Manfrotto to Launch the World's First True Electronic Follow-Focus Remote Controls for Canon HDSLR’s

LAS VEGAS, NV (April 14-April 19, 2012) – Manfrotto Distribution, world leader in the equipment and accessories industry for photography and imaging, has announced the launch of the world’s first true electronic follow-focus remote controls for Canon HDSLR’s. Aimed at making the videographer’s life simpler, these controls will debut at the National Association of Broadcasters show in Las Vegas. 

“We are excited to debut our new remote controls at the 2012 National Association of Broadcasters show,” said Wayne Schulman, Sales & Product Manager, Video. “Using HDSLR’s for video has always been problematic.  Being able to follow focus and do other functions on a HDSLR without touching the camera will help alleviate many of the issues when shooting video.  The products have tested well and have excited those that have been able to “play” with them.  We look forward to showcasing it to NAB attendees at this year’s show.” 

A brand new range of Manfrotto remote controls for Canon HDSLR’s promises a true innovation in the field of HDSLR filming – true electronic follow-focus that works by interfacing with camera and lens firmware.
Until now, follow-focus equipment has been based on an expensive, delicate hardware system of a gear-tooth belt fastened around the lens focus ring, hand-turned or motor-driven, usually via an off-axis second geared dial: every lens or set-up change has required slow and precise adjustment of components; every movement of the focus dial and lens has brought the risk of an unwanted shift in framing;  every camera operator has needed to use one hand – or even an additional person – to control follow-focus alone; and follow-focus at a distance (for example, when the camera is mounted on a crane) has been almost impossible.

Manfrotto electronic follow-focus: easier, quicker and with less interference… even at a distance
Manfrotto’s new remote controls circumvent the need for any physical, hardware interface between follow-focus system and the camera lens, and instead wire directly into the camera body to use its internal focus control systems. The advantages are obvious: lenses can be swapped easily, no extra hardware or adjustment is required, nothing and no-one moves the camera unexpectedly during follow-focus, one-man camera operation is easier and control at a distance is as simple as extending the cable between the camera and the remote. It’s tempting to say that Manfrotto’s remote controls could reshape the HDSLR sector, opening up a host of new applications and possibilities.

Control over all key camera functionality
By interfacing with the camera’s electronics, it’s not just “normal” follow-focus operations, in- and out- focus point pre-sets and focusing speed that can be ably managed by Manfrotto’s remote controls; many other camera functions can also be operated from the same convenient hand grip or clamp unit, including record start & stop, photo/video switching and shutter release, live view, one-touch auto-focus, digital zoom, aperture and exposure, ISO settings and more besides. The LCD screen on Manfrotto’s Deluxe version remote also relays general information, such as battery charge level, white balance temperature and memory card status from the camera body – especially useful if the camera’s on-body screen is hidden or inaccessible, or just too far away to be seen.

Future-proof compatibility with Nikon and Canon cameras
Manfrotto’s remote controls are Canon HDSLR compatible. In order to ensure that they keep pace with new models, innovations and developments from both camera manufacturers, the remotes have USB connections to allow firmware upgrades.

Designed for interconnectivity with Manfrotto’s SYMPLA alternative supports
Manfrotto HDSLR remotes have been developed alongside Manfrotto’s SYMPLA range of alternative HDSLR and camcorder supports, also launched at NAB 2012. The remote controls are so well-integrated into SYMPLA that they can almost be considered components of the system, even though they can also be used separately.

Different models for different requirements
Manfrotto are launching two distinct models of HDSLR remote control at NAB 2012:

Clamp version
Small and compact, the Canon-compatible clamp remote control attaches to flat surfaces, or to pipes and tubes (such as standard video head pan bars or a Manfrotto Fig Rig).

Features: Photo/video switching, Focus knob, Rec/stop or photo shutter release, Live view on/off, Digital zoom, Autofocus, Focus memory, Focus speed limit, USB connection for firmware upgrades. 

Pro version
The Canon compatible Pro version is designed to be used as one of the hand grips of a SYMPLA shoulder support, where it means that a single camera operator can properly support the weight of the camera and rig to ensure smooth, accurate framing and movement, while also controlling all camera functions, without removing either hand from the rig. The Pro version can also be used hand-held and away from the camera and its support, it can be attached to video head pan bars or set up in any number of alternative configurations.

Features: Photo/video switching, Focus knob, Selective focus, Rec/stop or photo shutter release, Live view on/off, Digital zoom, Autofocus, Focus memory, Focus speed limit, Camera settings (exposure, ISO, aperture…), LCD screen relays camera information, USB connection for firmware upgrades 

For more information, visit www.manfrotto.com.

Manfrotto.  Imagine More.

About Manfrotto DistributionManfrotto Distribution, Inc. is a leading distributor of key accessories brands for the photographic, video, cine and lighting production markets. Manfrotto Distribution is an international company within the Imaging Division of the Vitec Group, which owns the following leading international brands: Manfrotto, Gitzo, Kata, Avenger and Lastolite.. As the U.S. distributor of National Geographic, Metz, Gossen, Elinchrom, Genus and Rotatrim, which are available nationwide through an extensive network of authorized dealers, Manfrotto Distribution offers the most complete range of exceptional camera and lighting accessories in the business. The Manfrotto Distribution international network covers the U.S., Germany, France, Italy, U.K., Hong Kong, China and Japan. www.manfrottodistribution.us