Canon today expands the functionality of its PTZ cameras with two new apps available via its Add-On Applications System, enabling users to add new functionalities for video production. Canon’s new Auto Tracking Application RA-AT001 and the Auto Loop Application RA-AL001 build on market demand to create a powerful standalone solution for video production without the need for external hardware. These new paid applications are easy to configure, and coupled with Canon’s 4K camera technology, make the ideal solution for a broad range of scenarios, from higher education, corporate, live events, broadcast and houses of worship.
Canon launches Auto Tracking and Auto Loop apps for its PTZ camera to streamline content capture
The new applications will launch with support for the CR-N700 camera, Canon’s flagship indoor 4K remote PTZ camera. Going forward, Canon will expand the line-up of applications provided by its Add-On Applications System, as well as its line-up of compatible remote camera models.
Auto Tracking
Powered by Canon’s advanced drive mechanism in its PTZ cameras, this new Auto Tracking application automatically tracks people with precision, to ensure they are always framed and in-shot, without the intervention of a camera operator. This enables both single and multi-camera shoots to be filmed without the need of a camera operator, reducing the burden on AV staff or operators, whilst still capturing high-quality, professional content. Performing visual analysis in-camera, the system has exceptional tracking capabilities, from full-body, upper body, shoulders-up and other viewpoints, as well as speeds ranging from slow to brisk walking. The camera’s precision and the smooth drive work in synergy with the pan/tilt mechanism for high quality footage straight from the camera.
With a broad range of adjustment functions including Composition, Tracking Sensitivity and Priority Display Area, the CR-N700 can be customised for a multitude of different use cases, such as live production or corporate events, enabling professional looking content capture without the hassle. With the Composition feature, operators can set the optimal position to ensure the subject is always well framed, while the tracking sensitivity offers up to ten levels of adjustments, meaning it can be used for a variety of use cases.
Auto Loop Application
Canon today also announces its Auto Loop application, which enables the camera to follow a pre-programmed, automated pan/tilt/zoom movement without the need for an operator to manually change the shot. This is perfect for situations where operators must make simple repeated camera movements, such as live music events for instance where the shot would move from the drummer, to lead singer, to audience and then back again. This allows directors and operators to concentrate on switching and framing with other cameras, reducing workload, and saving labour and personnel.
Two movement pattern options, loop or back-and-forth, give greater flexibility to choose movements that suit each shooting environment. To ensure footage looks natural amongst a multi-camera set up, the application offers smooth adjustment of start-stop acceleration/deceleration to simulate manual camera movements. These features are easily programmable via a single screen, where operators can apply position and route settings and even access a preview, as well as control the speed of movement and duration of pause at each position.
Canon will be showcasing this technology for the first time at ISE 2023, within its higher education lecture capture set up and multi-cam corporate studio zone, demonstrating how these applications can automate content creation and simplify set ups. You can find Canon at Booth 3A800 from 31st January – 3rd February.
The applications will be available to download from April 2023 for use with the CR-N700. Other PTZ cameras will be supported in due course.
Additional information, Product Intelligence Professional Olli Turtiainen, olli.turtiainen@canon.fi, tel. +358 40 7716226.