Canon and Fujinon Now Offer a Cost-Effective Way to Acquire HD Images in the Studio

In 2004 Canon introduced a new type of HD studio lens that it predicted would help broadcasters and video professionals make the move to HD production in a cost-effective way. It was called the Compact Studio lens and it combined the best features of large, “box-style” studio lenses in a smaller package for use with ENG-style HD cameras configured for studio use.
In the past six months, the DIGISUPER 22xs Compact Studio lens (model XJ22x7.3B IE-D) has become Canon’s most successful HD lens ever, with hundreds sold. Also recognizing this trend towards smaller, lower-cost HD equipment in the studio, Fujinon introduced its own version of the compact studio lens, the XA22x7BES, at this year’s NAB.

WFTV, in Orlando, FL, is using Canon’s DIGISUPER 22xs Compact Studio lens, as are The Discovery Channel and a variety of production studios across the country. That’s because the DIGISUPER 22xs is designed to provide studio lens performance and features in a size scaled to match 2/3-inch portable HD cameras configured for studio use. It also exceeds the image quality of any portable HD lens at a very economical price point.

As more and more broadcasters and production companies reduce their HD transition costs by using portable HD cameras in the studio, the DIGISUPER 22xs helps them. It costs a third less (about $53,000) than standard-sized HD studio lenses ($70,000) and only a fraction more than a fully equipped ENG-style HD lens (about $45,000).

Yet the performance is far superior. The 13.4-pound DIGISUPER 22xs offers a wider angle of view, advanced zoom, iris, and extender features, and optical encoders for high precision and repeatability of zoom and focus settings. The lens also provides status information for critical lens parameters like f-stop, focal length, and focusing distance.

Fujinon’s A22x7BES HD lens offers a focal length starting at 7mm (Canon’s goes to 7.3mm) and ranging up to 154mm and full f-stop ramping characteristics, which makes it well suited for shooting in tight locations and small studios. A lightweight lens support is standard for use with most ENG-style HD cameras, and ample space is provided between the back of the lens and the front of the camera for access to camera function switches. There’s also a handle on the lens to prevent dropping it.

Compact studio lenses are also compatible with most mid-sized pedestal or sturdy tripod systems and work well for robotic system applications.

For more information, visit http://www.canonbroadcast.com and http://www.fujinonbroadcast.com.