LAS VEGAS (NAB2004, Booth # SU9649), April
12, 2004 - Recognizing the rapid expansion
of HD camera system options from multiple
manufacturers, Canon has unveiled two new
HD studio lenses, the DIGISUPER 22xs and DIGISUPER
23xs, for NAB2004. The introduction of the
DIGISUPER 22xs lens represents the creation
of an entirely new lens category: the compact
studio lens, which is specifically intended
to create more cost effective HD studio camera
systems. The new DIGISUPER 23xs model extends
HD acquisition flexibilities with an affordable
complement to Canon's HD studio lens line.
"With Canon's long history of innovation,
it should come as no surprise that the DIGISUPER
22xs lens represents not just a new product,
but an entirely new kind of lens," said Gordon
Tubbs, assistant director, broadcast and communications
division at Canon U.S.A., Inc, a subsidiary
of Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ). "As the first-ever
compact studio lens, the DIGISUPER 22xs lens
provides affordable high performance to facilities
equipped with portable cameras."
Designed in response to the industry's increasing
use of portable HD and SDTV cameras for studio
production, the Canon DIGISUPER 22xs lens
brings top-quality optical performance in
a compact box-style design. Created specifically
and only for use with portable cameras, the
DIGISUPER 22xs lens, also known as the XJ22x7.3B
IE-D lens, exceeds the image quality of any
portable HD lens or SDTV box-style lens, at
a very economical price point.
Equipped with the HDxs system, the DIGISUPER
22xs lens uses Canon's X-Element and Power
Optical System to achieve the highest possible
specifications in an extremely compact and
lightweight, 13.4 lb. package. Top performance
is a hallmark of the first-ever compact studio
lens; with a maximum zoom speed of .5 seconds
and focus of 1.5 seconds. The DIGISUPER 22xs
lens has an f-stop of 1.8 that provides very
fast optical performance, excelling in low
light. It offers a focal length of 7.3~161mm
and, when used with the 2X extender, can achieve
a focal length of 14.6~322mm. A choice of
three different zoom and focus control systems
allows facilities to tailor the DIGISUPER
22xs lens to their exact requirements, and
an included supporter system for both camera
and lens ensures a rigid support for every
configuration.
With the new DIGISUPER 23xs lens, or XJ23x7B
IE-D lens, facilities working in both HDTV
and SDTV have a budget-friendly option to
complement Canon's DIGISUPER 25xs model. Designed
with the HDxs system for higher optical performance
in a smaller package, it offers an impressive
f 1.7 aperture as well as a focal length of
7~161mm, and can achieve a focal length of
14~322mm with a 2X extender.
Both the DIGISUPER 22xs lens and DIGISUPER
23xs lens feature the latest generation of
digital electronics, including Canon's new
rotary encoder servo system for zoom, focus
and iris using miniature components specially
developed by Canon. This feature increases
functionality with virtual reality studios
as well as many other applications, and makes
zoom and focus controls more precise and repeatable.
These encoders are anticipated to play a major
role in supplying precision digital lens data
as metadata systems evolve for production.
Other highly useful functions include Shuttle
Shot and Framing Preset, Speed Preset, Constant
Angle Focusing System (CAFS), PC connection,
CPU upgrades, and high-speed interactive digital
interface for virtual studio computers or
robotics.
"This new pair of new HD studio lenses is
poised to make a significant impact on production,"
added Gordon Tubbs. "As the first-ever compact
studio lens, the DIGISUPER 22xs lens will
optimize studios that rely on portable cameras.
Our new DIGISUPER 23xs lens opens up new options
for facilities seeking value and versatility."
See the full line of Canon products throughout
NAB2004 at Booth # SU9649, Las Vegas Convention
Center.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business,
and industrial imaging solutions. The Company
is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired
Companies in America, and is ranked #39 on
the Business Week list of "Top 100 Brands."
Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is
a top patent-holder of technology, ranking
second overall in the U.S. in 2003, with global
revenues of $29.9 billion. For more information,
visit www.usa.canon.com.
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All referenced product names, and other
marks, are trademarks of their respective
owners.
EDITORS Please note corporate contact information
for this division:
For more information, please call Canon Broadcast
and Communications Division at 1-800-321-4388
or visit www.canonbroadcast.com.
