Fujifilm @ NAB 2012

Debut of HA19x7.4BERM Premier ENG/EFP and XA19x7.4BESM-D8 Studio/Field Lens

Two compact HD lenses, each featuring technical firsts in their size, will make their U.S. debut in Booth C7525 at the 2012 NAB show, which runs from 14th to 19th April in the Las Vegas Convention Centre. The two new HDTV lenses, which expand their respective product lines, are the HA19x7.4BERM/BERD 2/3-inch Premier Series high-performance HD ENG/EFP production lens and the XA19x7.4BESM-D8 compact, HDTV studio and field box-style lens.

First introduced at IBC 2011, the two lenses both with 19x zoom ratios, are the first in such a compact size to feature three floating zoom groups and Aspherics, which combine to produce unsurpassed optical performance. They also feature the latest EBC coating, resulting in richer colours and improved blue response and transmittance.

The XA19x mini-box lens offers automatic compensation of focus breathing. This mechanism synchronizes the zoom movement to the focus movement, enabling the image size to remain constant when focusing - a must in episodic production. 

“The advanced features we’ve built into these lenses are extremely important in the HDTV/big screen era as television viewers can see much more picture detail - including information in the corners of the screen - than ever before,” explained Thom Calabro, Director, Marketing and Product Development, FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Optical Devices Division.“For this reason, it’s vital to have consistent resolution from edge to edge,” Calabro added. “These two new lenses expand our product portfolio with capability and superb optical performance that is ideal for high-end HDTV production. With 16-bit encoders and 2.2X extenders as standard features, these new 19X lenses ensure precision performance even in the most demanding HD production applications.”

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Weighing only 3.3kg, the lightweight HA19x7.4BERM/BERD 2/3-inch lens is ideally suited to the rigors of high-end ENG/EFP HDTV production, including entertainment, news, sports, and documentaries.  A new ergonomic grip reduces operator fatigue, and the lens can be ordered with manual or servo focus and zoom.

The XA19x7.4BESM-D8 is ideally suited to live studio production, such as live news, sports, and entertainment. With features like RS-232 control and tally lights, it can also be used in conjunction with virtual reality studio sets and robotic camera systems. Both the XA19x7.4BESM-D8 and HA19x7.4BERM/BERD lenses have advanced diagnostics to keep them working reliably, as well as a short “MOD” or minimum object distance of 0.55mm, which allows shooting at closer distances.

With the 2.2X extender as standard, both lenses give users zoom capabilities and reach comparable to that of FUJINON HA23X7.6 and the HA22x7.3 lenses. Their inherent advanced optics also compensate for aberrations throughout the entire zoom range, with dramatic reduction in geometric distortion on the wide side of the focal range for superior optical performance.

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Also new at NAB 2012: The XA20xs8.5BERM EXCEED ENG lens
Making its debut in the USA, the XA20xs8.5BERM, the newest member of the 2/3-inch, cost-effective EXCEED ENG lens series. The new XA20x is a telephoto lens with a 2x range extender, an ergonomic digital servo, Quick Zoom and inner focus. It also features improved corner resolution. It is the first of the EXCEED series of economically priced ENG lenses to include a 2x extender. The new lens is ideal for a variety of production applications from newsgathering to in-studio use. It can be used with rear controls for zoom and focus, so is suitable for tripod use.

The Optical Devices Division will also demonstrate its XA50x9.5BE SM HD field telephoto lens. The cost effective XA50X9.5BESM is ideal for regional, minor league, and collegiate sports coverage, as well as houses of worship, corporate events, and other venues requiring longer focal length lenses. The 45-pound lens features an integral camera supporter that requires no additional camera lens support, which results in a considerable cost savings over other designs that require a build up kit or separate camera/lens support.

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Fujifilm to INTRODUCE LONG HD Field Lens with attractive price point
XA77x9.5 features OS-TECH image stabilization, FIND diagnostic system, 16-bit encoding, dust-proof and anti-fogging technology, macro shooting, and remote control.

The XA77x9.5 is well suited for use within mobile trucks, at stadiums, sporting events, arenas, larger houses of worship – anywhere a long lens would be beneficial in capturing detail and close up images from far distances.

“This is a lens that makes high-quality, long-distance shooting possible for a much wider range of customers,” said Thom Calabro, Director, Marketing and Product Development, FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Optical Devices Division. “And it comes standard with several key features that ensure rock solid performance.”

Among them, the XA77x9.5 features the company’s patented OS TECH image stabilization. OS-TECH contains sensors that detect the slightest movement caused by vibration. A correction signal is applied to the optical system, which helps to maintain a stable image when shooting from an unstable platform, or in windy conditions.

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The lens’ advanced diagnostic FIND (Focused Intelligent Network Diagnosis) system aids in preventative maintenance and troubleshooting by evaluating lens electronic and mechanical parameters.  

The XA77x9.5 also incorporates FUJINON’s dustproof and anti-fogging technology. All FUJINON field lenses have a fixed front element that reduces dust contamination and serves as a protection for the front focus group. A concealed compartment that contains a drying agent reduces fogging in internal lens components due to humidity. All of this helps in maintaining long-term reliability and performance.

And 16-bit optical encoding output provides high positioning accuracy in virtual environments. An advanced back focus system on the XA77x9.5 allows macro shooting from as close as 2.7m from the subject.  With an optional controller, the advanced back focus provides enhanced production features. Of course, this HD field lens is compatible with all existing FUJINON EFP controllers, and full remote control via RS-232 is standard.

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About Fujifilm in Europe
Nowadays Fujifilm entities operate in over 50 group companies in Europe and employ more than 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, motion picture, 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. In 2011 a merger of Fujinon (Europe) GmbH into FUJIFILM Europe GmbH was carried out. Before the merger Fujinon (Europe) GmbH operated mainly in two market segments: Endoscopy Systems and Optical Devices. Over many years Fujinon had been one of the foremost pioneers in the development of optical technology. Based on continuous research, long experience and leading-edge technology, Fujinon branded products provide quality of the highest standard in the world for Broadcast and Cine lenses, Binoculars, lenses for CCTV and Machine Vision applications as well as special custom made optical products e.g. in mobile phones and automobiles. At the time of merger the Optical Devices business was established as a new European Business Domain within the FUJIFILM Europe organization.