Canon lenses score at Euro2004

Canon lenses were used during host broadcaster EBS’s coverage of EURO2004 to capture each of the 31 games during the tournament. Lenses used include the XJ100x9.3 and the XJ86x9.3 (both with Image Stabilizers) and multiple HJ21ex7.8 and HJ11ex4.7 ENG lenses.

EBS divided the camera set-ups for EURO2004 into four groups, comprising the opening game, the group matches, the quarter and semi-finals and the final and hired Belgian broadcast facilities company, Alfacam, to deliver the World feed 

A total of 31 matches were broadcast, each requiring a different camera set-up, resulting in the deployment of around 22 cameras – all of them equipped with Canon HD and SD lenses.

All the high-speed cameras used were equipped with 86x Field lenses, with image stabilizers, to get extreme close ups of the ball and capture the players’ footwork. 

Across the field two close-up cameras, both equipped with XJ100x Field lenses, were used solely to capture the emotions and reactions of the coaching staff during key moments of the game. A 100x lens placed was also used to film dignitaries in the VIP area.

In addition, 11x wide angle lenses were used on a steady-cam, allowing the cameraman to quickly walk past the teams during the national anthems. 

The Canon Broadcast Service Team was on hand throughout the tournament to ensure that all the Canon lenses were in top working order for the duration of EURO2004. Based out of their offices in Porto and Lisbon, they were able to react quickly to any additional problems that arose.    

Euro2004 kicked off 12th of June in Porto and was ended with a final between Portugal and Greece on the 4th of July. The tournament was watched by a worldwide audience of 100 million viewers.