HDTV Field Lens    DIGI SUPER 100 xs AF


Please mouse over each part of the nomenclature to see it explained.


Five significant technologies form the underpinnings of the DIGI SUPER 100xs lens system that has been carefully designed to partner with today’s highest performing HDTV cameras:

Optical Technologies – newly developed materials (including the high index ultra low dispersion material) combined with the very latest in element design innovations and multilayer coatings produce an unsurpassed pristine imaging system for the most discerning production team. The HDxs logo identifies the deployment of all of these technologies in the lens.

  • Power Optics – speaks to the combination of specialized materials, contemporary optical design, and multilayer coatings that produce the superb imagery
  • Internal Focus – a Canon design innovation that uses a floating optical system to control chromatic aberrations
  • Crossover Technology Option – switchable operation between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratio imagery
  • 4-position Turret – a switchable system controlled from the associated camera that can switch in the optical extender system or the aspect ratio converter (an additional position allows for future new possibilities)
  • Auto-Focus – HD video's tremendous picture detail demands precise focus. Canon's extensive experience in long zoom field-lens design provides a unique understanding of the challenges camera operators face in simultaneously paying close attention to picture framing and control of the lens and camera, while also continually maintaining sharp focus on selected objects within complex scenes. Canon’s new DIGISUPER 100AF and DIGISUPER 86AF HD field lenses are a powerful automated aid to the task of HD lens focus and use sophisticated auto-focus technology based on an HD implementation of the Through-the-Lens Secondary Image Registration Phase Detection method.

    These auto-focus lenses free camera operators to concentrate on the creative aspects of framing HD images and following the action. Both the DIGISUPER 100AF and companion DIGISUPER 86AF HD field lenses create a window in the viewfinder (controlled by the camera operator) that encompasses the selected object requiring sharpest focus within the scene. The auto focus system can be engaged with a choice of three control modes:
    1. Part-Time, which actuates the auto-focus system as long as a control button is depressed.
    2. Full-Time, which actuates the auto-focus continually on selected moving objects such as racing cars
      (that might be speeding toward the camera position), or for shooting situations entailing full-servo robotic operation.
    3. Off, which allows for normal, unassisted lens focus.



Image Stabilization Technology – a built-in Optical Shift Image Stabilizer (identified by Shift-IS) system that effectively removes image stabilities especially at the telephoto extremes of the lens. This is a second generation system that embodies new refinements including separate horizontal and vertical control with high/low sensitivity settings

Digital Technologies – second-generation precision digital servo systems using Canon-developed 16-bit optical rotary encoder devices

  • Ensures high precision and repeatability of the Zoom and Focus settings
  • Encoders report to the 32-bit CPU – which, in turn, calculates during the focusing actuation to tightly control a synchronized zoom counter action that eliminates focus "breathing" (undesired change of angle of view that can accompany focus changes). This Constant Angle Focusing System is identified by the CAFS logo
  • 16-bit optical rotary encoder for aperture control reports to the associated camera Iris control system (10-bit compatibility)
  • 16-bit encoders are available for digital interface to Robotic and Virtual studio systems
  • Facilitates a wide range of customized control characteristics and automatic recall of precision control settings when used in conjunction with Canon digital controllers for Zoom and Focus


Mechanical Technologies – ergonomic mechanical design that exploited Power Optic technologies to maintain the same size and weight as the predecessor HDTV field lens:

  • Effective elimination of center of gravity variations with focus movement (using Canon’s advanced 3 group Internal Focusing system) further empowers the creativity of the camera operator
  • Carefully sealed optics offers protection against dust, smoke, and other air-contaminants
  • Innovative electrical sealing techniques offers Protection against radio interference

Ecological Design – All contemporary Canon lenses avoid the use of materials and substances potentially harmful to the environment. Lead has been removed from all optics and other identified substances from all components comprising the composite lens system.