Alan Lewis of Canon USA presents the UHD Digi Super 122 and UHD Digi Super 111 broadcast lenses at NAB 2026. These lenses are designed for 2/3-inch broadcast cameras and feature a B4 mount. The key technology highlighted is the “novel look,” an optional modification that provides a cinematic bokeh effect for live sports and television productions, addressing the growing demand for more dynamic and visually engaging broadcast content.
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The novel look technology is implemented via a special optical unit that a Canon service technician can install within the lens. This modification allows broadcast camera operators to achieve a shallow depth of field, creating a distinct separation between the subject and the background. This capability is particularly effective for isolating key moments in sports, such as focusing on a single player’s celebration, which traditionally would be difficult to achieve with standard broadcast lenses that prioritize keeping the entire field of play in sharp focus.
This technology aims to bridge the gap between the conventional flat, deep-focus look of broadcast television and the aesthetic qualities of cinematic lenses. While cinematic lenses are increasingly used on sidelines, integrating this capability directly into a high-zoom broadcast lens like the 111x UHD Digi Super 111 offers a unique operational advantage. It allows productions to switch between a standard broadcast view and a cinematic look without changing lenses or cameras.
Canon’s approach provides a practical upgrade path for existing equipment, enabling broadcasters, mobile truck production companies, and television networks to enhance their visual storytelling capabilities. The technology has seen significant adoption since its introduction, demonstrating a clear industry trend towards incorporating more cinematic elements into live event coverage to increase viewer engagement.
