November 2017 CREATION 15
Fujifilm expands 4K / UHD lens portfolio with new UA24x7.8BERD
Fujifilm has added the new Fujinon UA24x7.8BERD to its family of 4K / Ultra HD ( UHD ) broadcast lens , bringing up to a total of eight models to address cinematographers ’ needs for 4K / UHD video production .
According to Fujifilm , countries such as Japan , Europe and North America have been producing 4K / UHD video for applications such as live sports broadcasting , press coverage and studio filming . In addition , with the expansion of over-the-top ( OTT ) platforms , 4K / UHD content can now be enjoyed on PCs and mobile devices , thus increasing opportunities for filming 4K / UHD video in a wide range of scenes .
The introduction of compact and lightweight 4K / UHD camcorders has resulted in the need for compact lenses , added Fujifilm , thus driving the demand for “ high mobility , lightweight ” lenses . With this in mind , Fujifilm designed the new lens with the aim of reducing the weight carried on the cinematographer ’ s shoulder when filming with a camera .
Weighing almost 2kg , the Fujinon UA24x7.8BERD lens features a 24x magnification zoom , covering a focal length from the wide angle of 7.8mm-187mm .
Additionally , the lens is integrated with Fujifilm ’ s HT-EBC ( High Transmittance Electron Beam Coating ) multi-layer coating that can be applied for a high level of transmittance and colour reproducibility .
Also , the optical design technology can be used to prevent resolution degradation around the edges while controlling all types of aberrations . This , Fujifilm added , enables cinematographers to deploy the Fujinon UA24x7.8BERD lens for high dynamic range ( HDR ) productions , as the lens is capable of reproducing rich tones even when filming scenes with intense contrast , such as stadiums at dusk .
With the addition of the Fujinon UA24x7BERD , Fujifilm ’ s 4K / UHD lens portfolio now comprises a total of eight models to support the increasing demand for 4K / UHD productions .
The lens also offers a 16-bit encoder , which is equipped with the ability to make a high-resolution output of lens data , including zoom and focal position information . The encoder can be linked with other systems , such as a virtual studio system , for combining CG images with live action footage .
In an expedition to capture VR footage from the top of Mount Everest , Dutch filmmaker and post-production artist Przemek Siemion had with him GoPro cameras , monopods , sound equipment and Litepanels LED lights , alongside Anton / Bauer Cine 90 batteries and the Performance Quad charger .
precise colour adjustments .
Mark Overington , vice-president and general manager of the Vitec Group , tells APB : “ Accurate colour rendering is important to lighting professionals ; therefore , staying true to the foundation of full-spectrum lighting is one of Litepanels ’ primary goal . With Gemini , we wanted to offer a panel that does not compromise on quality of light for great skin tones while providing a variety of lighting modes .
“ Gemini includes both daylight and tungsten LEDs with the added flexibility of red , green and blue LEDs , allowing users to adjust the green offset . In a situation where the production team is working with practical lighting that has a green spike , they can make a quick adjustment , and white-balance the camera .”
Besides providing full-spectrum lighting , Litepanels has also incorporated a built-in power supply in Gemini to enhance portability . A key objective with Gemini , according to Overington , is to provide a portable light that is easy to transport and rig . “ By integrating the power supply in the light panel , we are able to reduce Gemini ’ s weight considerably , and minimise the number of cables needed to power the light ,” he adds .
When it comes to power , the Vitec Group has another division , Anton / Bauer , which supplies mobile power systems for use in film and video productions . The company has two categories for batteries — cine and broadcast — where the differences are around the form factor and power delivery .
For instance , Anton / Bauer ’ s broadcast batteries can be deployed alongside electronic newsgathering ( ENG ) shoulder cameras , as these cameras consume lesser power and require less accessories attached . Providing 10A continuous current , the broadcast batteries have a dual-mode display that shows the remaining percentage capacity when there is no load , and a calculated runtime when the battery is being consumed .
“ As for cine batteries , these are more cube-shaped in size to conform to the boxy bodies of most digital cinematic cameras . The same dual-mode display is located on the back of the battery so that it is unlikely to be obstructed by camera accessories ,” he explains . “ Cinematic cameras may consume greater power , and they are likely to be accessorised with monitors , recorders , lens motors and cinetapes . Thus , the Cine batteries are designed to deliver 12A continuous current , ensuring that the camera system will have adequate
With full-spectrum lighting and power supply integrated within Gemini , the LED panel from Litepanels , a Vitec Group brand , is able to combine daylight , tungsten and red-green-blue LEDs to deliver precise colour adjustments .
power on tap .”
Furthermore , Anton / Bauer ’ s cine batteries have successfully conquered the world ’ s highest peak for Amsterdam-based production company , VR Explorers . Led by Dutch filmmaker and post-production artist Przemek Siemion , the VR Explorers is said to be the “ first ” production team to capture virtual reality ( VR ) footage from the top of Mount Everest .
To capture the summit as well as the overall journey for viewers , the crew brought along GoPro cameras , monopods , sound equipment , Litepanels LED lights , computers and cards , alongside Anton / Bauer Cine 90 batteries and the Performance Quad charger .
Because of the harsh conditions , the team had to scale down on the weight of the kit , and mobile power would be a challenge , Siemion says . “ The Performance Quad charger performed great , and we had no problem charging the batteries on the solar-powered generators at base camp . Not to mention , the Cine 90s were smaller and lighter in weight — it was really easy to pack and plan our rig around it .”
In addition to being able to power the kit to the summit , he points out that the cine batteries were “ robust enough ” to power other equipment , including the audio equipment and the GoPro cameras . Moreover , the dualmode display served Siemion well , enabling him to see the battery ’ s precise runtime when attached to the camera , and the percentage of charge when off-camera .
Siemion concludes : “ In those conditions , it ’ s nice to see exactly how much runtime you have , and the percentage of charge . I really appreciated that while we were up on the mountain .
“ On our way back , we had to stop recording because the camera ’ s video card was full despite the fact that we still had 8 % of battery power left . We even helped others with the charging of their equipment . Other batteries just don ’ t perform like that , and Anton / Bauer was the only one that worked perfectly .”
For Shotoku Broadcasting Systems , the company has been focus ing on developing camera support systems and robotic pedestals . At Inter BEE 2017 this month , Shotoku is showcasing the integration of the TI-12 height drive with its TP200 studio pedestal .
Designed for studio operations , the TP200 pedestal is equipped with air-balance tech- nology to provide ease of control of the camera height across the range of travel . The pedestal can also be paired with the TI-12 height drive , which allows camera operators to remotely control the height of the pedestal via the Shotoku control system , such as TR-XT or TR-HP .
To enhance the operation of remote camera control systems , Shotoku has also released the TR-XT touch control system . TR- XT is able to connect all Shotoku robotic camera systems via an Ethernet network connection , and is also compatible with thirdparty devices either by serial video capture inputs , or via Shotoku ’ s Digiport protocol converters . According to Shotoku , new VGA touch screen uses a glass-front screen to improve the image quality while maximising the clarity and ease of use for the operator .
Shotoku Broadcasting
Systems ’
TP200 pedestal is integrated with airbalance technology to provide ease of control of the camera height across the range of travel .