Three new Canon PTZ cameras with Touchscreen Joystick Controller announced

Canon just announced three new PTZ cameras that include pan, tilt, and zoom: two indoor models, the Canon CR-N500 and CR-N300, and a rugged PTZ camera outdoor model, the Canon CR-X500. The PTZ cameras offer 4K UHD image quality with 10-bit 4: 2: 2, high-capacity autofocus, and flexible connectivity options. The company also announced the RC-IP100 controller and the free Camera Remote Control app.

Remotely produced video content grew significantly over the past year due to the pandemic and social distancing. Last year, camera companies reacted to the growing demand by releasing simple webcam software for their products. Now Canon decided to go one step further. The Japanese camera company has just launched new remote-controlled PTZ cameras. It is not the first product of its kind, but it seems to be interesting. Let’s take a look at what’s new.

Canon CR-N300

The smallest of the series is the CR-N300. The camera offers flexible connectivity with Power over Ethernet (PoE +), HDMI, 3G-SDI, and USB port. It includes the DIGIC DV6 image processor that offers 4K UHD 30p at 4: 2: 2 10-bit.

The CR-N300 uses a 1/2.3” type CMOS sensor with a hybrid autofocus system and a 20x optical zoom lens (29.3-601mm full-frame equivalent) with IS. With dimensions of 154 x 178 x 164mm and a weight of 2.2 kg, this model is quite compact.

The CR-N500 and CR-N300 are capable of high precision control thanks to the pan and tilt control mechanism that moves in 0.1 ° / second increments, allowing smooth operation at variable speeds.

Canon CR-N500

The second interior model is slightly larger. In terms of connectivity, it offers Power over Ethernet (PoE +), HDMI, and 3G-SDI. Like the CR-N300, it features the DIGIC DV6 image processor that delivers 4K UHD 30p at 4: 2: 2 10-bit.

This camera features larger 1.0-type CMOS sensors and uses Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF focusing system. It uses a 15x optical zoom lens (25.5 to 382.5mm full-frame equivalent) with image stabilization. The CR-N500 uses Canon Log 3 and Wide DR modes to produce HDR content.

Canon CR-X500

The CR-X500 is a rugged PTZ camera outdoor with an IP55 waterproof and dustproof rating. It supports serial communication and features a built-in windshield wiper to produce clear images even in rainy conditions. Thanks to its dual DIGIC DV6 processors, the CR-X500 is capable of capturing 4K UHD 60p 4: 2: 2 10-bit video. Additionally, the CR-X500 uses a high-quality 12G-SDI connection to deliver 4K UHD up to 60P with a single cable.

Like the CR-N500, the CR-X500 features 1.0-type CMOS sensors and Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF focusing system with a 15x optical zoom lens (25.5 to 382.5mm full-frame equivalent). with image stabilization. The CR-X500 also features an additional 30x advanced zoom when the camera is capturing images in Full HD.

Canon XC protocol

In addition to protocols such as RTMP / RTMPS, NDI / HX, or RTP / RTSP, the cameras also support the XC protocol that was recently developed by Canon, which will allow other compatible Canon products to work within the system. Canon will release a new firmware that will allow cameras in the Cinema EOS series to be compatible with this new remote production system.

The indoor PTZ cameras, the CR-N500 and CR-N300, are compatible with the RC-IP100 controller and the Remote Camera Control over IP application and certain third-party controllers. The CR-X500 is also compatible with the RC-IP100 controller through a serial connection.

RC-IP100 Controller and Remote Control App

The RC-IP100 panel can control up to 100 PTZ cameras at a time from a single operator. Control includes settings like focus, white balance, shutter speed, and more. It features a multi-function joystick and zoom control for incremental camera shake and a smooth transition between wide and telephoto zoom.

The free Remote Camera Control application for computers and tablets is capable of controlling up to 20 Canon PTZ cameras and displaying up to nine of them as a preview in the user interface. Software control allows adjusting camera image settings such as iris, white balance, and gain from a laptop keyboard.

Both the RC-IP100 and the app can control up to 100 preset positions, as well as the tracking function settings where 10 camera movements can be predetermined in one trial and then started the sequence with a single button.

Price and availability

The most compact of the line, the Canon CR-N300, should be available on March 25 and cost $2,699. The largest indoor PTZ camera, the Canon CR-N500, will also be available on March 25 and is priced at $5,399. The outdoor model, the CR-X500, costs $22,000, but a release date has yet to be confirmed. All three Canon PTZ cameras are now available to pre-order on the Bhphotovideo.com website.

The Canon RC-IP100 touchscreen PTZ joystick controller will be available on March 25 for $1,999 and be pre-ordered through the Bhphotovideo.com website.

Do you usually produce live multi-camera content? What do you think of Canon’s new PTZ camera system? Tell us in the comment section below the article.

Recently, Canon has announced the RF 50mm f1.8 STM and RF 70-200mm f4L IS USM lenses for mirrorless cameras. Both Canon RF lenses turned out to be compact, a lightweight, versatile field of view, and an ideal lens for everyday walkaround shooting.