Canon has announced three new 4K UHD PTZ Cameras. PTZ cameras have become increasingly more popular during this COVID-19 pandemic as they allow for remote operation and can be plugged into networks to stream or broadcast content.
The three new cameras are the:
- CR-X500 4K UHD PTZ
- CR-N500 4K UHD PTZ
- CN-N300 4K UHD PTZ
CR-X500 4K UHD PTZ
The CR-X500 4K UHD PTZ is an outdoor PTZ camera. This is the top-of-the-range offering from Canon and it is being targeted for use at major sporting events (Olympics, FIFA World Cup, etc.), major network TV studios, Live music concerts, etc.
Key features
- UHD Resolution
- 1.0″ CMOS Sensor
- 15x Optical Zoom
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF
- 12G SDI Connectivity
- DC/AC Variants Available
- IP55 Dust & Waterproof Resistant (also salt resistant)
- Remote Control Via Serial Port
- Lens Cover Wiper
- Anti Vibration Function
The CR-X500 uses a high-quality 12G-SDI connection to achieve 4K UHD up to 60P with a single cable. The camera utilizes a 1.0″ Type CMOS sensor and Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system.
The CR-X500 employs a 15x optical zoom with image stabilization. It also features an additional 30x advanced zoom when the camera is capturing in Full HD.
The PTZ camera boasts an IP55 Water and Dustproof rating, remote control capability over serial communication, and an inbuilt wiper.
The CR-X500 retails for £23,750.00.
CR-N500 4K UHD PTZ Camera
The CR-N500 4K UHD PTZ Camera is a mid-level PTZ camera aimed at corporate studios, houses of worship, minor sporting leagues, reality shows, etc.
Key features
- UHD Resolution
- 1.0″ CMOS Sensor
- 15x Optical Zoom (8.3-124.5mm)
- Optical Image Stabalization
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF
- DIGIC DV6 ProcessorIP Streaming & ControlHDMI, 3G-SDI, Dual XLRs, LAN (POE++) connectivity
The CR-N500 has a 1.0″ CMOS sensor and Canon’s Dual Pixel AF system. This allows for Face Detection and Face Detection/Tracking. This can be done via the optional remote control units screen, or through the free software application. Now, the camera won’t automatically pan and tilt when using the tracking AF system. All it will do is track the focus that is within the frame if a subject moves. You would still need to physically pan and tilt the camera yourself.
The PTZ camera also has built-in ND filters. You can choose from ND 1/4. ND 1/16, and ND64.
There is also a Four-Axis Correction system built-in that allows the camera to compensate for horizontal roll, vertical roll and up and down roll.
The CR-N500 can output the following resolutions and frame rates:
- IP– UHD (3840 x 2160) up to 29.98p 4.2.0 8-bit (H.264)
- SDI– FHD (1920 x 1080) up to 59.94p 4.2.2 10-bit (Motion JPEG)
- HDMI– UHD (3840 x 2160) up to 29.98p 4.2.2 10-bit (H.265)
You can also choose to shoot in Canon Log 3 and LUTs can be applied to the output in real-time. If you prefer there is also the ability to shoot in BT.709, Wide DR BT.709, and various HLG and PQ profiles.
The direct competition to the Canon CR-N500 is the Panasonic AW-UN70 and Sony BRC-X400. The Canon has a larger sensor than both the Panasonic and Sony options, but conversely, they have a longer focal reach.
The CR-N500 retails at £5,399.99
CN-N300 4K UHD PTZ camera
The CN-N300 4K UHD PTZ camera is an entry-level PTZ camera aimed at amateur sports, local events, corporate events, music recitals, tourist spots, etc.
Key features
- UHD Resolution
- 1/2.3″ CMOS Sensor
- 20x Optical Zoom
- Hybrid AF System
- Simplified Scene Modes
- USB Out For Webcam Use
This model does not feature canon’s DPAF, instead, it relies on a Hybrid F system that consists of Contrast AF at the image sensor and High-Speed Phase Difference AF via an external sensor.
It has basic Scene Modes that allow the user to set up the camera quickly for the desired look they want to achieve. These Scene Modes include:
- Portrait
- Low Light
- Spotlight
- Sports
As far as resolutions and frame rates you can output from this camera, here they are:
- IP– UHD (3840 x 2160) up to 29.98p 4.2.0 8-bit (H.264)
- SDI– FHD (1920 x 1080) up to 59.94p 4.2.2 10-bit (Motion JPEG)
- HDMI– UHD (3840 x 2160) up to 29.98p 4.2.2 10-bit (H.265)
Just like the CR-N500, this camera also features a Four-Axis Correction system built-in that allows the camera to compensate for horizontal roll, vertical roll and up and down roll.
Now, you can use this PTZ as a webcam, but there are some serious catches. The resolution is really low. Below is what the camera is capable of as far as resolutions and frame rates when it is used as a USB webcam:
- 1920 x 1080– 12fps
- 1280 x 720– 15fps (59.94 Hz), 12.50fps (50.00 Hz)
- 640 x 360– 30fps ((59.94 Hz), 25.00fps (50.00 Hz)
I don’t understand why a camera in 2021 is only capable of normal frame rates in a resolution of 640 x 360.
The RC-IP100 retails at £2,050.92
Remote Control Solutions
To complement the release of these new PTZ cameras, Canon has also announced two new control systems:
- Hardware Controller
- Software Application Solution (free)
The Hardware Controller uses IP (IPv4) serial communication protocols. You can control and operate up to 100 cameras.
There is catch with the Software solution. it is only available for Windows, there is no Mac OS version available.
The software lets you see up to 100 connected cameras and you can also control the camera’s focus, pan and tilt the camera, and make adjustments to various other parameters.
Now, with any PTZ camera solution, you are going to need quite a few extra pieces of equipment to make it all work. This includes items such as a monitor, switcher, external recorder and a laptop or PC.
In addition, Canon will be releasing new firmware which makes the Cinema EOS range cameras compatible with these new remote production systems.
