Canon has unveiled four new 4K camcorders and two new lenses for 4K broadcast cameras employing 2/3-inch sensors.
Canon’s new XA55 4K UHD camcorder. (Source: Canon.)
Three new 4K UHD camcorders, the XA55, XA50 and XA40, have been added to Canon’s professional XA-series, along with the enthusiast level HFG50, in response to the growing market requirement for 4K UHD production. The XA55 / XA50 are 4K UHD camcorders with a 1.0-type sensor, Dual Pixel CMOS AF and 15x Optical zoom. Both models are almost identical but the XA55 model features 3G-SDI capabilities. The XA40 and HFG50 are ultra-compact 4K UHD camcorders with 1/2.3-type sensors and 20x optical zoom lenses, with the XA40 including a handle for comfortable shooting and advanced audio support. All three models are equally suited to 4K UHD and HD production, with Over Sampling HD processing allowing users to benefit from advanced Full HD capture. Competitively priced and light in weight, these new camcorders are ideal for applications such as news gathering, corporate video and documentary production.
With a new 4K sensor, the enthusiast level LEGRIA HF G50 is ideal for videographers entering the world of 4K video. It features a fast 20x wide-angle zoom lens and f/1.8 to f/2.8 maximum aperture plus an image stabiliser with dynamic mode and customisable function dial and buttons. The new XA40 and HFG50 camcorders will ship in Australia from late April 2019, whilst the XA50 and XA55 will ship from June 2019 with pricing set at dealer discretion.
The new CJ18ex28B lens for 2/3-inch UHD broadcast video cameras. (SOurce: Canon.)
Catering to a wide variety of broadcast scenarios, the new CJ18ex28B and CJ15ex8.5B broadcast video lenses will be the ideal choice for broadcasters looking to future-proof their content when shifting to 4K systems and workflows. The first portable 4K broadcast telephoto lens in the 2/3-inch UHD broadcast lens category, the CJ18ex28B offers an 18x zoom ratio covering a focal length range from 28mm at the wide end to 500mm at the telephoto. A focal length of 1000mm at the telephoto end is achieved when using the built-in 2x extender. The lens design has a similar compact, lightweight body to conventional HD lenses making it ideal for use outside a studio. The CJ15ex8.5B supports Canon’s exclusive Vari-Angle Prism (VAP) Image Stabilizer, a tilting optical axis which corrects blur caused by motion by changing the angle of the high refractive index liquid placed between two layers of glass. This provides broadcasters with excellent control over the entire zoom range, making it well suited to journalistic and sports photography. Both lenses feature ergonomically designed grips that fit comfortably in the hand, easing strain on camera operators shooting for long periods of time. The CJ18ex28B and CJ15ex8.5B lenses will ship in Australia from July 2019 with pricing set at dealer discretion.
Details are available through Canon’s Australian website.