Melville, NY—The just-announced Canon CJ27ex7.3B is the company’s first 2/3″ portable broadcast lens with a 27x optical zoom. Furthermore, the new lens is classified as a UHDxs lens—Canon’s highest image quality rating for broadcast optics. Additionally, Canon will display the new lens at NAB in its booth (#C3825) at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“Canon is committed to providing the best equipment possible to enhance visual storytelling,” said Brian Mahar, senior vice president and general manager, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “The new lens we are introducing will result in strikingly sharp video footage for audiences watching news, entertainment, sports and more.”
Canon CJ27ex7.3B Specs
In addition, the lens spans a focal range of 7.3mm to 197mm. With a built-in 2x extender, its maximum telephoto reach increases to 394mm. However, Canon designed the CJ27ex7.3B lens for portability, with the mobility of a conventional ENG (Electronic News Gathering) lens.
The 27x zoom ratio, typically only available in 2/3″ box lenses, is now offered in a portable lens with the introduction of the CJ27ex7.3B. What’s more, the lens is equally a solution for handheld news, live sports and broadcast studios. The 7.3mm wide angle helps set the scene for viewers. In addition, the 197mm telephoto end delivers tight shots of the subject.
In addition, the new lens features Canon’s next-generation drive unit, the e-Xs V. The new drive unit employs an angled 20-pin connector and a built-in USB-C connector. Canon included them to give users a better experience with equipment setup and maintenance as well as improve operability with an updated display menu.
Also, the lens supports focus breathing compensation. This is a feature for ENG lenses that helps minimize image distortion when racking focus. The CJ27ex7.3B also supports Automatic Restoration of Illumination Attenuation (ARIA) technology, to help minimize the effects of f-drop/ramping as the lens zooms.
Canon expects to have the CJ27ex7.3B broadcast lens available for purchase August 2024.
Canon at 2024 NAB Show
What’s more, Canon’s NAB booth will feature its lineup of RF cinema prime lenses and flex zoom lenses. Also on display will be the RF24–105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z lens for hybrid shooters. Canon will also showcase the improved PTZ tracking system; the EOS VR system featuring the Canon RF 5.2mm f/2.8 L dual fisheye lens; and the enhanced functionalities of the EOS C500 Mark II. That camera now supports three new Cinema RAW Light formats through a new firmware update.
In addition, Canon will feature an LED virtual production set at the front of the booth. Toward the back, it will have a display of low-light SPAD (single photon avalanche diode) sensor technology. Moreover, since education is fundamental to Canon’s mission, it will present interactive engagements at every counter and all product demos.
Canon will also showcase how its volumetric video technology, which is currently used to capture live sports, is also a solution for virtual production studio. This technology can help unlock creative and technical exploration for professional production companies, advertising agencies as well as filmmakers.
