16×9, a California-based distributor of production tools for HD, has a new 0.75X Wide Converter for the Panasonic HVX200 HD camcorder.

With the 0.75X converter, HVX200 users get 25 percent more extreme angle of view with no sacrifice in zoom capability. Manufactured in Japan for 16×9, the 20 ounce, 40mm-long converter features an advanced HD- quality design that employs four glass elements to reduce geometric distortion and improve off-axis performance, particularly chromatic aberrations and flatness of field, the company said.

The converter attaches to the front of the HVX200 with 82mm screw-in rear threads. When combined with the camera's standard lens, the 0.75X shifts the focal length from 4.2-55mm to 3.15-41.25mm.

An included 82-72mm step-down ring allows the converter to work with the Sony HVR-Z1U, as well as Canon's XL-H1, XH-G1, and XH-A1 camcorders. For professional shading and filtering solutions, the converter interfaces with Alfred Chrosziel HDV mattebox systems.

The 0.75X Wide Converter is normally $995.00, with an initial promo special of $895. First deliveries were scheduled for the end of October 2006.

www.16x9inc.com