IndependentFilm.com

While on set of the movie "The Legend of Johnson Roebling" (New York independent feature film produced by Tommy Walsh) I had the opportunity to experience the Mini35 adapter. What this device does is allow a camera, like the Panasonic DVX100a pictured here, to utilize professional 35mm film camera lenses.

35mm lenses have a better handling of focus, and help to create a better visual story. And, it's what audiences are used to seeing in multi-million dollar films.

The lenses that ship with mini-DV cameras are effective for standard shooting, but are limited with the deep focus that much more expensive cameras offer.

If you look closely, the Mini35 adapter actually sets the extra 35mm lens to the side. This adapter box takes the image from the new lens and places it on a surface that is 35mm wide inside. The mini-DV camera then focuses on that. Kind of ingenious. Depth of field, focus and angle of view are virtually the same as with a 35mm motion picture camera.

When you attach the adapter to the camera, it will take away the convience of a small form factor, but what you gain is a profesional looking product that most will not be able to tell wasn't shot on film.

This product by P+S Technik is available for many mini-DV format tape cameras and will also be available for the new JVC HDV GY-HD100U in late August.