Canon CR-N500 Professional 4K NDI PTZ Camera

If you're working on a field or studio production with high-end cameras that can benefit from remotely controlled cameras with minimal operating crew, and you need more accurate camera-matching than a traditional PTZ camera, the satin black CR-N500 Professional 4K NDI PTZ Camera with 15x Zoom from Canon will fit right into your documentary shoot, event, streaming broadcast, reality show, or digital film production. The CR-N500 is designed to fit right into an existing multi-camera shoot, matching the color depth and visual look with its professional sensor and features so that postproduction camera matching and color correction is made easy.

The CR-N500 sports many resources of a high-resolution Canon camera or camcorder with features such as a 1" dual-pixel CMOS sensor, the Canon DIG!C DV6 image processor, scene modes, face-tracking, 15x zoom, 20x digital zoom, dual XLR / 3.5mm microphone input, and video recording up to UHD 4K. The camera also includes NDI|HX support without requiring a separate license, allowing you to drop the camera into your existing NDI network with minimal configuration. Other professional camera attributes of the N500 include genlock support, Canon Log 3 support, and built-in ND filters with clear, 1/4, 1/16, and 1/64 options.

Where the PTZ camera diverges from the Canon camcorders is in its remote options such as control via IP, RS-422 serial, IR, or Wi-Fi as well as HDMI or 3G-SDI video output. It can perform smooth, precision pan, tilt, and zoom movements with a speed range of 0.2 to 300° per second. Mic-level audio can be input via dual XLR inputs or via a 3.5mm mini-jack, and then embedded in the HDMI and 3G-SDI outputs, in your NDI|HX stream, or in RTP/RTMP/RTSP streaming output.

The camera can also be powered using PoE+ (Power-over-Ethernet) using its LAN port, so it can fit right into your existing PoE+ network without requiring the use of local power to save cabling. The camera supports wide dynamic range, minimum brightness of 1.5 lux, and its lens features a 35mm equivalent focal length of 25.5 to 382.5mm. The camera can utilize an external controller via RS-422 or Canon's proprietary XC IP protocol on a private, secure LAN, using the optional RC-IP100 PTZ controller. Or if you'd prefer to use Canon's camera control software, the free-to-download application can work on Windows OS, so you can control all the camera functions from a laptop or tablet. The software provides a 9x9 live view, control of up to 100 cameras, settings loading and configuration, and tally functions.

Key Features

1" CMOS Sensor: The CR-N500 features a Canon 1" 4K CMOS image sensor capable of UHD 4K video capture at 30p and up to 60p in Full HD, making the CR-N500 PTZ camera great for the remote and unobtrusive capture of professional productions.

The 1" sensor allows for larger photosites compared to smaller-sized sensors found in other PTZ cameras, resulting in stunning images with less noise in low-light situations. The large sensor also exhibits a shallow depth of field at large apertures, producing blurred backgrounds in images, while Canon's DPAF tracks and keeps subjects in sharp focus. The CR-N500's DIG!C DV 6 imaging processor drives the high sensitivity (1.5 lux) and low-noise performance of the camera yielding amazing imagery in a variety of shooting conditions.

Canon DIG!C DV6 Processor: The CR-N500 PTZ camera incorporates Canon's DIG!C DV 6 Image Processor, which is essential in providing high image quality, advanced performance, and convenient operability. This advanced core technology component provides the image-processing power and speed that enables features such as 4K UHD video acquisition and precise Hybrid AF.

Dual-Pixel CMOS AF: Dual-Pixel CMOS AF is Canon's breakthrough AF technology that uses a CMOS sensor with a structure that combines imaging and phase-difference AF functions. The Dual-Pixel CMOS AF determines the focusing position by the phase difference, which drives the focusing lens smoothly and enables quick focusing. The AF tracking capability is effective even during zooming, panning, or tilting. On the other hand, with conventional contrast AF method, used by other cameras, the focusing position is determined by the contrast (difference of brightness). Therefore, the focusing lens may move slightly back and forth around the focusing position, which could cause delay when focusing.

Dual-Pixel Focus Guide: Utilizing information from Dual-Pixel CMOS AF, Dual-Pixel Focus Guide helps achieve precise focus by displaying focus assist information on the screen. It employs a truly and innovative user interface that helps enable the user to see if they are focused in front of or behind the subject through visual observation, and allows quick and accurate manual focus to be achieved. This helps simplify the focusing process when shooting in 4K UHD, which requires strict focus accuracy.

Face Detection and Tracking: The CR-N500 has multiple focus modes that aid the operator when confirming focus. When set to on, the Face Detection and Tracking can track the face of a subject when they are within a frame. Furthermore, there are two Face Detection options (Face Priority and Face Only). Face Priority will track a face within the scene; when a face is no longer within the scene, the camera will continue to focus within the predefined focus area. In the same way, the Face Only function will track the detected face within the scene; if the face is no longer within the scene, the camera will maintain its focus position without tracking for new objects. If more than one face is detected within a scene, the operator can toggle between detected faces. Both modes are useful when following a subject, allowing the operator to focus on composition while the camera handles focus.

Canon UHD 4K Lens: The CR-N500 features a 15x optical zoom lens and exhibits a wide viewing angle of 73° (horizontal). At the wide end, the 25.5mm (35mm equivalent) lens is capable of capturing extensive scenes in tight shooting spaces such as indoor events for cinematic wide shots. The camera utilizes aspheric lens elements to achieve 4K image quality while minimizing various aberrations over the entire zoom range.

Built-In ND Filters: Easily change the look of the image capture by utilizing a neutral-density filter. The CR-N500 is equipped with a built-in ND filter mechanism that allows the user to select from three densities: 1/4, 1/16, and 1/64. With the built-in ND filter, users can achieve rich video expression by controlling aperture values.

Optical-Shift Stabilization: The lens structure of the CR-N500 enables real-time responsiveness in a three-dimensional space, supporting optical image stabilization, which helps keep the image capture stable by minimizing vibration.

Oversampling HD Processing: The full HD recording (oversampling HD processing) takes full advantage of the image information acquired by the 4K sensor to generate beautiful high-definition, full HD video. This helps content creators produce stunningly detailed FHD video when utilizing the CR-N500.

Smooth and Responsive Pan and Tilt Performance: The CR-N500 is equipped with the PT drive mechanism that can change the pan/tilt speed in incremental steps. This allows the operator to set the speed to desired preference to allow for smooth PT movement. The CR-N500 exhibits a variable pan and tilt speed of 0.1 to 100°/second.

Canon Log 3 Support: Canon Log 3 is a gamma regarded for its latitude and flexibility with post-processing. It realizes a dynamic range (800% / 13-STOP equivalent) while retaining the characteristics of the dark area and the proximity of 18% grey.

Log shooting is particularly effective for constantly shifting shooting sites such as unscripted productions and documentaries or sites with rapidly changing lighting conditions. Canon Log 3 is a gamma considering a simple grading by tightening the dark area to arrange the gradation, which retains the ease of use of

Canon Log making the noise less visible:

Shooting in log allows the CR-N500 to more easily match the color and look of other cameras, especially those also shooting in log. This helps provide a more consistent look across the entire production.

Wide DR Gamma Supported: The CR-N500 supports Wide DR Gamma for natural and realistic-looking images that faithfully represent the scene at hand. Wide DR Gamma achieves a dynamic range of 800% to produce almost seamless tone gradations, resulting in smooth detail and virtually no blown-out highlights.

Equipped with Six Image-Quality Modes: The CR-N500 is equipped with the acclaimed image quality modes for high-end video production. There are six preset image modes to choose from, each preset contains specific gamma, color space, and color matrix parameters. Apart from the preset image-quality mode, adjusting and combining the gamma, color space, and color matrix make it possible to adjust to the intended image look.

Equipped with a Variety of Image-Quality Adjustment Functions: The CR-N500 features the Image-Quality Adjustment function (Custom Picture) which is acclaimed for high-end video production. The Image-Quality Adjustment function of the CR-N500 is similar to Canon's XF705 and Cinema EOS System, which allows users to adjust the picture settings to adapt to the shooting conditions or add effects, according to the intention of direction. This function makes it possible for content creators to match the image capture of other cameras in a production, resulting in a match of image output.

Easy Integration into IP Streaming: In addition to SDI and HDMI connections, the CR-N500 is equipped with an RJ45 interface purposed for IP communication, which supports high-resolution videos for distribution. The CR-N500 supports multiple protocols that can be utilized for video, audio, and control. The genuine RC-IP100 controller utilizes the XC protocol to control the CR-N500. The CR-N500 can also be combined with third-party equipment for control purposes. This IP system can help contribute to an efficient and labor-saving camera operations for the field of video production, broadcasting, and more.

IP Multi-Stream Support: The CR-N500 can simultaneously distribute video to multiple protocols via IP. Simultaneous distribution is also known as multi-stream, and the CR-N500 can distribute a total of three video streams simultaneously. Furthermore, if the HDMI/SDI video output is 30 fps or less, the CR-N500 can distribute two video streams, 4K H.264 and 360p H.264, at the same time. Such IP multi-streams contribute to parallel workflows where the same video is used simultaneously in remote environments.

RTMP Streaming Protocol Supported: The CR-N500 is capable of streaming video and audio using RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol). Even high-quality/large-capacity video/audio files, such as broadcast programs, are played at the same time as distribution without waiting for the completion of download. For example, by using a live streaming service, the viewer's direct access to the distribution URL set on the camera will stream the "current video" captured by the camera. With the RTMP streaming distribution, multiple viewers can watch the program at the same time, even in a remote environment.

NDI|HX Live Video Production Support Protocol: The CR-N500 supports the NDI (Network Device Interface) protocol that is well-established in the field of video production and broadcasting as the supporting RTP (Real-Time Transport Protocol). The NDI protocol has been developed and led by NewTek as a protocol that supports the workflow of live video production over an IP network. By constructing a system that uses NDI protocol-compatible devices and tools, it is possible to use video and audio resources on the network, including live video from cameras. As a result, a "live video production" workflow is created.

Standard VISCA Protocol: The CR-N500 supports the Standard VISCA Protocol to remotely control the camera via IP. When connecting a standard VISCA protocol-compatible remote controller to the camera over IP or serial RS-422, the camera can be operated remotely and shooting settings can be adjusted by utilizing the remote controller.

The standard VISCA protocol is widely used in video production, broadcasting, and many other markets. The CR-N500 supports the standard VISCA protocol that is regarded as an industry standard and is suitable for operation within existing workflows.

Support for Canon XC protocol: The XC Protocol is a newly developed IP that controls Canon's video production equipment. By supporting the XC Protocol, the CR-N500 can be remotely controlled, supporting a wide range of applications, which includes sports, music, live events, lecture recording, corporate video production, and more.

Various Interfaces Supported for Multiple Environments: The CR-N500 is equipped with three output interfaces. The IP and HDMI outputs are suitable when capturing UHD 4K at 30p or full HD resolutions at 59.94p. The SDI output is capable of full HD resolution and is suitable for usage when requiring high image quality video at 59.94p.

Genlock The CR-N500 is equipped with Genlock to allow for sync with other systems in multi-camera environments.

2-Channel XLR Audio: The CR-N500 offers a variety of ways to record high-quality audio through two XLR terminals, and internal stereo mini-jack mic terminal.

Standard Serial RS-422: The CR-N500 is equipped with a serial terminal RS-422 which can be utilized to connect third-party supported controllers that support the standard VISCA protocol communication.

One-Person Operation: The CR-N500 can be controlled by IP, infrared, and Wi-Fi. Canon's hardware controller, the RC-IP100, is capable of controlling up to 100 cameras and 100 presets, allowing the operator to control multiple cameras in a larger production. The CR-N500 is a perfect fit for many applications in broadcast, education, house of worship, events, staging, and more.

All-New Design: The CR-N500 impresses with its distinctive style. A solid exterior color and shape that looks like it was cut out from a cone and the size that gives a sense of strength, yet stable and compact. This PTZ camera maintains design harmony with other Canon professional imaging products, such as the established Canon 4K camera systems and lenses. The CR-N500 is available in two different colors, Satin Black and Titanium White.

Equipped with Tally Lamps: The CR-N500 is equipped with tally lamps that indicate the status of the camera. The tally lamps are located on the front of the lens section, and illuminate red when the camera is shooting, providing clear visual indications for staff and performers to know which camera is shooting live.

Wireless Remote Controls Supported: In addition to the IP interface, the CR-N500 can also connect by Wi-Fi. This allows the operator to access the camera's Settings Page from a wireless tablet device that is equipped with a supported HTTP browser. When using multiple cameras at the same time the user can set and operate the other cameras in the same way by inserting the assigned IP address of the camera in the web browser of the tablet or other device. In addition, the CR-N500 includes an infrared remote controller, which is used to control the camera wirelessly.

Easy-to-Use Settings Page and Discovery Tool: The CR-N500 supports the camera discovery tool, which is a Windows application. The Camera Search Tool is utilized to set the IP addresses of multiple cameras, which helps installers and integrators setup the CR-N500 within an existing network infrastructure. Furthermore, the CR-N500 supports the web application "Settings Page". The Settings Page allows the user to configure the settings of camera operation, which is accessible by web browser. Video-quality adjustments, such as exposure and white balance, that are usually performed by the camera operator on site can now be adjusted and set while watching the video from their desk through the Settings Page. Both Camera Search Tool and Settings Page enhance the ease of use by remote control.

Remote Camera Control Application: The Remote Camera Control Application can be utilized to control the CR-N500. The Remote Camera Control Application is a Windows application for centralized control of multiple cameras. It is possible to operate up to nine cameras and display videos at the same time, achieving a multi-camera operation.

At a video production or broadcasting site, an operator can select a camera from the videos displayed on the "Connected Camera List", within the application and operate it from the "Camera Control Area" in the control panel of the software. The software is included and can be installed immediately without having to prepare a hardware controller in advance making it easy to use for the operator while creating an effective one-person operation.