Canon Further Expands Line Of Network Cameras With Five New High-Performance Models Delivering Clear And Color-Accurate Video

Canon

Canon U.S.A. Further Expands Line Of Network Cameras With Five New High-Performance Models Delivering Clear And Color-Accurate Video

New Models Include Speed Domes with 30x Optical Zoom, a Vandal-Resistant Indoor Fixed Dome with Canon’s Unique Remote PTRZ Adjustment, and a Vandal- and Weather-Resistant Outdoor Fixed Dome with Built-In IR Illuminators

MELVILLE, N.Y., March 30, 2016 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today unveiled five new network cameras with advanced capabilities designed to effectively meet the needs of indoor and outdoor applications in a wide range of markets. All five cameras share several core technologies and features including a Genuine Canon Lens for capturing high-clarity, virtually distortion-free video, a 2.1 Megapixel (1920 x 1080) resolution high sensitivity CMOS sensor, and Canon’s powerful DIGIC DV III Image Processor which helps to provide images with remarkable color accuracy even in low-light environments.

“The importance of security and surveillance continues to increase for all types of markets and sectors,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “With the announcement of these new high-performance indoor and outdoor models, Canon is once again demonstrating its strong commitment to developing network cameras that meet the ever-changing needs of these varied industries.”

Outdoor/Indoor Speed Dome Network Cameras

Canon’s new Speed Dome Network Cameras, the VB-R12VE (outdoor) and VB-R13 (indoor), both offer seamless PTZ control provided by 360 degrees endless panning capability. In addition to 30x optical zoom for crisp images even from long distances, these cameras also share an Enhanced Digital Zoom function that can offer up to an equivalent 120x optical zoom when streaming at lower resolutions. Adding to their user-friendliness and ease of PTZ control is the ability to create up to 256 preset positions and up to five tour routes. Canon optical encoders, micro-stepping motors, and a timing belt enable these models to provide fast (up to 450 degrees per second), precise panning and tilting.

With a robust weather- and vandal-resistant housing and built-in heater, the VB-R12VE camera is outdoor ready and able to withstand a variety of challenging environments. This model is also available with audio and external I/O support as the VB-R13VE.

VB-H651V Vandal Resistant Indoor Fixed Dome Network Camera

The VB-H651V is Canon’s newest Indoor Fixed Dome Network Camera to feature the company’s unique Remote PTRZ Adjustment function for easy post-installation changes to the camera’s pan, tilt, zoom and rotation positions. A vandal-resistant enclosure helps facilitate this camera’s safety from impact and tampering. The VB-H651V camera’s ability to deliver high-quality video is supported by an Auto Focus function for clear focusing on subjects both near and far away. This camera comes with a mounting plate to enable fast and simple installation, and it has multiple power options for installation flexibility, including 24 V AC, 12 V DC and PoE.

VB-H652LVE Infrared Vandal Resistant Outdoor Fixed Dome Network Camera

Canon also introduced the VB-H652LVE, its new infrared outdoor-ready Fixed Dome Network Camera which has a vandal-resistant, water-tight housing and optional heater unit making it suitable for installation in many climates. It is equipped with four built-in IR illuminators that enable video to be captured in little to no visible light, and an Auto Focus function for clear focusing on subjects both near and far away. It offers analog video output and installation controls for simple camera positioning during installation, and multiple power options including 24 V AC, 12 V DC, PoE and PoE+ provide further installation flexibility.

Convenience and Versatility

For added versatility, all of these new Canon network cameras have the ability to stream in both 16:9 and 4:3 resolutions, and also offer Custom Video Settings for optimal image exposure according to time of day and conditions (includes shutter speed, iris, gain, white balance, and noise reduction). Two available features, Motion Adaptive Noise Reduction and Area-Specific Data Size Reduction (ADSR), are both designed to help reduce data size while also helping to improve the image quality of areas of interest. These cameras are suitable for installation in areas with frequent vibrations – such as on top of a pole or near heavy machinery – as an Image Stabilization feature enables them to deliver clear video with minimal motion blurring.

The simple setup and use offered by these new Network Cameras is furthered by a Camera Viewer and a Mobile Viewer that provide easy access to the camera’s features and functionality from a variety of different compatible devices including PCs, mobile phones and tablets. All of these cameras are ONVIF Profile S and Profile G Conformant to help facilitate maximum interoperability with third-party recorders, and all also include a Canon Camera Management Tool (CCMT) that allows for centralized management of all current Canon Network Cameras (camera discovery, configuration, back-ups and restores, firmware upgrades, etc.).

Pricing, Availability and Warranty

The suggested list prices and currently scheduled ship dates for the five new Canon Network Cameras are as follows:

Network Camera Suggested List Price1 Ship Date
VB-R12VE Vandal Resistant Outdoor Speed Dome $4,829 June 2016
VB-R13VE Vandal Resistant Outdoor Speed Dome (w/ Audio, external I/O) $5,106 June 2016
VB-R13 Indoor Speed Dome $4,024 June 2016
VB-H651V Vandal Resistant Indoor Fixed Dome $1,449 April 2016
VB-H652LVE Infrared Vandal Resistant Outdoor Fixed Dome $2,231 July 2016

Canon’s Network Cameras are backed by the Canon Visual Communication Product Limited Warranty, and Canon’s award-winning Professional Service & Support, which includes both an Advanced Warranty Service Exchange Program and a Service Loaner Program. For more information about these new high-performance models, or any of Canon’s Network Cameras, please visit: networkcameras.usa.canon.com.

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Hurry up before it’s over: Canon Store refurbished listings stocked up and additional savings added

eos 70d

In my opinion the Canon Direct Store’s refurbished gear lists are likely the best place to look for real bargains if you live in the US or Canada. The Canon Store just stocked up and has select items with additional discounts, refurbished lenses and refurbished DSLRs. Be aware that usually the best deals do not last long because there is no more supply.

Also, don’t do not miss other refurbished gear listings:

Still Live: Canon EOS 70D bundle deal, PIXMA Pro-100, 16GB card, and more stuff – $879 (after $850 rebates, Adorama)

EOS 70d

Authorised Canon retailer Adorama has a great Canon EOS 70D bundle deal:

  • Canon EOS 70D body
  • PIXMA Pro-100 Photo Printer
  • 50 sheets Canon photo paper (luster)
  • Sandisk 16GB memory card
  • spare battery (Watson)
  • camera bag

The bundle is on sale at $879 after $500 instant discount and $350 mail-in rebate. Free expedited shipping and no taxes. Offer expires April 2.

Canon EOS 70D at a glance:

  • 20.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
  • DIGIC 5+ Image Processor
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Live View
  • 3.0″ 1,040k-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen
  • Full HD 1080p Video with Movie Servo AF
  • Built-In Wireless Connectivity
  • 19-Point All Cross-Type AF System
  • Continuous Shooting Rate Up to 7 fps
  • ISO 100-12800 (Expandable to ISO 25600)

Short EOS 70D and PIXMA Pro-100 overview after the break.

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Canon makes four additional photography apps available in the UK & Ireland

Canon

Canon press release:

Canon makes four additional photography apps available in the UK & Ireland

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 30th March – Canon Marketing Japan Inc. today announces the release of four free iOS applications*¹ in the UK and Ireland – BestShutter, Photo Log Map, TakeMyPic, and Easy Photo Sorter. These apps are designed to make taking photos more enjoyable and convenient.

BestShutter helps you capture your children and pet’s cutest moments

BestShutter app is designed to help take photos of children and pets who usually don’t pay attention to the camera. The app uses fun sounds to capture children or pet’s attention to help photograph their wonderful expressions and get great shots of your children during their cutest moments!

Plus if you are shooting movies you can select the best scenes and clip as still images, so you won’t miss any key moments.

Photo Log Map makes it easier to record your location information and shooting records 

Photo Log Map app is designed to meets the needs of people who want to record location information together with shooting records during various situations such as traveling, or mountain climbing.

Using data from your images, and a smartphone’s information service, it creates a shooting record maps. Even with data from photos shot on digital cameras not equipped with GPS, you can create a shooting record map linked to the smartphone’s GPS log. In addition to photos on the map, you can also add text memos and sound memos that record the location’s conditions. By writing the recorded log to a GPX file*², you can use the information in other apps.

TakeMyPic lets include yourself in a shot you envisage 

Have you ever asked a passer-by to take your picture, only to find it’s not the way you wanted it to look? TakeMyPic is a helpful app that lets you compose your shot before giving to someone else to take. The app lets you insert a human shape in your desire position, making it easier to show the person taking your photo how you would like the shot to look. The app helps you avoid mistakes when it comes to capturing those important commemorative photos on your travels.

Easy Photo Sorter makes it possible to easily organize the photo data on your smartphone 

Many smartphones end up having large amounts of photos saved on them and Easy Photo Sorter is an app to help organise them. By combining information such as date, time and day of the week, and setting your desired criteria to organise, you can create folders in your iPhone or iPad photo albums and automatically categorise photos based on this criteria when the app launches.

Last year, Canon Marketing Japan Inc. released PERSTEXT, a photo processing application that provides users with a new way of having fun with their photos by enabling the creation of images combined with text that convey messages with a touch of flare. In order to make photos even more enjoyable, the free iOS applications being released this time can be used in a variety of situations such as shooting, processing, viewing, showing, and organizing. These applications will provide even more opportunities to enjoy photos with digital cameras and smartphones.

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Canon patent for 3D lens-style camera (to use with smartphone)

Lens-style

Another interesting Canon patent that may point to a future product. Canon filed a patent for a lens-style camera, i.e. a camera build into a lens system, and to use with your smartphone. Sony made such a smartphone attachable lens-style camera with the Sony DSC-QX100.

canon lens-style
101 smartphone body, 102 lens style camera, 505 the identification markers, 501 camera marker discrimination

There are a few interesting things in the patent description. According to the patent literature, it should be possible to create 3D images by using the smartphone camera and the lens-system together. This requires a precise positioning of the lens-style camera. A marker system is provided for this purpose. To correctly place the lens-style camera, you have to shot the marker painted on the lens-style camera with the smartphone camera, as shown in the image below.

Canon lens-style
To correctly set the lens-style camera, the painted marker is shot with the smartphone camera
  • Patent Publication No. 2016-10133
    • Published 2016.1.18
    • Filing date 2014.6.26
  • Canon patent
    • The first device having a camera function (101 smartphone of)
    • The second device having a camera function (102 lens-style camera)
    • The second unit (102 lens-style camera) is provided with a retractable mechanism
    • Equipped with a marker that represents the collapsed position
    • The first device (101 Smartphone of) is to shoot so as to include a marker
    • Depending on the tip position of the collapsed, to get the mounting position to the first device of the second unit (102 lens-style camera) (101 smartphone of)
[via Egami]