Fujinon 4K Ultra HD Zoom Lens Launched
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Back in 2009 the “HK-Series” cine zoom lenses with 8K-class optical performance was introduced. The HK-Series have since become popular visual tools in major movie productions around the globe. In 2012 on the back of the success of the HK-Series Fujinon launched the 4K-class “ZK-Series” cine zoom lenses which are much lighter in weight, they were the world’s first PL-mount cine lenses which incorporated detachable full servo 16-bit drive units. Both the HK and ZK lens series played a major role in the 4K test broadcasts of numerous global sporting events including the Confederation Cup and World Cup, further raising both Cinematic and TV Broadcast industry recognition of FUJINON as synonymous with 4K (+) ultimate optical performance.
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The demand for 4K video contents are surging amidst a 7-fold year-on-year increase in the shipment of 4K-compatible television sets to approx. 11.6 million units*2 last year and the launch of a dedicated 4K channel (CS satellite broadcasting) in Japan in March this year. Fujifilm’s lineup of cine lenses has included the “HK-Series” which offers optical performance approximating to 8K systems, and “ZK-Series”, which combines 4K optical performance and electric drive units. With a solid reputation not only from the film industry, but also from broadcasters producing 4K content. Fujinon lenses in both “HK” and “ZK” series are frequently used in 4K broadcasts at international sporting events.
Nonetheless, the broadcasting industry generally uses cameras equipped with 2/3-inch sensors now including 4K cameras with the same sensor size, and is therefore seeking compatible broadcast lenses that can deliver advanced ultra-high definition optical performance. Based on that requirement Fujifilm developed the recently launched “UA-Series” 2/3” 4K U-HDTV lens models UA80x9 BESM and UA22x8 BERD which have now bridged the gap between the Cine & TV industry segments. Ultra-high resolution 4K imaging demands a higher dimension of lens performance, and Fujinon responded with a new line up of 4K U-HDTV broadcast lenses. Honed by decades of development and enhanced by cutting-edge optical technology, the acclaimed “HIGH RESOLUTION”, “HIGH CONTRAST” and “HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE” of Fujinon lenses ascends to new heights and conquer the 4K pinnacle of optical performance demanded by imaging professionals.
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Minimal aberrations over the entire zoom range with extreme high contrast, high dynamic range and image purity are achieved by FUJINON’s newly developed zoom group approach and floating focus system (variator/compensator). True 4K imaging expression rich in color reproduction is realized by the increase is realized by the increased red and blue transmittance ratio which is a benefit of the HT-EBC (Electron Beam) coating with the highest transmittance and lowest reflectivity ratios that can be achieved with current production technologies. The below graphic illustrates the optical performance values which can be achieved by the type and degree of coating layers which is applied to the glass (crystal) elements.
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Excellent 4K imaging quality of even distant detail is faithfully conveyed to the camera by elevating the optical performance in the frequency bands that carry the vast majority of imaging. High-fidelity transmittance of “blacks” to the camera is essential to imaging expression, and FUJINON achieves this with advanced optical material and the latest in lens coating technology.
Optical loss is reduced to new extremes to achieve 4K-class imaging expression rich in color gamut reproduction.The 4K image quality not only displays suppression of a variety of aberrations, but also remarkable sharpness and clarity. The UA-Series has integrated 16-bit encoders that can provide high-resolution lens data output including extremely accurate zoom, iris and focus data. This capability and interface promise enhanced compatibility with virtual systems for composing CG with live broadcast images.
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In optics, modulation transfer function* indicates the capability of optical contrast transmission.Often the contrast reduction is of most interest and the pattern translation can be ignored. The relative contrast is given by the absolute value of the optical transfer function, a function commonly referred to as the modulation transfer function (MTF).While optical resolution, as commonly used with reference to camera systems, describes only the number of pixels in an image, and hence the potential to show fine detail, the transfer function describes the ability of adjacent pixels to change from black to white in response to patterns of varying spatial frequency, and hence the actual capability to show fine detail, whether with full or reduced contrast. An image reproduced with an optical transfer function (OPT) that 'rolls off' at high spatial frequencies will appear 'blurred' in everyday language*. A perfect lens system will provide a high contrast projection without shifting the periodic pattern; hence the optical transfer function is identical to the modulation transfer function. Typically the contrast will reduce gradually towards zero at a point defined by the resolution of the optics.
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Fujifilm will continue to tap into its optical, high precision forming and assembling technologies that have been nurtured over many years to develop and supply innovative products that address the diversifying needs of broadcasting production.Fujifilm has been engaged in the development and production of Fujinon TV&Cine lenses for over 50 years, enabelingg exceptional image creation around the globe.
About FUJIFILM Corporation
FUJIFILM Corporation is one of the major operating companies of FUJIFILM Holdings. Since its founding in 1934, the company has built up a wealth of advanced technologies in the field of photo imaging, and in line with its efforts to become a comprehensive healthcare company, Fujifilm is now applying these technologies to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the Medical and Life Science fields. Fujifilm is also expanding growth in the highly functional materials business, including flat panel display materials, and in the graphic systems and optical devices businesses.
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About Fujifilm in Europe
Nowadays Fujifilm entities operate in about 50 group companies in Europe and employ approximately 5,000 people engaged in R&D, manufacturing, sales, and service support. Throughout Europe they serve a range of industries including medical, chemical, graphic arts, electronic materials, optics, recording media and photographic technologies. FUJIFILM Europe GmbH (Duesseldorf, Germany) acts as Strategic Headquarters for the region and supports its group companies in Europe by formulating marketing and corporate strategies.