“We are thrilled to debut the new SYMPLA line at the 2012 National Association of Broadcasters show,” said Wayne Schulman, Sales & Product Manager, Video. “The SYMPLA line bridges the gap between off-the-shelf, ready-to-use convenience and custom modularity, and we look forward to showcasing it to NAB attendees at this year’s show.”

SYMPLA supports can be assembled, configured and adjusted to a wide range of situations in seconds – all without tools. Every product in the line, from the unique Flexible Matte Box to the innovative Variable Plate, is made of steel and aluminum to withstand the rigors of professional use and meet Manfrotto’s high quality and performance standards. The number of components in the SYMPLA family gives users maximum flexibility and adjustment control with minimum hassle. Like everything Manfrotto makes for professional users, SYMPLA is 100% compatible with other Manfrotto photo and video support products.

SYMPLA modular rigs are yet another example of Manfrotto’s unparalleled research and development, engineering and manufacturing expertise. They incorporate design and technology innovations and best-in-class ideas from Manfrotto’s current products. Self-supporting clamps that stay in place even before they’re locked, for example, come from the world of heavy-duty stage lighting. Flexible, easy-locking ball-joint hand grips were inspired by Manfrotto photographic ball heads. Multi-axis micro-adjusters and single locking mechanisms, which make fine tuning easier and safer, come from Manfrotto photographic geared heads. And sliding plates with quick release and secondary safety buttons were borrowed from Manfrotto professional video heads. Together, these advanced components make SYMPLA modular rigs easier, safer and more comfortable for even the smallest video teams to use on location and on the run.

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.