Kentucky Mega-Church Reaches the Next Generation with Video Captured Using FUJINON Lenses
Wayne, N.J. – Southland Christian Church near Lexington, Kentucky is one of a new breed of mega-churches, investing in the next generation by acquiring sophisticated new video technology, including FUJINON lenses from FUJIFILM North America Corporation’s Optical Devices Division. Founded in 1956, Southland has grown to become one of the state's largest churches, with three sprawling campuses and attendance averaging 12,000 worshipers each week. Just as its size and scope have expanded, so have its needs for state-of-the-art video broadcast and production technology to help reach its huge audience and provide a moving experience. Now, as Southland makes its transition from standard definition to HD broadcasts, it has turned to FUJINON lenses for the high quality, yet economical, centerpiece to its new system.
As with all churches its size, Southland relies on image magnification to capture every nuance of the service, even for worshippers in the very back row. Two FUJINON XA50x9.5BESM HD Telephoto Box-style lenses provide the critical tight shots at long distances that make the service come alive. In addition, two ZA22x7.6BERM HD Telephoto ENG-style lenses offer the flexibility of mobile and remote image capture, while the ZA12x4.5BERM HD Super Wide Angle ENG/EFP lens lets the church display the big picture incorporating every element of the service. All three zoom lenses deliver DigiPower servo control for remote control of zoom, focus and iris, along with digital Quick Zoom to maximize impact and message delivery.
The lenses complement newly purchased Grass Valley LDK-3000 cameras as well as new switching and control equipment, allowing the 11-member production team to respond quickly to the demands of a large, complex live event. In addition, Southland streams the IMAG, plus images of the interior of the sanctuary, to three giant screens at its satellite campuses. There, live bands perform on huge stages to accompany the simulcast. The church also records these sermons and other video content for its Southlandonline.tv television ministry, which broadcasts for both television and web viewing. In all of these applications, the church has grown to rely on FUJINON lenses and their fast T-stops, quality coatings, and exact color matching.
Southland's programming director, Mike Vandemark, noted that, to meet the challenge of multiple-location services, the events must be precisely timed and choreographed. Every piece of equipment must be highly reliable and technically precise. With their upgraded video capabilities, he said, "The video and audio capture, transport and control are now on the same level as a sizable remote broadcast truck. And the investment in our new video system has paid off handsomely." A vibrant, growing community of worshippers clearly agrees, responding enthusiastically to the church's contemporary style, as well as its use of innovative technology to reach its flock.
About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM North America Corporation, a marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation consists of four operating divisions and one subsidiary company. The Imaging Division provides consumer and commercial photographic products and services, including: photographic paper; digital printing equipment, along with service and support; personalized photo products; film; and one-time-use cameras; and also markets motion picture archival film and on-set color management solutions to the motion picture, broadcast and production industries. The Electronic Imaging Division markets consumer digital cameras, and the Graphic Systems Division supplies products and services to the graphic printing industry. The Optical Devices Division provides optical lenses for the broadcast, cinematography, closed circuit television, videography and industrial markets, and also markets binoculars. FUJIFILM Canada Inc. sells and markets a range of Fujifilm products and services in Canada.
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FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including electronic imaging, digital printing equipment, medical systems, life sciences, graphic arts, flat panel display materials, and office products, based on a vast portfolio of digital, optical, fine chemical and thin film coating technologies. The company was among the top 10 companies around the world granted U.S. patents in 2012, and in the year ended March 31, 2013, had global revenues of $26.7 billion*. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmholdings.com
 * At an exchange rate of 83 yen to the dollar.
FUJIFILM Optical Devices Division, 10 High Point Drive, Wayne, New Jersey 07470. Phone: 973-633-5600. Fax: 973-633-5216. Web site: www.FUJINON.com
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