Canon CR-N300 4K NDI PTZ

If you have a professional production that requires remotely controlled cameras with minimal crew and a high-resolution output, the satin black CR-N300 4K NDI PTZ Camera with 20x Zoom from Canon will fit right into your house of worship, corporate conference room, government application, courtroom, broadcast streaming production, event space, or even add an extra camera to your documentary shoot. The CR-N300 sports many features of a Canon camcorder such as a 1/2.3″ dual-pixel CMOS sensor, Hybrid AF, the Canon DIG!C DV6 image processor, scene modes, 20x optical zoom, 20x digital zoom, microphone input, and video capture and output 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.

Where the PTZ camera diverges from the camcorders is in its remote resources such as control via IP, RS-422 serial, IR, or Wi-Fi as well as HDMI, 3G-SDI, and USB Type-C video outputs, and compatibility with the Canon RC-IP100 IP PTZ remote controller. 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 a 3.5mm mini-jack, and then embedded in the HDMI and 3G-SDI outputs, or in your NDI stream, RTP/RTMP/RTSP multi-stream, or USB output. The USB Type-C port allows the camera to be used as a webcam and also supports UVC control data, so you can control the camera using Canon’s camera control software.

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 a wide dynamic range, brightness of 1.5 lux, and its lens features a 35mm equivalent focal length of 29.3 to 601mm.

The camera can utilize an external controller via RS-422/VISCA 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 9×9 live view, control of up to 100 cameras, settings loading and configuration, and tally functions. An IR remote, a ceiling mounting plate, and an AC adapter are included.

Key Features
1/2.3″ CMOS Dual-Pixel Sensor
The CR-N300 features a Canon 1/2.3″ UHD 4K CMOS image sensor capable of UHD 4K video capture at 30p and up to 60p in Full HD, making the PTZ camera a strong contender for professional production.

Canon DIG!C DV6 Processor
The CR-N300 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.

Hybrid AF
The CR-N300 is equipped with “Hybrid AF”, an auto-focus system that combines high-precision contrast AF technology and the high-speed, phase-difference AF technology to confirm auto focus from the camera. This hybrid auto focus system helps achieve auto focus faster and more reliably compared to contrast auto focus alone.

Canon 4K UHD Lens
The CR-N300 features a 20x optical zoom lens and exhibits a wide viewing angle of 65.6° (horizontal) in 4K. At the wide end, the 29.3mm (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.

Over Sampling HD Processing
The full HD capture and output (over sampling 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-N300.

Smooth & Responsive Pan and Tilt Performance
The CR-N300 is equipped with the PT drive mechanism that can change the pan/tilt speed in incremental steps. This allows the operator to set the speeds to desired preference to allow for smooth PT movement. The CR-N300 exhibits a variable pan speed of 0.2 to 300°/second and variable tilt speed of 0.2 to 170°/second.

Four Scene Modes for Impressive Video
The CR-N300 features Scene Modes that offer four preset shooting modes suitable for the desired application.

There are four types of Scene Modes:

• Portrait mode—exhibits a blurred background while subject is in sharp focus
• Sports mode—enhances capture of moving objects
• Low-Light mode—enhances capture of bright images, even in dark places
• Spotlight mode—enhances capture of beautiful images of spotlighted objects

By selecting a Scene Mode, capture can be performed without having to adjust multiple settings within the Camera menu which aids a speedy setup and configuration allowing the operator to start shooting with impressive image expression.

Webcam via USB Connection
The CR-N300 supports USB in addition to IP, SDI, and HDMI. It is equipped with the specifications of UVC (Video: USB Video Class Ver. 1.1) and UAC (Audio: USB Audio Class Ver. 1.0) which are the connection standard of USB cameras and computers. This allows video and audio output by connecting to a compatible USB device.

In addition, driver settings are not required for connection to a computer. It can also be used as a webcam by connecting to a computer with a web conferencing application installed. The CR-N300 delivers up to full HD 1920 x 1080 video for high-quality web conferencing.

Easy Integration into IP Streaming
In addition to SDI and HDMI connections, the CR-N300 is equipped with an RJ45 interface purposed for IP communication, which supports high-resolution videos for distribution. The CR-N300 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-N300. The CR-N300 can also be combined with third-party equipment for control purposes. This IP system can contribute to efficient and labor-saving camera operations for the field of video production, broadcasting, and more.

IP Multi-Stream Support
The CR-N300 can simultaneously distribute video to multiple protocols via IP. Simultaneous distribution is also known as multi-stream, and the CR-N300 can distribute a total of three video streams simultaneously. Furthermore, if the HDMI/SDI video output is 30 fps or less, the CR-N300 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-N300 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-N300 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-N300 supports the standard VISCA protocol to remotely control the camera via IP. When connecting a 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-N300 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 video production equipment. By supporting the XC Protocol, the CR-N300 can be remotely controlled supporting a wide range of applications, which includes sports, music, live events, lecture capture, corporate video production, and more.

Various Interfaces Supported for Multiple Environments
The CR-N300 is equipped with four 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. The USB output is capable of full HD resolution for high-quality web conferencing.

3.5mm Mini Jack
The CR-N300 offers a method to capture and output high-quality audio through an internal stereo mini-jack mic terminal.

One Person Operation
The CR-N300 can be controlled by IP, infrared, USB 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-N300 is a perfect fit for many applications in broadcast, education, house of worship, events, staging, and more.

All New Design
The CR-N300 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-N300 is available in two different colors, Satin Black and Titanium White.

Equipped with Tally Lamps
The CR-N300 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-N300 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-N300 includes an infrared remote controller, which is used to control the camera wirelessly.

Easy-to-Use Settings Page and Discovery Tool
The CR-N300 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-N300 within an existing network infrastructure. Furthermore, the CR-N300 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-N300. The Remote Camera Control Application is a Windows application for centralized control ofmultiple 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.