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Fujifilm Middle East FZE

evolving 4K broadcast and cine productions globally

Fujifilm is at the forefront in the development of 4K UHD optical technology. Since the emergence of the two-third inch (2/3”) broadcast cameras and the subsequent technology transformation initiated by the launch of Sony’s 4K 2/3” HDC camera series, other camera manufacturers soon followed the trend (Grass Valley, Panasonic, Ikegami, Hitachi, etc.). It is safe to say that this is not merely a trend as was witnessed a few years back with the introduction of 3D broadcast technologies.

The demand for 4K Ultra High Definition production acquisition, workflow and transmission technology has thus increased since the first live trail productions back in 2014 (FIFA World Cup). There has been a substantial surge in 4K UHD live productions, especially in the past 12 months, which to some extent can also be contributed to the increased proliferation of 4K UHD TV sets in private households and the resulting demand for more 4K UHD content. In Europe there are numerous production companies that have made the transition to the new 4K format.

awards

At the IBC 2016 Awards, Fujifilm was honoured as ‘Technical Partner’ to BTSport’s with the development of its Fujinon UA-Series 2/3” 4K UHD optical technology - the UA-Series 4K UHD lenses are compatible with 2/3-inch 4K cameras. The UA-Series

range consists of the following lens models: UA107x8.4*(world’s longest focal range), UA80x9*, UA22x8 and UA13x4.5 wide angle lens. These lenses(*) incorporate the latest optical stabilisation system (the OS-TECH) and their glass elements are layered with special EBC coatings (Electron Beam). They have ‘floating focus systems’ which control multiple lens groups according to the shooting distance. In addition, they deliver high-resolution, high contrast and superior high dynamic range in images through the entire focal range; from close-up to infinity, enabling 4K HDR video production with a realistic visual sensation and premium picture quality.

MaKing a MarK in cineMatograpHy

As with all content acquisition, lenses are the first point of entry for light which is bundled to the cameras CCD. With the ever increasing number of 4K cine and television productions, extremely high optical technologies and mobility are required as standard for this level of enhanced, high quality filming. Fujifilm responded to the demand by introducing the Fujinon, HK-Series (Premier 14.5-45, 18-85, 24-180, 75-400mm) cine zoom lens models, the renowned ZK-Series (Cabrio 14-35, 19-90, 85-300, 25-300mm) lightweight cine zooms and the recently introduced XK-Series (Cabrio 20-120mm ) cost-effective cine zoom range.

Fujinon 4K uHd optical tecHnology FeedbacK

Gearhouse Broadcast, CEO John Newton says, “Our core philosophy has always been to deliver the latest and highest quality technology, workflows and services to our customers. Recently we did a comprehensive evaluation of 4K lenses across the globe and it was very clear that Fujinon are leading the world in 4K lens quality and technology, so this multi-million dollar investment in Fujinon 4K lenses is another great example of our core philosophy in action.”

BT-Sports’ Chief Engineer Andy Beale & Dan Mc Donnell (Managing Director) Timeline comment: “We have used the Fujinon lenses on a wide range of sports - European Football, MotoGP, Professional Golf Tour and numerous other sports events, the pictures they capture are fantastic.

“We worked with Fujifilm/ Fujinon – testing the lenses in 2015 and then took delivery of the very first 4K box and wide-angle lenses in time for the launch of our new channel BTSports 4K in August of last year.

“Everyone is amazed by the sharpness and crispness of the images. Fujinon 4K UHD lenses have become an integral part of our 4K production toolkit. Both – EFP Box & ENG lenses have proved to be fantastic. This was obviously a large investment in lens technology, but is definitely the way to go.” CTV (Vatican TV) Technical Director, Stefano D’ Agostini comments, “After closely following technological advancements in recent years, CTV decided it was time to upgrade its outside broadcast acquisition infrastructure to the new 4K UHD format. Our target is to provide the best viewing experience to our global audience. This can only be achieved with cutting-edge acquisition technology. That’s why CTV selected 4K 2/3” Sony HDC-4300 cameras and 4K Fujinon.

UA80x9 & UA22x8 lenses have a very high dynamic range (HDR) which contributes to the desired look and image purity essential in 4K HDR broadcast productions.”

These extraordinary lenses have the capability to frame and shoot all required shots with a single zoom lens, without having to change lenses which is a norm when shooting with prime lenses. This frees time for creativity and accelerates work by increasing efficiency whilst filming on location. Fujifilm has thus committed itself to empower creators with cutting-edge optical technologies for motion picture, drama and live event productions across the globe.

Fujinon – Focusing on tHe Future

Fujifilm’s optical devices division has been engaged in the development and production of Fujinon TV and cine lenses for over 50 years enabling exceptional content creation around the globe. As a three-time recipient of the prestigious Emmy Award for outstanding technological developments in the ‘IF Design Award’, ‘Red Dot Design Award’ and ‘IBC Innovation Award’ (Partner), Fujinon broadcast and cine lenses have repeatedly set the benchmark in the evolution of optical technology.

To find out more visit https://www. fujifilm.eu/eu/products/optical-devices/ cine-lensess

contact

Fujifilm Middle east FZe

Optical Devices Department The Galleries Bldg. 38th Floor Office 809 Downtown Jebel Ali PO Box 17212 Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 488 787 22 Email: fujinon@emirates.net.ae

Chris Darnley Email: chris.darnley@fujifilm.com

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