Today Canon announced the upcoming Add-On Applications System for PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) remote cameras that will provide access to add new paid video production features, beginning with auto tracking and auto loop applications for the company’s flagship 4K PTZ camera, the CR-N700. The auto-tracking application will give the CR-N700 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 Add-on Applications System will be available to be added to the CR-N700 via a future firmware update. Going forward, Canon plans to expand the lineup of applications offered by its Add-On Applications System, as well as the lineup of compatible remote camera models.

These initial paid add-on applications uniquely position Canon in the PTZ market as the applications run from within the camera itself, while competitive models may require end-users to run an external device to operate the auto-tracking and auto-loop applications. With the addition of the Add-On Applications System, customers can now directly add the new capabilities to the PTZ camera.

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 helps 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 speeds. 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 ideal for end-users in markets such as house of worship and corporate event streaming, educational workshops and lectures and broadcast and corporate interviews.

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. The ability to adjust acceleration and deceleration when starting and stopping movement between two preset positions helps to present more professional-looking content. 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 ideal 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.

The Firmware Update to add the Add-On Applications System is scheduled to be available in March 2023. The paid Auto Tracking and Auto Loop Add-On Applications are scheduled to be available in April 2023 for $1200 and $800, respectively.