Canon introduces three 1.3 Megapixel network cameras and a new recording software

Canon Europe, world-leader in imaging solutions, announces the launch of three new 1.3 Megapixel cameras in its network camera range: the VB-M600D, VB-M600VE and VB-M700F, and a new software application for megapixel network cameras: the RM-64; RM-25 and RM-9, which support recording from a maximum of 64, 25 and 9 cameras respectively.

Ideal for use in security surveillance solutions, the VB-M600D, VB-M600VE and VB-M700F cameras all share the same high specifications - high resolution, ultra wide-angle lens, 3x optical zoom and embedded analytics functions - but each is housed in a different casing, ensuring that there is a Canon megapixel solution for every security environment.

The VB-M600D is a discrete dome shape network camera, to be either ceiling or wall-mounted in spaces such as public transport stations, airports, banks, hotels, entertainment venues, car parks, and shopping centres.

The VB-M600VE is a strengthened vandal-resistant version of the VB-M600D, shock-resistant to 50 joules, water-resistant and dust- resistant to IP66 rating and operational in temperatures from -30° to 50°C , making it ideal for higher-risk or outdoor environments such as public stations, offices, car parks, banks, retail stores, airports and transportation hubs.

The VB-M700F is a high-spec. standard box camera. Available with additional outdoor housing, this model is ideal for video surveillance applications that require fixed monitoring to be installed on the outside of a building.

All devices are in conformance with ONVIF (v1.02) and therefore can be easily integrated in systems with 3rd party ONVIF compliant equipment.

Lens innovation

The VB-M600D, VB-M600VE and VB-M700F all benefit from a newly designed megapixel lens. The ultra-wide over 100° horizontal field of view and 3x optical zoom allow the cameras to capture tremendous image breadth and depth, making them suitable for placement in a wide range of situations; for example, wide open spaces such as city surveillance, warehouses, critical infrastructure, and retail environments, or enclosed in narrow spaces such as an ATM within a bank, or an office or shopping centre corridor.

In addition, by incorporating the powered focus and zoom lens system, the first to be fitted in Canon's dome-type network camera range, these cameras incorporate remote focus and zoom adjustment features at the time of installation.

The cameras are also designed to deliver consistently high quality images in all light conditions, by combining a very bright F1.2 lens; an auto cut IR filter and Canon Smart Shade Control (SSC).

Easy installation features

All cameras are easy to install, with powered focus and powered zoom features available during set-up. The features allow users to automatically or manually select their preferred focus and control zoom and Pan/Tilt/Rotation to adjust the viewing area from a remote PC, without physical adjustment of the lens. Once installed, the cameras can be accessed and controlled through the intuitive browser-based Admin Viewer.

All cameras also include a built-in SD Memory Card slot which can be used as a back-up of recording stream images and upload images in case of any network disruption.

Intelligence features

All cameras include Canon video content analytic functions to detect camera tampering or identify if designated objects are moved or removed from a scene, or abandoned. Sound detection also allows the camera to be used in environments where it is important to detect changes in volume. Detection functions can be set to activate automatic recording and uploading to a server or automatic email notification.

The cameras also include a Privacy Mask Function to block certain areas of view, for example, to prevent recording a PIN code being entered at an ATM.

The vandal resistant VB-M600VE

The VB-M600VE includes additional protective features which make it suitable for use in areas which are prone to vandalism, such as transport hubs, car parks or anywhere where the camera is within reach. These include a ‘camera damper' mechanism which automatically retracts the lens inside the casing by 15.0mm on impact and a polycarbonate and aluminium casing.

The VB-M600VE is also designed to withstand adverse weather conditions and includes a ventilation system to prevent fogging in cold climates, which uses a porous membrane and a fan to circulate heat from the circuit board within the dome housing.

Software applications

The new Canon Network Video Recording Software RM-64, RM-25 and RM-9 support H.264, a highly cost efficient compression method which drastically reduces the storage requirements of recording high resolution megapixel video. Additional benefits of the RM software are innovative new keyword Tagging and Filtering functions, where users can name cameras with a keyword of their choice (e.g. ‘entrance' or ‘building A cameras') and quickly view video from tagged cameras through a search bar. This greatly enhances the ease of use in systems with a high amount of cameras.

Each application can manage up to five server groups of cameras; up to a maximum configuration of 320 cameras using RM-64.

Floris Oranje, Business Development Manager, Network Camera Solutions, Canon Europe, says: "Canon has introduced 70 years of optical heritage to the Video Surveillance market. The new devices and software announced today make Canon's cutting edge lens technology and highly detailed video capture available to our broadest range of customers ever. From sites with changing light and weather conditions, where water or dust resistance is required to areas vulnerable to vandalism, Canon network cameras will ensure businesses, don't miss a thing."