Canon Embraces, Feature Film Origination

PL Mount Lenses

A Revolution in Digital Cinematography

Canon is proud to debut two advanced-design

4K PL-Mount lenses specifically developed to support high-end digital motion imaging. These precision

matched lenses ensure the very highest

performance in contemporary 2K and HD digital 35mm

motion imaging, while definitively future proofing the transition to 4K production.

In seeking the highest 4K image performance, the new lens design platform had to simultaneously optimize those parameters that enhance the imaging attributes, while also minimizing the various optical aberrations and distortions that might degrade the image. New optical materials, new optical coatings, and new design techniques were all mobilized to develop an important advance in overall optical performance. Highly advanced computer simulation, that could cope with the hundreds of thousands of design variables, allowed an unprecedented degree of optimization of all contributing imaging parameters. This sophisticated new optical platform ensured the closest performance matching between the two lenses, minimized alterations to that performance with changes in scene object distances, and physically produced more compact and lightweight products than contemporary PL mount lenses. In addition, a totally new focus system design has virtually eliminated focus breathing.

Feature Film Origination

In the wide lens, the T2.6 maximum aperture stays totally constant over the entire focal range, and combined with the virtual absence of focus breathing, will be a boon to cinematographers.

The superb contrast and overall picture sharpness will maximize the video creation capabilities of the current top-of-the-line digital single-sensor cameras. The telephoto lens will complement the wide in larger studios while also creating a flexible range of outdoor shots with exceptional imagery.

Television Drama and Television Commercial Production

The focal ranges offered by the combination of these two lenses will flexibly address most of the needs of contemporary high-end television production. Television drama, music videos, and television commercial production - all will achieve enhancements to their story- telling as a consequence of short depth of field, high sensitivity, superb contrast ratio, and excellent picture sharpness.

Canon Embraces

3D High Definition

Anticipating the boom in popularity of 3D, Canon has been actively engaged with HD camera manufacturers, 3D rig specialists, and enterprising content creators presently exploring 3D program origination in moviemaking, as well as television coverage of sports, concerts, and special events. Recognizing the importance of 3D program origination, Canon gave priority to adoption of most of the standard HD lens series for 3D production systems.

3D Lens Solutions

A pioneer in the development of precision Digital Drive Units for its portable lenses, Canon's 3D control systems for lens-camera pairs capitalize on the ability to synchronize the servo control systems within the pair, and to then use the associated menu system to enter correction data that ensures precision tracking for their respective zoom, iris, and focus operations. A simple 20pin - 20pin 3D bridge cable interconnects the stereoscopic lens pair, and special 3D software loaded into the two Digital drive Units performs the requisite synchronization. A single Zoom controller connected to one lens will then simultaneously control the zoom action of both lenses. Similarly, a single Focus controller connected to the other lens will simultaneously control the focus operation of both lenses. The 3D software can be installed into most standard Canon lenses at Canon service centers.

3D Lens Controllers

A special attraction of Canon's synchronous lens control system is the use of standard rather than specialized controllers. When the 3D software is installed in the lens drive units, all standard servo controllers for zoom and focus will be fully compatible with Canon's stereoscopic lens-pair, thus facilitating a significant cost-saving when deploying standard lenses for 3D acquisition systems.

System Configuration

*1 BDC-10 conversion cable is necessary to connect between ZDJ-D02 or FDJ-D02 (18pin) and Digital Drive Lens (20pin). *2 BDC-20 conversion cable is necessary to connect between ZDJ-P01 or FDJ-P01 (12pin) and Digital Drive Lens (20pin).