Canon EOS R5 C Cinema Camera
Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announces firmware updates to the Cinema EOS Camera lineup, which includes the EOS R5 C, EOS C70, EOS C500 Mark II, and EOS C300 Mark III. The company also announced a firmware update to extend paid add-on applications availability to CR-N300, CR-N500, and CR-X300 4K PTZ Cameras.
EOS R5 C firmware updates include:
- Improved AF performance when Face Detection AF is enabled, adding the ability to select a face with an RF Lens’ Control Ring or the camera’s Control Dial. Improved Head Detection allows the EOS R5 C to detect a subject’s head, even when the subject is looking backwards. The AF frame also changes size based on the subject detected during tracking. This update is also available for the EOS C70 camera.
- Power Save Mode improvements extend recording time by approximately 30% in 4K/60p.
- Enhanced Clear Scan in Shutter Mode menu reduces potential flicker during LED wall usage.
- For usage with Canon’s Dual Fisheye Lens, the ability to switch from left to right lens during VR recording when using Magnify and enabled 2x magnification when recording in 8K.
- Reduced switching time between photo and video mode – approximately 40% faster from Photo to Video and 70% faster from Video to Photo.
Canon EOS C70 Cinema Camera
EOS C70, EOS C500 Mark II, and EOS C300 Mark III firmware updates include:
- The EOS C70 camera will support added lenses expanding to Cine-Servo 15-120mm lens and the newly launched Flex Zoom 14-35mm.
- The EOS C500 Mark II/EOS C300 Mark III cameras will support the Flex Zoom 20-50mm lens.
- Enhanced Clear Scan Shutter Mode reduces potential flicker during LED wall usage.
- Ability to change the on-screen Wave Form Monitor’s size (x2) and opacity by touch or through the camera’s menu.
Canon CR-N300 PTZ Camera
Paid Add-On Applications to CR-N300, CR-N500, and CR-X300 4K PTZ Cameras
Canon also announces the “Add-On Applications System” for PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) remote cameras will be available for the CR-N300, CR-N500, and CR-X300. Available through a future firmware update, the Add-On Applications System will provide access to new paid video production features such as auto tracking and auto loop. The auto tracking application will give users the ability to automatically pan, tilt, and zoom to track moving subjects, and the auto loop application will allow users to program and automate repeated camera movements.
The applications run from within the camera itself, instead of requiring external devices to operate functions like auto tracking. With the addition of the Add-On Applications System, customers can now directly add the new capabilities to the PTZ camera.
Auto Tracking Add-On Application
The auto tracking paid add-on application enables automatic tracking according to a subject’s movements. As the subject moves, the camera will pan, tilt, and zoom to maintain the subject’s composition in the frame. This added function is designed to reduce the camera operator’s workload, letting them focus on other tasks such as camera switching and streaming, and allows for multi-camera shoots with fewer people on set.
The auto tracking is highly responsive, allowing for full body, upper body, and head and torso tracking at both slow and normal walking speeds, and full body and upper body tracking at fast walking speed. In addition, the auto tracking application provides users with a wide range of adjustment functions such as composition, tracking sensitivity, priority display area, fixed viewing angle area, tracking target auto select, pan/tilt halting area, initial position, auto select exclusion, and pan/tilt operation control.
The new auto tracking add-on application is designed for end-users in markets such as house of worship and corporate event streaming, educational workshops and lectures, and broadcast and corporate interviews.
Auto Loop Add-On Application
The auto loop paid add-on application helps automate repeated camera movements, potentially lessening the burden on camera operators. Camera operators will now have the flexibility to select between two repeated movements, loop or back-and-forth, based on needs and the shooting environment. It also provides the ability to enable smooth acceleration and deceleration when starting and stopping movement between two preset positions for more professional camera movements. For added convenience, camera operators can adjust settings such as position, route, preview, and start from one screen.
The new auto loop add-on application is designed for consistent smooth on-air movements for end-users in markets such as house of worship and corporate event streaming, broadcast and over-the-top (OTT) sports and interview streaming, and commercial production.
Additional Firmware Features
In addition to adding the “Add-On Application System” to the cameras, the firmware update for each camera will also provide several additional features and improvements like the addition of SRT and FreeD protocol support to the CR-X300 camera.
Pricing and Availability
The Firmware Update for all three PTZ cameras to add the “Add-On Applications System” is scheduled to be available in July 2023. The paid Auto Tracking Application is scheduled to be available in August 2023 for the CR-N300 and CR-N500 for $1200.00. The paid Auto Loop Tracking Application is scheduled to be available in August 2023 for the CR-N300 and CR-N500, and CR-X300 for $800.00.
Canon will showcase its latest digital imaging solutions and products at the NAB Show 2023 (Booth #C3825) in Las Vegas, April 16th-19th. For more information and details about Canon’s presence at the show, visit usa.canon.com.
