Canon unveils its new ecosystem of 4K UHD remote cameras

Includes three new pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, the CR-N500, CR-N300 and CR-X500, and the RC-IP100 controller. In the future, it will also allow remote control of EOS Cinema cameras.

Aware of the importance that the new scenarios marked by social distance, remote production or distance education are achieving together with the need to quickly share more content and gain efficiency in production with fewer resources without affecting quality, Canon today launched its new remote camera system, which includes three new pan-tilt zoom cameras (PTZ), the CR-N500, CR-N300 y CR-X500 and the RC-IP100 controller.

This proposal goes through a remote production ecosystem that unleashes video capabilities by merging several technologies in which the manufacturer has extensive experience: network, connectivity and control, present in its video surveillance solutions; and the strong knowhow that it has had in imaging technologies for decades.

This ecosystem is made up of the CR-N500 and CR-N300 indoor PTZ cameras, as well as the CR-X500 outdoor camera that offer capture 4K UHD high quality, with various IP protocol compatibilities, including the newly developed XC protocol, which realizes a simple and efficient production workflow.

Along with hardware driver RC-IP100 and the Remote Camera Control App (Remote Camera Control Application), the new XC protocol It will allow other compatible Canon video products to work on the production system, helping content creators of all levels customize their production system to suit their needs.

Note, on the other hand, that Canon will launch a new firmware that makes the EOS range cinema cameras are compatible with this new remote production system, providing a flexible and comprehensive offering that meets the versatile video needs of the remote production market.

Versatile IP Compatibility

By combining Canon video and network technology into a single solution, the CR-N500 and CR-N300 enable Relay and operation over IP for high-quality live productions.

Both cameras are compatible with numerous protocols, such as RTMP/RTMPS, NDI|HX, RTP/RTSP and Canon's newly developed XC protocol, which is standard on Canon cameras, enabling live streaming to the selected content delivery network for more efficient production.

To further streamline workflows, the CR-N500 employs Canon Log 3 y Wide DR, in order to produce the better HDR results possible, both for content broadcast live and for recorded content ready for post-production. Even when shooting outdoors, production crews can rely on the CR-X500, thanks to its rugged, durable body that's rated for water and dust resistance (IP55), remote control capability via serial communication and a built-in cleaner to ensure that wet conditions do not interfere with high-quality content.

Designed to fit today's workflows, these PTZ cameras offer a number of common connection options. Both the CR-N500 and CR-N300 provide tremendous flexibility to support a wide range of use cases, with Power over Ethernet with PoE+ (making wiring easier), HDMI, 3G-SDI. and the CR-N300 also has an additional USB port.

Enabling broadcasters to deliver excellent picture quality and integrate into existing workflows, the CR-X500 uses a 12G-SDI connection high quality, to achieve UHD 4K at up to 60P, with a single cable.

Superior image quality

Responding to the demand for 4K, all PTZ cameras incorporate Canon's advanced imaging technology that enables quality equivalent to Canon's professional video products.

The CR-N500 and CR-N300 feature a DIGIC DV6 processor, to achieve stunning UHD 4K 30P quality at 4:2:2 and 10-bit, while the CR-X500 takes advantage of Dual DIGIC DV6 processors to capture up to UHD 4K 60p, also at 4:2:2 and 10-bit.

The CR-N500 and CR-X500 are reinforced with 1.0” CMOS sensors, for impeccable video quality, and the focus system Dual Pixel CMOS AF Industry-renowned Canon technology ensures fast, precise focusing, which is especially challenging in 4K production.

The CR-N300 uses a 1/2.3” CMOS sensor and the prestigious system of Hybrid Autofocus, which guarantees sharp and fast focus on objects, even in low light, ideal for live broadcasting in ambient conditions such as those of a conference room.

Taking advantage of Canon optical technology, each of these models maintains a 4K optical resolution throughout zoom, to help creators reduce the distance between the subject and viewers. The CR-N500 and CR-X500 feature 15x optical zoom and the CR-N300 features 20x optical zoom, all with image stabilization, ensuring smooth, shake-free images from wide angle to telephoto.

The CR-X500 also features an additional 30x advanced zoom when the camera is recording in Full HD, ideal for recording close-ups of a distant object.

Simple but precise control

The CR-N500 and CR-N300 are capable of offering a high precision control, thanks to the pan and tilt mechanism, which is shifts in increments of 0.1° per second, allowing smooth operation at different speeds, to capture the perfect scene in any situation.

Canon's versatile indoor PTZ models, the CR-N500 and CR-N300, are compatible with the RC-IP100 controller and with the Remote Camera Control App, via IP and with controllers from other brands, for easy integration with current configurations. The CR-X500 is also controller compatible RC-IP100, through a serial connection.

The RC-IP100 hardware controller is capable of controlling 100 PTZ cameras simultaneously from a single operator. It offers improved control over a range of settings, such as focus, white balance and shutter speed, and also features a multi-function joystick and a professional zoom lever for progressive camera movement and smooth transition between wide-angle and telephoto zoom. These multifunction controls further simplify operation and allow you to achieve high-quality, professional results.

Both the RC-IP100 and the Remote Camera Control App can control up to 100 preset positions, as well as adjust the tracking function, allowing you to preset 10 test camera movements and then start the sequence with the touch of a button.

Canon's two new PTZ controllers fit any budget and workflow. The Free Remote Camera Control App is software for computers and tablets, capable of controlling up to 20 Canon PTZ cameras, displaying up to nine of them as a preview in the user interface. Software control allows you to fine-tune in-camera image parameters, such as iris, white balance and gain, from a laptop keyboard.

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