FUJIFILM launches two 8K ultra-high definition broadcast lenses

FUJIFILM has launched two broadcast zoom lenses, the “FUJINON HP66x15.2-ESM” (HP66x15.2) and the “FUJINON HP12x7.6ERD-S9” (HP12x7.6) both of which will be released in February 2021. The two new lenses use cutting-edge optical technology to capture dynamic 8K video at ultra-high resolution. The HP66×15.2 is a box type zoom lens reaching the world’s longest focal length*1 of 1000mm and offering the world’s highest zoom magnification*1 of 66x. The HP12×7.6 is a portable type zoom lens covering the focal length range from the world’s widest*1 7.6mm to 91mm in telephoto. The HP66x15.2 and HP12x7.6 will complete a seven-model line-up of FUJIFILM’s broadcast lenses to cater to the industry’s need for 8K video production.

Today, the use of high-definition video is accelerating rapidly in a diverse range of video production including live sports / concert coverage and documentary programs. As countries embrace the commercial use of 8K video, which has four times the resolution of 4K video, the market is calling for broadcast lenses equipped with a very high level of optical performance.

HP12x7.9_pers1

FUJINON HP12x7.6ERD-S9

Recognising the arrival of a new broadcasting age, FUJIFILM became the world’s first to release 4K-capable lenses, and has since progressed on to develop 8K-capable lenses. The current lineup of five models is driving the trend toward higher video quality in the broadcasting industry.

The HP66x15.2 and HP12x7.6 are broadcast zoom lenses capable of producing dynamic 8K ultra-high definition video. They can resolve images edge-to-edge in astonishing sharpness to capture even the atmosphere of the scene, as FUJIFILM has applied its high-precision forming technology that can polish the surface of lens elements on the order of nanometres as well as mechanical designing and assembling technologies that accurately place multiple lens groups into a lens barrel. Their vivid colour reproduction and strong contrast result in rich tonal gradation in high dynamic range (HDR). These also feature the new “Remote Back Focus” function, which enables adjusting the back focus remotely, e.g. from a broadcast van, to streamline video shooting.

The HP66×15.2 is a box type zoom lens covering the focal length range from 15.2mm to the world’s longest focal length of 1000mm. With the world’s highest zoom magnification of 66x, the lens is capable of capturing a decisive moment of athletes far away. The HP12x7.6 is a portable zoom lens covering the focal length range from the world’s widest 7.6mm to 91mm, a perfect choice to capture an entire stadium or concert venue.

FUJINON lenses by FUJIFILM are known for advanced descriptive performance, and used in the production of movies, TV commercials, and live sports coverage across the world. FUJIFILM will continue to leverage its cutting-edge optical technology to supply high-performance lenses, addressing the diversifying needs of video production sites.

Main features of the HP66×15.2 and HP12×7.6

(1) Broadcast zoom lenses producing dynamic ultra-high definition 8K video

  • The new lenses can produce dynamic 8K UHD video, tapping into FUJIFILM’s high-precision forming technology that can polish the surface of lens elements on the order of nanometres as well as mechanical designing and assembling technologies that accurately place multiple lens groups into a lens barrel.
  • Aspherical and fluorite lens elements control image distortion and light fall-off at image corners as much as possible. In addition, the use of the floating focus system, which controls multiple lens groups according to the shooting distance, minimises fluctuations in optical performance that occur as the shooting distance changes, thus maintaining sharpness across all shooting distances from close-up to infinity.
  • FUJIFILM’s proprietary “HT-EBC (High Transmittance Electron Beam Coating)” multi-layer coating technology is applied to lens surfaces to enhance light transmittance for vivid colour reproduction and high contrast. This results in rich tonal gradation in HDR.
  • The HP66×15.2 is a box type lens covering focal lengths from 15.2mm to the world’s longest 1000mm in telephoto. It offers the world’s highest zoom magnification of 66x, capable of capturing a decisive moment of athletes far away and even the facial expression and gestures of an artist on stage during live performance. The HP12×7.6 is a portable type lens with focal lengths ranging from the world’s widest 7.6mm to 91mm, delivering an exceptionally wide angle of view to capture an entire stadium or live concert venue.

(2) Newly equipped with the Remote Back Focus function for easy 8K video production

  • The lenses are newly equipped with the Remote Back Focus function, which enables adjusting the back focus remotely, e.g. from a broadcast van, to streamline video shooting.
  • The lenses can be combined with the focus position demand unit “FUJINON EPD-51A-D02/F03” (optional), which facilitates focus adjustments at hand, to achieve precise focusing. The combination makes it easy to shoot 8K video, which demands an advanced level of focusing precision.
  • The lenses feature the high-performance optical image stabilisation mechanism, a popular feature of FUJIFILM’s high-magnification zooms. It accurately corrects image blurs caused by wind or shaking of the footing without any time lag, providing added stability in video shooting.

(3) Natural bokeh achieved with nine-blade diaphragm

  • The use of 9-blade diaphragm achieves an aperture shape closer to a perfect circle, allowing users to incorporate natural bokeh into their video expressions.

(4) Stock-standard 16-bit encoder*2

  • The lenses come stock-standard with a 16-bit encoder, enabling high resolution output of lens data including zoom and focus positions. It enables connection with various systems such as a virtual studio for combining computer graphics with live video footage.

*1 Among 8K-capable broadcast lenses as of January 21, 2021, according to FUJIFILM data

*2 It is a sensor that converts position information into digital signals. Information about zoom and focus positions is output as digital signals, split in 16-bit precision.

 

4K? Pffft… Canon announces 8K Broadcast Lenses

Canon Inc., Canon Australia, and Canon Marketing Japan Inc. have announced today the launch in Japan of two new lenses for 8K broadcast[1] cameras equipped with 1.25-inch sensors: the UHD-DIGISUPER 51 field zoom lens and the 7×10.7 KAS S portable zoom lens.

The development of the new UHD-DIGISUPER 51 and 7×10.7 KAS S zoom lenses for 8K broadcast cameras represent the culmination of Canon’s optical technologies. In recent years, such productions as documentaries and broadcasts of sporting events have begun to adopt 8K equipment to deliver ultra-high-resolution video around the world.

To that end, there is demand for essential technological developments and the stable supply of equipment optimised for 8K standards covering input, transmission and output. With the addition of broadcast lenses that realise 8K ultra-high resolution to its lineup, Canon meets the needs associated with increased image quality for video.

UHD-DIGISUPER 51

The new Canon UHD-DIGISUPER 51 achieves a level of superlative optical performance from the centre to the peripheral areas of image field to support 8K broadcast cameras. Canon’s first 8K field zoom lens, the UHD-DIGISUPER 51 realises a focal length range of 15.5 mm to 790 mm and a zoom ratio of 51x. In addition to realising a high zoom ratio, the lens maintains similar handling to existing field zoom lenses for 4K cameras that employ 2/3-inch sensors, making it possible to transition to 8K production while retaining the same shooting style as with 4K production. The lens makes possible the capture of realistic, high-resolution video in a wide range of scenarios, including indoor and outdoor sports broadcasting or in medium-size broadcasting vans.

7×10.7 KAS S

The 7×10.7 KAS S covers a focal length range from 10.7 mm to 75 mm, enabling a 7x zoom ratio on a portable zoom lens for 8K broadcast cameras. The lens achieves resolution and contrast from the centre to the periphery of the image to support 8K broadcast cameras while maintaining similar handling to existing portable zoom lenses for 4K cameras that employ 2/3-inch sensors. The lens maintains the manoeuvrability demanded of broadcast equipment for such scenarios as shoulder-mounted shooting or transporting equipment to meet a variety of video production needs, from documentary shooting and video shooting for different events to broadcasting applications.

Pricing and Availability

Product Price Release date
UHD-DIGISUPER 51 Open Early April 2020
7×10.7 KAS S Open Late December 2019

[1] A broadcasting image standard for images with a resolution of 33 million pixels, 16 times the resolution of

Full HD and four times that of 4K.

Canon strengthens 2/3” broadcast lens range with four new high-quality 4K models

Canon Australia today announces the launch of a medium, telephoto field box lens, the UJ66x9B, and three ENG/EFP broadcast lenses: the CJ24ex7.5B, CJ18ex7.6B and CJ14ex4.3B. Launched under a completely new lens category, UHDgc, the models feature smooth operability, while maintaining high lens build standards.

The CJ24ex7.5B, CJ18ex7.6B and CJ14ex4.3B – exceptional quality and operability

Built on Canon’s exceptional optical design technology, the CJ24ex7.5B, CJ18ex7.6B and CJ14ex4.3B deliver 4K resolution from the centre of the screen to the very edges. Special coatings and internal lens barrels, designed to prevent reflection and reduce ghosting and flaring, allow the operator to capture high-tonality images. Thanks to an optimised arrangement of fluorite and UD glass, chromatic aberration is reduced, providing greater clarity. With no loss of sharpness or colour fringing around the image edge, this quality is paramount for events, such as sports or concerts, when viewers want an enriching, detail-heavy experience.

With compact and lightweight bodies, the CJ24ex7.5B, CJ18ex7.6B and CJ14ex4.3B offer excellent mobility for the camera operator, ideal for documentary making and news generation. An ergonomically designed grip means the lenses fit comfortably in the hand, offering an excellent feel and minimal strain on the shoulder.

The UJ66x9B – ultimate focus and stability
Finest optical materials have been used in the UJ66x9B to achieve a high 66x magnification with a focal range of 9mm to 1200mm[i].

A new floating inner focus system grants further improvements in resolution, delivering class-leading 4K broadcast quality.

This new lens also offers excellent focus operability, even in challenging situations, such as tracking a player running down a pitch. It provides a stable servo performance (0.6 second high-speed zoom) from wide angle to telephoto, enabling the camera operator to confidently capture 4K content, for example during a fast-paced sporting event. Even the slightest vibration can impact image quality when shooting in 4K, but thanks to the UJ66x9B’s built-in Image Stablisation (IS), servo technologies are employed in the lens to guarantee 4K performance, during imbalanced shooting environments, even when panning.

Availability
Available in phased rollout from July 2018 with pricing on application.

UJ66x9B Key Features
• A versatile, fully featured 4K field lens
• Shake-free 4K images, with Image Stabilisation
• Impressive optical performance
• Superb operability and reliability
• Full support for virtual systems

CJ24ex7.5B CJ18ex7.6B and CJ14ex4.3B Key Features
• Optical performance for 2/3” 4K cameras
• Compact and lightweight body for high mobility
• Enhanced image correction tools
• High-performance digital drive unit
• Excellent design and ergonomics

[i] With built in 2x extender.