The first prototype zoom lens was developed at Canon in the early 1950s, but it was not satisfactory for engineers. Then, a new zoom lens system was developed. It had two variable magnification lens groups, which were moved by independent cams. Moreover, it was the first zoom lens with an epoch-making 4x zoom and the fastest f/1.4 lens speed at the time. This lens was developed by Dr. Keizo Yamaji, who later became the president of Canon Inc., and so this kind of lens design was called the “Yamaji type.” It became the most popular zoom lens type for movie cameras.

The body of the Zoom 8 was common with the 8-T but the Zoom 8 was equipped with this zoom lens. Although it was based on the 8-T, this camera had a single-lens reflex viewfinder with a split-image rangefinder and electric exposure meter. This was the first Canon movie camera equipped with a zoom lens, and it became very popular. It also had a detachable trigger grip.