Canon expands Auto Tracking and Auto Loop availability for PTZ cameras

Canon Australia has expanded the functionality of its PTZ cameras with two new applications, Auto Tracking and Auto Loop, available via its Add-On Applications System, enabling users to add new functionalities for video production, alongside a firmware update to enhance user experience. Canon is also announcing a collection of new firmware updates to further enhance and expand the capabilities of the EOS R5 C, EOS C70, EOS C300 Mark III and EOS C500 Mark II cameras.

Canon’s Auto Tracking Application RA-AT001 and the Auto Loop Application RA-AL001 are currently available for the CR-N700. From August, 2023 the applications will also be available for the CR-N500, CR-N300 and CR-X300 when the version update of the application is released. Both applications build on market demand to create a powerful standalone solution for video production without the need for external hardware. These new paid applications can be downloaded from Canon’s website into the PTZ cameras, are easy to configure, and coupled with Canon’s 4K camera technology, offer the ideal solution for a broad range of scenarios, from higher education, corporate, live events, broadcast and houses of worship.

Auto Tracking Application: CR-N500 and CR-N300
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. Enabling both single and multi-camera shoots to be filmed without the need for a camera operator, the tracking reduces the burden on AV staff or operators, while still capturing high-quality, professional content. Performing visual analysis in-camera, the function is available without any external device, resulting in a quicker – and more accurate – tracking capability. From full body, upper body, shoulders-up and other viewpoints, as well as speeds ranging from slow to brisk walking, the application’s precision and smooth drive work in synergy with the pan/tilt mechanism for high quality footage straight from the camera.

With the new firmware, the Auto Tracking application becomes compatible with a wider range of PTZ models – the CR-N500 and CR-N300 – so they can be optimised for a multitude of different use cases, such as live production, corporate events, or lectures. With the Composition feature, operators can set the optimal position to ensure that the subject is always well framed, while the tracking sensitivity offers up to ten levels of adjustments for a variety of use cases.

Auto Loop Application: Expanded compatibility
The Auto Loop application is being made available for the CR-N500, CR-N300 and CR-X300, enabling the cameras 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 need to make simple repeated camera movements, for instance during live music events where the shot can move from the drummer, to lead singer, to audience and then back again. Directors and operators can concentrate on switching and framing with other cameras, which will reduce their workloads.

Two movement pattern options, loop or back-and-forth, give greater flexibility to choose movements that suit each shooting environment. To ensure that 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.

Enhanced user experience
Committed to expanding the functionality of its PTZ cameras, Canon’s latest firmware update enhances user experience and workflow – whether the camera is being used independently, or part of a multi-camera set-up. When used in conjunction with Cinema EOS cameras or Canon’s XA / XF series camcorders, the CR-N500, CR-N300 and CR-X300 can tap into common settings – including the capability to set shutter angle and shutter speed. It’s also now easier to match images from other cameras, with an added colour compensation function for white balance. What’s more, the CR-X300 will include SRT protocol and Free-D protocol support, enabling easier workflow integration – particularly during live and sporting events.

Cinema EOS firmware update

The update to the EOS R5 C, EOS C70, EOS C300 Mark III and EOS C500 Mark II cameras will bring a high-resolution Clear Scan function and provide greater synchronisation support when shooting LED screens on virtual productions. In addition, an option to change the in-camera waveform monitor size as well as further metadata support for the latest Canon lenses has been added.

Additional improvements to the EOS R5 C include support for the EF-EOS R 0.71x Mount Adapter, faster switching time between photo and video modes, a power saving mode, 2x magnification during 8K MP4 recording and a digital-teleconverter option, maximising flexibility by providing a quick way to increase the telephoto capability of the lens used.

Availability

The two new apps, Auto Tracking Application RA-AT001 and Auto Loop Application RA-AL001 are available from August, 2023 via the Add-On Applications System which expand the functionality of Canon’s PTZ cameras including the CR-N500, CR-N300 and CR-X300. They are currently available for the CR-N700.

The Cinema EOS firmware update is available via Firmware Updates | Canon Australia, 2023 for the EOS R5C and late July for the EOS C70, EOS C300 Mark III and EOS C500 Mark II.