Ken Koyama, director, Broadcast Division, Canon Europe identifies three key areas that impact on production needs
The ENG sector has evolved into two basic categories. The first consists of 1/3-inch (often fixed lens type) and ½-inch camcorders. This is the growing low end of the market, often used by local broadcasters and freelance journalists.
The high end using 2/3-inch has been facing pressures on cost. That’s why we produced the KJ series of lenses. The new KJ20x8.2B IRSD, for example, with built in 2x extender, represents true value. Second, an increased
broadcasting role for large sensor cameras: We have seen a rapid take up of large sensor cameras across a number of sectors, from high end movie applications to aspiring talent and independent movie makers. Some of the latter are graduating from 1/3-inch and I/2-inch camcorders or the EOS 5D Mark
II to the new EOS C300. While there are no
broadcasters currently transmitting in 4K, there is a desire among some to record in higher resolution. I believe we are experiencing the beginning of a trend to shoot in higher resolution for archiving purposes. This will add value and longevity to content. 4K will also become a broadcast tool for the future. We will also never
compromise on the optical quality of our lenses. Our new Cinematography Primes and Compact Zooms for 4K production substantiate this. And our two top end Zooms launched last year are actually suitable for over 4K production. Third, higher specs and more innovations for field lenses. There are three areas where Canon Outside Broadcast Field
Opinion
lenses will undergo further improvements and developments. To meet industry demand, Canon has consistently increased specifications and, by using new technologies, been successful in reducing lens size and weight. With OB
technicians having to carry and set up these lenses in often difficult and restrictive areas, this is an important issue we’ll continue to address.
Image stabilisation is also of major significance. When capturing HD images from a long distance such as in golf, where wind and vibration can affect image quality, it can be critical. Canon’s new generation
Gemini pan bar control
head that they truly act as one. Camera operators can work without compromise, in comfort and safety, wherever the camera needs to be,’ claims the company.
Immediate control over the tracking speed, direction, range and ratio is provided at the touch of a button so any event can be captured close- up or telephoto, at low or
of field lenses demonstrate our commitment to developing and improving this technology. The third area is in focusing over long distances in HD. Because of the narrower depth of field, focusing with big lenses at the tele end in HD becomes even more critical, no matter how skilled the operator. In fact, sometimes it is very difficult for the operator to know whether or
high speed. Dedicated hardware tracking and a RS422 interconnection allows quick set-up and ensures reliable operation. The Gemini system can support multiple remote heads, so a single operator can switch between cameras to give any viewpoint on the action.
not they have accurate focus. It may often be too late to make adjustments which can be costly for production. Autofocus technology offers major benefits in certain OB situations. However, Canon is aware that it still has some limitations for general applications and we are very conscious of the need to continue developing this technology for the future.11.D55
Any Shotoku remote head can be used to suit the payload and required location, while its SH series manual VR tracking head is used to provide excellent tracking resolution. It has dual pan bars, adjustable balance and an easy-fix monitor support. 11.F40
Ken Koyama: 4K will become a broadcast tool
Twin peeks: The Gemini Pan Bar Control System allows two heads to act as one
Shotoku Broadcast By David Fox
Shotoku’s new Gemini Pan Bar Control System is aimed at sports and special event productions where cameramen cannot fit in the places cameras need to be. It is said to offer ‘uncompromised and easy operation for hard-to- reach sites’.
The system, several of which were used during the Olympics, matches a robotic and a manual VR tracking system to provide a remote pan/tilt head ‘so perfectly synchronised with the manual