(BPT) - When it comes to capturing the magic of sports, you need the right equipment. Every touchdown, goal, foul, and play should be caught with stunning clarity so whether fans are at the stadium or at home, they can enjoy every minute of the game.
That's why when FOX Network was tasked with airing the live broadcast of football's Big Game Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, the vast majority* of lenses used were from a leader in digital imaging solutions: Canon.
Quality equipment delivers captivating moments
Fans across the nation were treated to a riveting experience when they watched the live broadcast of the match between Philadelphia and Kansas City. More than 95% of the lenses used by FOX during the championship tilt in New Orleans, Louisiana, were Canon. That includes 62 broadcast lenses for the live game broadcast and 29 of the 30 total lenses deployed for the pre- and postgame shows.
In the stadium, a total of 16 Canon UJ122x8.2 lenses filmed the live broadcast. Three of those lenses featured new, on-demand optical units. These units help extend the focus range to provide viewers with a shallow depth of field at a distance that would normally require a telephoto field lens.
To capture unique angles from the SkyCam, the FOX crew used Canon's CJ20ex5B IASE S, a versatile broadcast electronic news-gathering camera with telephoto reach that doesn't sacrifice a wide-angle view. Also, C300 Mark III cameras (capable of ultra-high frame rates) provided astonishing shots of the 50-yard line.
The professional's choice
Among the many credentialed photographers at the event, the majority* used Canon equipment, including the company's EOS R1 mirrorless camera. This camera is geared toward professional still photographers. It brings together Canon's cutting-edge technology and combines top-class performance with the strong durability and high reliability expected from a flagship model.
"With more than 30 years of experience using Canon cameras, I couldn't be more pleased with the quality and reliability of their products, especially the new EOS R1 camera," said Steve Sanders, Kansas City's team photographer. "As a professional who relies on all types of Canon gear every day, the versatility and outstanding quality of their equipment make Canon the clear choice for my team."
Jamie Squire, Getty Images' chief sports photographer, was also impressed with the picture quality and the camera's ease of use.
"This was the first time using the new Canon R1's during the Big Game and they performed beautifully," said Squire. "Even in lower lighting, shooting wide open at 2.8, the autofocus was fast and the images were crisp and razor sharp. The built-in ethernet port and transmission technology allowed me to send images to our team of editors and out into the world within moments of the capturing the action. Additionally, the customization of the buttons and controls allowed for a seamless experience while working, especially during a big event like this when there is no time to be messing around. The Canon system and the knowledge of how to use it provided me with the confidence to perform at my best."
Outstanding support when you need it most
The photography equipment wasn't the only Canon presence in the Big Easy. For the title game, the Canon Professional Services (CPS) team was on-site to offer photographers technical support, equipment loan opportunities and clean-and-check services.
This isn't the first time the company has provided support. As in years past, the CPS team brought in loaner gear to supplement cameras and lenses owned by Canon professionals. Canon technicians were also in attendance to provide cleaning and maintenance services for Canon broadcast lenses to help ensure optimal image quality.
"We are very proud that Canon's equipment and service support could contribute to the Big Game, which remains one of the world's most prestigious sporting events," said Kiyoshi Oka, executive vice president and general manager for Canon U.S.A., Inc. "Helping to provide the tools for photographers and broadcasters to document such an important moment for the culture is a privilege that means so much to us at Canon, and contributing to the enjoyment that millions of people derive from watching the game is a source of pride for our company."
Never miss a moment
Whether you're a professional or an aspiring amateur, choose photography equipment trusted to capture every second of football's Big Game. For more information about Canon's extensive lineup of professional imaging products, please visit USA.Canon.com/Pro.
*Based on Canon U.S.A., Inc., survey and data as of Feb. 10, 2025.