Canon has announced the launch of its cheapest PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera yet, the Canon CR-N100. The new camera is designed for streaming, video production and remote control applications, and offers 4K video capture, 20x optical zoom and IP53 weather sealing.
A stripped-down version of the CR-N300
The Canon CR-N100 is essentially a simplified version of the CR-N300, which was released in 2020. The main differences are that the CR-N100 does not have image stabilization or SDI video output, which are features more suited for professional broadcast use. The CR-N100 also has a lower price tag, making it more accessible for smaller studios, schools, churches and other users who need a versatile and reliable PTZ camera.
The CR-N100 uses a 1/2.3-inch 8.3 megapixel sensor, which is the same as the CR-N300. It has a built-in lens that covers a 35mm equivalent focal range of 30.5-625mm, giving it a wide-angle to super-telephoto reach. The lens has a variable aperture of f/2.8-4.5 and a minimum focusing distance of 10cm at the wide end and 1.2m at the tele end.
The camera can record 4K video at up to 60p in 10-bit 4:2:0 internally or output 12-bit ProRes RAW externally via HDMI. It can also record Full HD video at up to 240p for slow-motion effects. The camera supports HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) and PQ (Perceptual Quantization) HDR formats, as well as Canon Log 3 for more flexibility in post-production.
A motorized head with hybrid AF and face detection
The CR-N100 has a motorized head that can pan through 340 degrees and tilt from -30 to +100 degrees. The speed of the movement can be adjusted from 0.2 to 100 degrees per second, depending on the level of precision and smoothness required. The camera can be controlled remotely via IP or serial connections, using either a web browser interface or a dedicated controller.
The camera features hybrid AF, which combines contrast-detection and phase-detection methods to achieve fast and accurate focus. It also has face detection, which can recognize and track human faces in the frame. Additionally, the camera supports Intelligent Auto Tracking, which can identify up to nine subjects and follow their movements automatically. This feature requires an additional paid license to activate.
The CR-N100 has UVC standard USB output, which means it can be connected directly to a computer and used as a webcam without the need for a capture card. This makes it ideal for streaming applications, such as online meetings, webinars, lectures and events.
A new flagship PTZ controller
Along with the CR-N100, Canon is also launching its second PTZ controller, the RC-IP1000. This is a high-end device that is designed to complement Canon’s PTZ models for the broadcast market. It can access and control up to 200 PTZ cameras remotely via both IP and serial connections.
The RC-IP1000 has a 7-inch touchscreen that can display the feeds from the connected cameras without the need for an external monitor. It also has an ergonomic joystick and zoom rocker for precise control of the camera movements and settings. The controller has preset buttons that can store up to 100 positions per camera for quick recall.
The RC-IP1000 also has a tally light function that can indicate which camera is live or on standby. It supports VISCA protocol, which means it can work with other brands of PTZ cameras as well.
Availability and price
The Canon CR-N100 will be available in white or black colors from November 2023. The suggested retail price is $1,999 USD / £1,799 GBP / €1,999 EUR.
The Canon RC-IP1000 will be available from January 2024. The suggested retail price is $4,999 USD / £4,499 GBP / €4,999 EUR.
