Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, has introduced nine new Network Cameras with advanced capabilities designed to efficiently meet outdoor and indoor applications in a wide range of markets including city surveillance, critical infrastructure, financial institutions, airports and transportation, education, retail, commercial offices, and gaming establishments. All nine new Canon network cameras integrate advanced core components designed to deliver video with superb detail, vital color information and exceptional low-light performance. Those core components include advanced Genuine Canon lenses with High and Super High UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) lens elements and multilayer coatings, high sensitivity 1.3MP CMOS image sensors, and dual proprietary Canon DIGIC processors: the DIGIC DV III to help maximise image quality and the DIGIC NET II for simultaneous streaming of H.264 and M-JPEG video streams in multiple resolutions for versatile monitoring and recording (including monitoring on compatible smartphones and tablets).
“Security is an ever-growing concern in many sectors, and Canon is continually improving and expanding its lineup of Network Cameras,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A. “Canon’s years of expertise in designing and manufacturing some the world’s greatest lenses, image sensors, signal processors, and robotic mechanisms contributed to these newest Network Cameras, which include indoor and outdoor models designed to deliver outstanding video quality and the latest technical compatibilities for use in many markets.”
Innovations for convenience and versatility
Common among all nine new Canon network cameras is a range of features intended to help maximise utility, convenience and efficiency. These features include Area-Specific Data Size Reduction (ADSR), which allows users to save bandwidth by applying different levels of compression to specific areas within a camera’s field of view (higher quality can be maintained in areas of interest), Haze Compensation, which allows for capturing high contrast video even in misty or hazy conditions like those near water or mountainous areas, scheduled Custom Video Settings for optimal image capture according to time of day and conditions (includes exposure, shutter speed, iris, gain, white balance, and noise reduction), and Intelligent On-board Video Analytics to aid in analysing video content. User adjustable in terms of detection characteristics (sensitivity, area, and duration), these Intelligent functions include Moving Object Detection, Abandoned Object Detection, Removed Object Detection, Camera Tampering Detection, Passing (“Tripwire”) Detection, Volume Detection, and – depending on the model – Scream Detection, Intrusion Detection, and Sound-Level Detection.
All nine cameras also include a built-in memory card slot for recording live images and H.264 video during network outages, per event triggers, at scheduled times, or manually via the Admin viewer. All nine cameras are ONVIF 2.4.2 / Profile S / Profile G conformant to help ensure maximum interoperability with third-party recorders, and all also include the new Canon Camera Management Tool (CCMT) that allows for centralised management of all current Canon Network Cameras (camera discovery, configuration, back-ups and restores, firmware upgrades, etc.).
Speed dome network cameras
Three of the latest Canon network video cameras form a new Canon product category known as Speed Dome Network Cameras. These include the outdoor VB-R11VEi and VB-R10VEi models and the indoor VB-R11i, all of which feature a 30x Genuine Canon optical zoom lens utilising high ultra-low dispersion lens elements to help capture clear virtually distortion-free imagery at a distance, and 0.03 lux performance (at F1.4 and a shutter speed of 1/30 sec.) to capture critical image details in low light. Most notable among the features of the Speed Dome cameras is Moving-Subject Auto-Tracking with Auto-Zoom and Endless 360 degrees Panning. These features enable the cameras to automatically control panning and tilting to keep a tracked subject centered on the screen as that subject moves. Users can also enable an “Auto Zoom” function of the Auto-Tracking feature that allows the camera to automatically zoom into the subject being tracked. In addition, the Endless 360 degrees Panning feature delivers seamless tracking of subjects of interest as they approach, pass beneath, and walk away from a Speed Dome camera all while being continuously tracked the entire time. A full 180 degrees tilting feature includes automatic image-flipping to keep the video right-side-up after the subject passes beneath the camera.
Canon optical encoders, micro-stepping motors, and a timing belt enable the Speed Dome Network cameras to provide fast (up to 450 degrees per second), precise panning and tilting. A slip-ring feature transfers power and signals between the moving and stationary parts of the cameras, thus eliminating cables that could twist.
The outdoor VB-R11VE and VB-R10VE Speed Dome Network Cameras also feature a dome housing that is both IP66-rated and IK10-rated for impact resistance. A built-in heater and blower also provide temperature control allowing the cameras to be deployed in areas with harsh climates. PoE+ compatibility also allows for single-cable installation.
Fixed dome network cameras
Featuring IK10-rated vandal-resistant housings, the outdoor VB-M641VEi and VB-M640VEi and indoor VB-M641Vi and VB-M640Vi Fixed Dome Network Cameras are equipped with 2.4x Genuine Canon wide-angle zoom lens with a 111.5 degrees ultra-wide angle of view. The lenses are also IR corrected to help ensure proper focus if IR illumination is present. All four also feature Canon’s Remote Adjustment Function which may eliminate the need for a technician to climb a ladder or use a bucket truck should it become necessary to re-frame an installed camera’s angle of view. This task can instead be performed via a password-protected Internet-connected PC. The bodies of the outdoor VB-M641VE and VB-M640VE cameras are also IP66-rated, and an optional heater is also available for the VB-M641VE enabling integrators to configure it for use in low-temperature environments. The VB-M641VE and VB-M641V also offer Intruder Detection and Scream Detection as part of their Intelligent Functions.
Outdoor fixed bullet cameras
Housed in an IP66-rated rectangular body linked to a sturdy mounting base via a tamper-resistant adjustable ball-joint, the outdoor VB-M741LEi and VB-M740Ei Fixed Bullet Network Cameras are equipped with 2.4x Genuine Canon wide-angle zoom lens with a 113.4 degrees ultra-wide angle of view. The VB-M741LE includes several features unique to that model including four built-in infrared LED illuminators for surveillance in 0 lux conditions – with two of the LEDs designed to be more effective in wide-angle settings and the other two in telephoto; a built-in heater for environments with harsh climates; a two-way audio for communication between the operator and the camera location; and Scream Detection and Sound Level Detection as part of the list of Intelligent Functions.
