From SportsVideo.org

Vinten Vector 950 expands Canon compatibility

Posted in: NAB Event News

By [unknown placeholder $article.author$]
Apr 14, 2008 - 11:48:11 AM

Vinten and Canon continue to expand their relationship as the Vector 950 Active pan and tilt head that complements Canon Broadcast's lens stabilization Optical Shift Image Stabilizer ("Shift-IS") technology can now be used with most existing Canon HD field "Shift-IS" lenses.

The Vector 950 Active is a heavy-duty pan/tilt head designed to carry studio/OB cameras equipped with large zoom lenses weighing up to 264 lbs (120kg). Vinten's intelligent, integral, real-time, digital electronic positioning technology allows for precise and accurate pan and tilt data from the head to be transmitted to the stabilization systems of Canon's DIGISUPER 100xs and DIGISUPER 86xs long-field zoom lenses. That technology is now also available as an optional upgrade on the DIGISUPER 100xs, DIGISUPER 86xs II, and DIGISUPER 75xs "legacy" models equipped with Canon's Shift-IS lens technology.

Special encoders in the Vector 950 Active provide pan and tilt data at a resolution higher than any other product on the market. This data is linked through a high security protocol to the Canon lens where it is processed to maximize the performance of the Shift-IS image stabilization system. The result is a dynamic image stabilization system that can determine intentional camera movement from unintentional vibration. As with all Vinten products, the Vector 950 Active is built to withstand years of use and the rigors of field production.

"The exclusive technology collaboration between Canon and Vinten increases the value of the Canon HD field lenses with Shift IS already in use," said Gordon Tubbs, director, Broadcast and Communications division, Canon U.S.A. "Vinten has been a highly respected company in the broadcast and production industry for decades. It's an honor to participate in this exclusive technology collaboration with them and bring new benefits to users of both companies' products. Now the advanced capabilities of Vinten's Vector 950 Active system can be applied to many more Canon HD field lenses, making them an even greater asset for the exacting demands of HD camera operators and program producers."

Since its debut, the Canon Vinten technology collaboration has enhanced HD sports coverage to capture exciting, fast-paced action with greater stability, smoothness, and precision than ever before possible.