Canon Targets High-End Broadcasters With New PTZ Camera
By Jennifer P
Brian Hallett recently posted an article on ProVideoCoalition reviewing the brand new Canon CR-N700. Canon announced the launch of the CR-N700, a 4K PTZ camera with advanced features and capabilities, designed for professional broadcast and live event productions. The camera incorporates intelligent AF from Canon’s professional video cameras, providing precision focus across the entire pan, tilt and zoom range. Additionally, Canon is offering a firmware update for the CR-N500 and CR-N300 PTZ cameras to enhance their functionality and performance.
Achieve Broadcast Quality, Easily
The CR-N700 is designed to meet the demands of broadcasters and live event productions. It features a 1.0-inch Type CMOS sensor, DIGIC DV7 processor, and 4K UHD 60P 4:2:2 10-bit imagery for high-quality video. The camera also supports 4K 60P over IP with PoE++ support, allowing for power, streaming, and camera control over a single cable, making it perfect for remote and live broadcast productions. It also has a high-performance lens with 15x optical zoom and 30x advanced zoom when shooting in Full HD, and Canon’s Image Stabilizer for smooth and steady footage. The CR-N700 also has a Night Mode, allowing operators to capture footage in low light conditions with the removable built-in IR cut filter and HDR formats in PQ or HLG, allowing to capture virtually uncompromised footage in various lighting environments.
The CR-N700 is equipped with advanced focusing technology such as Canon’s proprietary Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology and advanced EOS iTR AF X, which provides fast, intelligent, and accurate focusing. This deep learning autofocus can lock onto a subject’s head and track them as they move, even when they turn their face away. The camera also has Eye Detection AF, which locks onto the subject’s pupil for even greater precision and Face Priority AF which allows operators to prioritize a specific individual. This technology is ideal for scenarios where it is important to stay locked onto the anchor throughout the broadcast.
Superb Connectivity, Simple Workflows
The CR-N700 is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing workflows and production ecosystems of broadcasters. It supports multiple protocols such as SRT and NDI|HX for high-quality 4K video streaming and FreeD for integration with virtual productions. The camera also features Canon’s XC protocol, allowing it to be integrated alongside other Canon Cinema EOS cameras such as the EOS C500 Mark II, EOS C300 Mark III, or professional camcorders including the XF605 for a versatile setup. It also has Canon Log 3 and Wide Dynamic Range picture settings, which allows to match other Canon cameras’ look. The CR-N700 also offers flexible connectivity options including 12G-SDI and 3G-SDI, HDMI or IP for seamless transmission of 4K60P. Additionally, the camera also has professional dual XLR audio inputs, Time code, and GEN-LOCK for different production needs, making it a versatile and professional choice for live event, broadcast and studio productions.
Enhanced control
Canon’s latest PTZ camera, the CR-N700, offers precise and slow movements with an advanced drive mechanism, allowing for cinematic shots. It is compatible with Canon’s controller and Remote Camera Control Application as well as selected third-party controllers, making it easy to integrate with existing production setups. The CR-N700 also has a crop function that allows broadcasters to select two regions of interest within the 4K frame and output them as separate HD feeds, making it useful for productions with limited PTZ cameras on site.
Canon CR-N700 Key Features:
- 1.0-inch Type CMOS sensor with DIGIC DV7 Processor achieves 4K60P 4:2:2 10-bit
- 15x Optical Zoom (30x Advanced Zoom)
- Dual Pixel AF with iTR AF X
- Multiple protocols including NDI|HX, SRT, FreeD, RTMP(S), RTP, RTSP, Standard communication protocol & Canon XC Protocol
- Enhanced connectivity with 12G-SDI, 3G-SDI, and HDMI output
Canon CR-N500 and CR-N300 PTZ Camera Firmware Update
The new firmware update for the Canon CR-N500 and CR-N300 PTZ cameras adds SRT and FreeD protocols. SRT protocol is a widely used video transmission protocol for live broadcasts that provides both low latency and error correction for smooth video over public internet connections. FreeD protocol is also a widely used protocol for transmitting camera positioning information, allowing the camera to be used in virtual applications such as virtual studio systems. Both protocols are supported by the CR-N700, and are now available on the CR-N300 and CR-N500 with firmware version 1.2.0 that is currently available for download.
Learn more about Canon CR-N700 HERE
Learn more about Canon HERE