Canon is trying to keep up with the times and, in response to modern trends of broadcasting through a network, announced camera with remote control: CR-N300 and the CR-N500 for indoor, CR-X500 to be placed on the street, controller RC-IP100 and Free Remote Camera Control Software… All three presented cameras are classified as PTZ (panorama, tilt and zoom), and these are not standard CCTV cameras, which you will hardly surprise anyone in 2021, but a full-fledged video content transmission system with remote control, which is capable of providing 4K UHD image quality 4 : 2: 2 10-bit, autofocus support and flexible connectivity.
Canon CR-N300
The first and most compact of the presented cameras is the CR-N300. Powered by a DIGIC DV6 image processor, the camera can shoot 4K UHD 30p at 4: 2: 2 10-bit and offers a variety of connectivity options: Power over Ethernet (PoE +), HDMI, 3G-SDI, and USB ports. The CR-N300 has a 1 / 2.3-inch CMOS sensor with hybrid autofocus and a 20x optical zoom lens, its 35mm equivalent focal length range is 29.3-601mm, and stabilization also works. … Chamber size 154x178x164 mm and weight 2.2 kg.
Canon CR-N300 camera
Rear of the Canon CR-N300 camera
The camera employs a precise pan and tilt mechanism that moves in 0.1 degree per second increments to ensure smooth operation at various camera speeds. Cameras are available in both white and black.
Canon CR-N500
The second model, Canon CR-N500, is slightly larger, and its characteristics are impressive: a large CMOS sensor with Canon Dual Pixel CMOS AF, a lens with 15x optical zoom (in 35mm equivalent 25.5-382, 5mm) with image stabilization, the CR-N500 allows you to shoot in Canon Log 3 and Wide DR for HDR content creation. The camera supports Power over Ethernet (PoE +), HDMI, and 3G-SDI. Like the younger model, the CR-N300, the camera has a DIGIC DV6 image processor for 4K UHD 30p shooting at 4: 2: 2 10-bit.
Canon CR-N500 camera
Rear of the Canon CR-N500 camera
On the back of the CR-N500 camera, you can find many interesting interfaces that the press release does not talk about, for example, two XLRs for audio, another 3.5 mm microphone input, a microSD card slot and a few more interfaces, about which nothing it is not said, which, nevertheless, are not set here for show and beauty. Apparently, the cameras are much more complex technically than it can be described in two paragraphs of the dry announcement, and for a story about each of them you will need a separate study. For example, why are there two XLR inputs, how to control the sound, and how to control the sound from half a dozen such cameras, because in this way we get a kind of analogue of a mixing console distributed in space. Whether or not phantom power is provided for the microphones is also not said.
Canon CR-X500
The CR-X500 is rugged and designed for outdoor use with an IP55 water and dust resistance rating. Not only that, the camera has a built-in wiper for clear images even in rainy weather, just like car wipers. The camera is equipped with two DIGIC DV6 processors, allowing it to record 4K UHD 60p video at 4: 2: 2 10-bit resolution. The CR-X500 uses a 12G-SDI connection to transfer 4K UHD up to 60P via cable.
Canon Weatherproof Camera CR-X500
Back of the Canon CR-X500 camera
Like the indoor model CR-N500, the CR-X500 features a 1.0-type CMOS sensor and Canon Dual Pixel CMOS AF, 15x optical zoom (35mm equivalent, 25.5-382.5mm) with image stabilization. The CR-X500 also has an optional 30x digital zoom that works when shooting Full HD.
Canon XC protocol
In addition to RTMP / RTMPS, NDI / HX or RTP / RTSP, the cameras support Canon’s new proprietary XC protocol, which allows compatible Canon devices to work together. Not only that, Canon is going to release special firmware that will allow the Cinema EOS series cameras to also jump into the game and become part of the new content creation system.
The CR-N300 and CR-N500 models are compatible with the new RC-IP100 controller and remote control over IP application, and some third party controllers are also supported. The CR-X500 weatherproof camera is compatible with the RC-IP100 controller through a serial connection.
RC-IP100 and Remote Camera Control App
The RC-IP100 controller allows one operator to simultaneously control up to 100 cameras, and you can set focus, white balance, shutter speed and many other parameters. Equipped with joystick and zoom rocker for smooth movement and zoom from wide angle to telephoto
Canon Remote Control RC-IP100
In addition, the company has released a free Remote Camera Control app for computers and tablets that can control up to 20 Canon PTZ cameras, with 9 of them displayed in preview mode. The program also allows you to control various camera parameters such as aperture, white balance and ISO. With the tracking function, you can preset 10 camera movements and then start the sequence with one button.
Camera remote control app
It is not entirely clear from the press release how to manage this entire system, if the controller supports 100 cameras, the application supports 20 cameras, and only 9 of them are displayed on the screen. Apparently, there is some kind of trick of building clusters from clusters, which specially trained cluster authors know about, but the press release is silent.
What are the prices?
- Canon CR-N300 is expected in the summer of 2021 at a price of 2,500 euros
- Canon CR-N500 expected in May 2021 at a price of 5,000 euros
- Canon CR-X500 expected in summer 2021, price still unknown
- Canon RC-IP100 controller expected in May 2021 priced at € 1,900
Prices are indicated without taxes and are informational.
