6x wide-angle zoom HD video lens expands shooting versatility of Canon XL H1

Dubai, UAE, 20 November 2006: Canon has launched its new HD Video 6x Zoom XL 3.4-20.4mm L lens in the Middle East. The wide angle lens is specially engineered to deliver the increased resolution that defines High Definition (HD) imaging. At a time when demand for HD content has never been greater, this new wide lens extends the shooting options available to TV studios, production companies, digital filmmakers and other videographers working with the Canon XL H1.[1]

"Introducing a dedicated wide-angle lens for the XL H1, Canon supports the rapidly growing number of professionals and high-end consumers who require superior quality HD capture," said Anurag Agrawal, General Manager Sales and Marketing, CME. "When developing a new lens, Canon is in the unique position of being able to draw on 70 years of optical innovation, 48 years of broadcast lens development, and the expertise of an entire broadcast lens division. The result meets nothing less than the most exacting imaging standards."

The new Canon HD Video 6x Zoom XL 3.4-20.4mm L lens for the XL H1 incorporates:

  • 6x wide-angle optical zoom with Canon XL lens mount,
    35mm equivalent 24.5-147mm

  • Large diameter f/1.6-2.6 aperture, with independent focus, zoom and iris ring controls

  • Ultra High Refractive Index Aspherical Lens (UA) elements, allowing a compact lens construction that maintains superior optical quality

  • Twin built-in Neutral Density (ND) filters (1/6 and 1/32)

  • Zoom and focus preset points

  • Integrated mechanical shutter for still image capture

Superior image quality - Canon Video L lens

Feedback from professional users of the Canon XL H1 camcorder has driven development of a new HD 6x wide-angle lens. The lens uses Ultra High Refractive Index Aspherical Lens (UA) elements: delivering the enhanced image quality that HD video requires, it has also been possible to reduce overall lens size.

With close focusing to just 2cm at the widest setting, the new lens is highly adaptable and is particularly useful in restricted working environments.

Independent aperture, focus and zoom rings

The f/1.6-2.6 lens incorporates separate fast and responsive ring controls for focus, zoom and iris. These allow a cameraperson the most direct control of key variables during shooting. Partnered with the XL H1 body, it is possible to use either the camcorder's existing iris control system or the lens ring. With a 6-blade near circular aperture at all settings, the lens delivers attractive defocusing.

ND filters

The new lens incorporates two built-in Neutral Density (ND) filters (1/6 and 1/32), that allow the full range of depth of field to be used even in the strongest lighting conditions.

Zoom and focus presets

Attached to the XL H1 body, zoom and focus points can be stored and returned to at a later date - even if the lens has been detached. Returning to stored settings with speed and accuracy, the function is particularly useful during long production days, when multiple takes from the same position are often required. In conjunction with the XL H1 body, distance display data is also provided on the camcorder's 2.4" Electronic View Finder (EVF).

Integrated still image capture

An integrated mechanical shutter for still image capture has been incorporated into the new lens. Still image capture is often an invaluable tool for storyboarding on location, general production management and continuity applications: for instance, when reproducing camera setups.

-Ends- 

About Canon Middle East
Canon is a world-leading innovator and provider of imaging and information technology solutions for individuals and businesses. Canon provides both individual products and complete networked technology solutions for information input, management and output. Its product range is divided between Business Solutions (developing IT products, solutions and services for both the office and professional print environments) and Consumer Imaging (photography, video and digital camera, Bubble Jet printers).  Canon Middle East is the operational headquarters for Canon in this region, and is based in Dubai, UAE. Further information about Canon Middle East is available at: www.canon-me.com

Additional Information
XL H1 camcorder
The XL H1 is the flagship of Canon's HD digital video camcorder range.

The XL H1 records HDV in 1080/50i to standard MiniDV cassette using MPEG-2 compression (25Mbps). The XL H1 can also be fully integrated into a professional studio, exporting uncompressed HD video at approximately 1.485Gbps. A professional 'jackpack' includes SDI output (for uncompressed HD and SD output), Time Code input/output, Gen lock input and XLR audio line level input support.

For digital filmmakers, the XL H1 features bolstered digital cinema functions, including a 25F (frame) mode, for direct film transfer.

The XL H1 camcorder and dedicated lenses are available to purchase in the following configurations:

  • XL H1 body only

  • XL H1 body with standard Canon HD Video Lens 20x zoom XL 5.4-108mm L

  • Canon HD Video Lens 6x Zoom XL 3.4-20.4mm L

  • Canon HD Video Lens 20x zoom XL 5.4-108mm L

[1] See Additional Information.

Canon Contact: 
Ruta Bublyte
Marketing Department
Canon Middle East FZ-LLC
Tel: + 971 4 3915050
Direct: + 971 4 3915079
Fax:+ 971 4 3916715
e-mail: bublyter@canon-me.com
Web: http://www.canon-me.com

Agency Contact:
Linsey Worgan
G2 Dubai
Tel: (9714) 331 0331
Email: linsey.worgan@g2dubai.com

© Press Release 2006