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A prototype camera built around the new sensor
Canon’s new 250 megapixel CMOS sensor is smaller than a 35mm full-frame sensor and allows you to distinguish the lettering on an aeroplane 11 miles (18km) away. The company has some impressive new 4K broadcast lenses in time for IBC too.
The APS-H-size (29.2mm x 20.2mm) CMOS sensor incorporates 250 megapixels in a space smaller than the size of a 35mm full-frame sensor and is the world's highest pixel count, according to the company. Canon says that not only does it produce an image of 19,580 x 12,600 pixels but its researchers have overcome the problems associated with ultra high pixel counts with a matching ultra high signal readout speed of 1.25 billion pixels per second.
All in all, it makes the sensor capable of capturing images that are 30x the number of pixels of 4K and 125x that of Full HD at 5 frames per second, which is pretty impressive. What’s more the company claims its expertise in the field of miniaturised pixel technology means that the pictures it delivers are both high-sensitivity and low-noise.
Having recently pushed the envelope very hard with its specialist low light camera, it’s no surprise to see Canon forging ahead in another imaging direction with an ultra high resolution unit. As with that model, the company is coy about traditional video and photography usages, stating that it’s mainly aimed at specialised surveillance, ultra-high-resolution measuring instruments and other industrial kit, and the “field of visual expression”. But the triuckle down of all this research is obvious: witness the news that the ocmpany dropped the day after about the forthcoming 8K Cinema EOS.
Whatever, someone’s going to have to come up with a catchier name than 19.5K.
New 4K broadcast lenses
The new lenses are impressive too.
The UHD DIGISUPER 86 (UJ86x9.3B)and UHD DIGISUPER 90 (UJ90x9B) are part of Canon's evolving 2/3” 4K lens line-up, with the DIGISUPER 86 offering resolving power “beyond 4K” (though this doesn’t get quantified).
As with the recently launched CJ12ex4.3B, the new glass boasts ‘exceptional’ resolution from the image centre to the edges, at both telephoto and wide angle, and an increased use of fluorite and UD glass, alongside some expert coating knowledge, results in control over ghosting and flare.
As you would expect, the DIGISUPER 86 has an 86x zoom, with a focal range of 9.3mm – 800mm, and the DIGISUPER 90 goes up to 90x, with a 9mm – 810mm focal range. A built-in 2x extender doubles the telephoto power, while maintaining 4K resolution. Canon’s optical Image Stabiliser technology also kicks in to help maintain image quality and focus when tracking moving subjects while compensating for swing-back, and helps ‘square the circle’ often encountered in live broadcast of needing to maintain long focus with shallow depth of field.
Read more about the lenses, and that astonishing new sensor, in the press releases over the page.
Canon develops APS-H-size CMOS sensor with approximately 250 megapixels, the world’s highest pixel count for its size
United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 7 September 2015 –Canon Europe, a leader in imaging solutions, today announces that its parent company, Canon Inc., is developing an APS-H-size (approx. 29.2 x 20.2 mm) CMOS sensor incorporating approximately 250 million pixels (19,580 x 12,600 pixels), the world’s highest number of pixels for a CMOS sensor smaller than the size of a 35 mm full-frame sensor.
When installed in a camera, the newly developed sensor was able to capture images enabling the distinguishing of lettering on the side of an airplane flying at a distance of approximately 18 km from the shooting location.
With CMOS sensors, increases in pixel counts result in increased signal volume, which can cause such problems as signal delays and slight discrepancies in timing. The new Canon-developed CMOS sensor, however, despite its exceptionally high pixel count, achieves an ultra-high signal readout speed of 1.25 billion pixels per second, made possible through such advancements as circuit miniaturisation and enhanced signal-processing technology. Accordingly, the sensor enables the capture of ultra-high-pixel-count video at a speed of five frames per second. Additionally, despite the exceptionally high pixel count, Canon applied its sensor technologies cultivated over many years to realise an architecture adapted for miniaturised pixels that delivers high-sensitivity, low-noise imaging performance.
Video footage captured by the camera outfitted with the approximately 250-megapixel CMOS sensor achieved a level of resolution that was approximately 125 times that of Full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) video and approximately 30 times that of 4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) video. The exceptionally high definition made possible by the sensor lets users crop and magnify video images without sacrificing image resolution and clarity.
Canon is considering the application of this technology in specialised surveillance and crime prevention tools, ultra-high-resolution measuring instruments and other industrial equipment, and the field of visual expression.
4K and beyond: Canon launches two high performance 2/3” field broadcast lenses, the UHD DIGISUPER 90 and UHD DIGISUPER 86
United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 7 September 2015 – Canon today introduces two new 2/3” 4K field lenses - the UHD DIGISUPER 86 (UJ86x9.3B) and UHD DIGISUPER 90 (UJ90x9B). Delivering exceptional optical performance, with the UHD DIGISUPER 86 (UJ86x9.3B) surpassing even 4K resolution, both offer outstanding focal range and are ideal for use within live broadcast production environments.
First class 4K image performance
The UHD DIGISUPER 86 (UJ86x9.3B)and UHD DIGISUPER 90 (UJ90x9B) are part of Canon's evolving 2/3” 4K lens line-up and join the recently launched CJ12ex4.3B in the range. Both provide professionals with the freedom to shoot live broadcast or sport events in stunning 4K quality, and in a first for Canon’s 2/3” lens line-up, the UHD DIGISUPER 86 (UJ86x9.3B) offers resolving power beyond 4K.
The new lenses ensure exceptional resolution from the image centre to the edges, at both telephoto and wide angle, thanks to their advanced optical construction. Additionally, an increased use of fluorite and UD glass, combined with Canon’s expert use of coatings, results in exceptional control over ghosting and flare with sharp, high contrast images supporting a large number of tones.
Outstanding focal range and versatility
The new models provide ultimate flexibility – the UHD DIGISUPER 86 (UJ86x9.3B) has an 86x zoom, with a focal range of 9.3mm – 800mm, and the UHD DIGISUPER 90 (UJ90x9B) goes even further to 90x, with a 9mm – 810mm focal range. To ensure operators can capture a diverse range of scenes both lenses also feature a built-in 2x extender which doubles the telephoto power, while maintaining exceptional 4K resolution.
4K scenarios such as live sport, do not tolerate even the slightest amount of shake. Thanks to Canon’s optical Image Stabilizer technologies, the UHD DIGISUPER 86 (UJ86x9.3B) and UHD DIGISUPER 90 (UJ90x9B) deliver crisp, clear results, acquiring maximum precision, even during panning. This is essential for tracking moving subjects at sports matches and events, while compensating for swing-back. Additionally, operators are able to keep subjects in focus, even in challenging situations such as when long focus but shallow depth of field is required.
Built to perform
The UHD DIGISUPER 86 (UJ86x9.3B) and UHD DIGISUPER 90 (UJ90x9B) feature a compact design, comparable in size and weight to current HD 2/3” field lenses, allowing easy integration into operating environments. Both lenses also incorporate a 20-pin connector for integration with virtual systems and are fully compatible with existing Canon accessories designed for 2/3” HD Canon field lenses.
UHD DIGISUPER 86 (UJ86x9.3B) key benefits:
Outstandingly high resolution 2/3” 4K field lens with 86x zoom and 9.3-800mm focal length (up to 1600mm with 2x built-in extender)
Class-leading beyond-4K performance right to the edge of the image and throughout the zoom range for unmatched quality
High contrast and high resolution in all wavelength regions of the B, G and R channels in the 4K and beyond 4K frequency bands
Similar size and weight to HD field lenses for seamless integration with existing HDTV technical setups and shooting environments
Beyond 4K resolution even with image stabilisation applied
Full support for virtual systems thanks to the built-in 16-bit encoder
Fully compatible with existing Canon HD field lens accessories
UHD DIGISUPER 90 (UJ90x9B) key benefits:
2/3” 4K field lens with 90x zoom and 9-810mm focal length (up to 1620mm with the 2x built-in extender)
Achieve stunning 4K resolution from 2/3” 4K cameras that extends right from the centre of the image
Retain stunning 4K resolution even with image stabilisation applied
Similar size and weight to HD field lenses mean it seamlessly integrates with existing HDTV technical setups and shooting environments.
Sustained 4K performance with precise focus and high zoom ratio
Cover wide spaces like large sports arenas with a single lens thanks to the wide focal range
Full support for virtual systems thanks to the built-in 16-bit encoder
Fully compatible with existing Canon HD field lens accessories
Tags: Production
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