FUJIFILM to launch new broadcast zoom lenses designed for 8K ultrahigh-definition video

FUJIFILM Corporation announces the development of new broadcast zoom lenses “FUJINON HP66×15.2-ESM” (HP66×15.2) and “FUJINON HP12×7.6ERD-S9” (HP12×7.6), capable of producing dynamic 8K ultrahigh-definition (UHD) video.

The HP66×15.2 is a box type zoom lens reaching the world’s longest focal length of 1000mm and offering the world’s highest zoom magnification of 66x. The HP12×7.6 is a portable type zoom lens covering the focal length range from the world’s widest 7.6mm to 91mm in telephoto. The HP66×15.2 and the HP12×7.6 are due to be released in the summer of 2020 and the fall of 2020 respectively.

Fujifilm will continue to leverage its optical technologies, fostered at the forefront of video production, to further expand its lineup of high-performance broadcast lenses, including lenses compatible with 8K broadcast cameras, and lead the broadcast equipment industry.

Today, the use of high-definition video is spreading globally, especially in live sports coverage and documentary programs. Ultra-high-definition (UHD) video at 4K and 8K is expected to proliferate even further, with Japan launching the “new 4K/8K satellite broadcasting” in December 2018 and China accelerating its move to adopt 8K broadcasts. Amidst these trends, there are growing needs for high-performance video equipment compatible with 4K and 8K. Recording 8K video, which has four times the resolution of 4K video, requires lenses with an exceptionally advanced optical performance.

Fujifilm has taken its advanced optical technology, fostered over many years, to develop 8K-compatible broadcasting lens in 2001. Since then, the company has expanded its lineup to lead the industry.

The HP66×15.2 and HP12×7.6 are broadcast zoom lenses capable of capturing 8K UHD video. The ultra-high resolution that supports 8K equipment is combined with vivid color reproduction and high contrast to produce rich tonal gradation in high dynamic range (HDR). The lenses can be used with the focus position demand unit “FUJINON EPD-51A-D02/F03”, released in March this year, to achieve precise focusing. The combination makes it easy to shoot 8K video, which demands an advanced level of focusing precision.

The HP66×15.2 is a box type zoom lens covering focal lengths ranging from 15.2mm to the world’s longest 1000mm in telephoto. It offers the world’s highest zoom magnification of 66x, ensuring to capture a decisive moment of athletes far away. The HP12×7.6 is a portable type zoom lens covering focal lengths from the world’s widest 7.6mm to 91mm, delivering an exceptionally wide angle of view that can capture, for example, an entire stadium.

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 expand its lineup of 4K- and 8K-compatible lenses in response to diversifying needs of broadcast production.

Main features of the HP66×15.2 and HP12×7.6

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 nanometers 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, minimizes fluctuations in optical performance, caused by shooting distance changes. It delivers sharp footage across all shooting distances from close-up to infinity.
• Fujifilm’s proprietary “HT-EBC (High Transmittance Electron Beam Coating)” multi-layer coating technology enhances light transmittance for vivid color 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 every 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.

Use of the high-performance focus position demand unit and optical image stabilization mechanism to make 8K video recording easier than ever before

The lenses can be combined with the focus position demand unit “FUJINON EPD-51A-D02/F03” 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 popular high-performance optical image stabilization mechanism, already used in existing high-magnification zoom lenses. It accurately corrects image blurs caused by wind or shaking of the footing without any time lag, providing added stability in video shooting.

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.

Stock-standard 16-bit encoder

The 16-bit encoder is equipped with the lenses, providing 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.

For more information, please visit http://www.fujifilm.eu.