Canon Broadcast has introduced a new series of lenses designed for the new economical, mid-range HD cameras now on the market, including the Grass Valley Infinity (2/3in) and Sony XDCAM HD (1/2in) camcorders. The lenses are designed for compactness and low weight in direct response to these equally compact new tapeless HD camcorders.
The new HDgc lens line includes for 1/2in CCD cameras: the KH21ex5.7 IRSE telephoto lens, the KH10ex3.6 IRSE wide-angle lens, and a 16X standard lens, which will be available in late 2006. Digital “eDrive” is available on all three of these lenses and represents a principal difference (along with a built-in 2X extender) between these models, and the more economical KH20x6.4 KRS lens (for 1/2in HD CCD cameras) and the KJ20x8.5B KRS lens (for 2/3in HD CCD cameras).
The KH20x6.4 KRS and the KJ20x8.5B KRS lenses feature Canon's Shuttle Shot function, an advanced servo system that facilitates zooming back and forth between any two focal length positions and brings an entirely new range of value-added creativity to handheld acquisition systems. These two lenses also feature a new ergonomic drive unit that achieves an ideal balance in comfort and operation.
Canon said it is manufacturing all of its lenses, including the new HDgc models, without lead, cadmium, mercury, and other toxins as part of the company's policy to minimize the impact on the environment.
For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.
