first year. For more information, visit www.southpaw.com. Domke Introduces Long-Lens Bag Domke, a division of The Tiffen Co., has added the F-300 Long Lens Bag to its Classic Collection. The bag is designed to protect SLR and dSLR cameras that have a 300mm lens attached. The F-300 is foam padded on all four sides, and the design allows the camera — with attached lens — to be stored vertically for faster access. A 45degree-angle, zippered main compartment allows quick access and sure handling of the lens barrel, and the bag also boasts an expandable front pocket with fitted weather flap as well as a rear pocket for accessories. The adjustable 2" Gripper Shoulder Strap consists of twin tracks of highAmerican Cinematographer 73

http://www.leica-camera.com http://www.zacuto.com http://www.southpaw.com http://www.leica-camera.com

American Cinematographer - March 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of American Cinematographer - March 2009