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New pro video lineup for next-generation broadcasters

From a flagship PTZ camera to a 27-inch reference monitor, find out how Canon's latest releases are meeting the rise in demand for high-quality live production and livestreaming.
A black Canon CR-N700 PTZ camera.

Designed for high-end broadcast, TV studios and live events, the CR-N700 is the latest addition to Canon's range of PTZ cameras.

From music gigs and international sporting events to reality TV shows and 24-hour news coverage, the demand for live productions and livestreaming is booming. Audiences now also expect that footage to be of the highest quality – often 4K and HDR.

"Canon is revolutionising live production," says Canon Europe Product Marketing Specialist Matthew Koshy. "We now have incredible products, from streaming camcorders that are suitable for all to premium solutions for the high-end broadcast market."

Let's look at what's new in the Canon imaging ecosystem.

Canon CR-N700 PTZ camera
Canon XA75/XA70 and XA65/XA60B camcorders
Canon EU-V3 expansion module
Canon CN8x15 IAS S E1/P1 Cine Servo lens
Canon DP-V2730 reference display
Firmware updates

A Canon CR-N700 PTZ camera mounted on a rail to film a band performing.

The CR-N700 features Dual Pixel CMOS AF for smooth, high performance focus tracking, and is the first PTZ camera to use Canon's EOS iTR AFX intelligent autofocus system, which ensures a subject's head stays in focus even if they turn away from the camera.

The flagship PTZ camera: Canon CR-N700

Ever since the introduction of remote-controlled PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras, the quality of live event coverage has rocketed. We're now used to seeing broadcast material that can't be captured with conventional cameras, such as fly-on-the-wall reality TV footage. A PTZ setup for livestreaming means you need fewer people to create content, and you can control multiple cameras at once, which also makes it ideal for corporate use, higher education settings and in places of worship.

Designed specifically for indoor use, the latest addition to Canon's lineup of PTZ cameras is powered by a DIGIC DV7 processor and features a large 1.0-type 4K UHD CMOS sensor, which provides a shallow depth of field for a cinematic look.

The first indoor PTZ camera to output via 12G-SDI, the Canon CR-N700 can stream 4K 60p at 10-bit 4:2:2 for impressive quality and colour fidelity, even in low light, and it can do it in HLG or PQ HDR, which is fast becoming an industry standard. A new Night mode makes it possible to stream that exceptionally detailed footage even from dimly lit rooms, beneficial for reality TV.

A technician wearing white gloves cleans the sensor of a Canon camera.

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The CR-N700 is compatible with Canon's own XC Protocol, so it can be used with Canon Cinema EOS and XF products to introduce a cinematic look to footage. Custom Picture settings – including Canon Log 3 and Wide DR for maximum dynamic range – and user LUTs make it easy to match the look of other Canon cameras. It also supports all major IP protocols for easy integration into third-party workflows.

For the highest audio quality, there are twin XLR inputs, and a Power over Ethernet (PoE++) port enables data and power to be delivered simultaneously via a single Ethernet cable. The CR-N700 is also compatible with the Canon RC-IP100, Canon's Remote Camera Control Application and selected third-party tools for simple and precise remote control.

"The CR-N700 will fit into all the different streaming systems used in the broadcast industry, offering an incredible increase in quality," says Matthew.

A 15x optical zoom offers a huge 35mm equivalent focal length range of 25.5-382.5mm, which can be doubled using the Advanced Zoom with no reduction in image quality. In addition, a new crop function enables you to output two versions of the same image simultaneously – a full-frame wide shot and a crop, for example, so you can switch between the two for an instant close-up.

A man filming a news presenter with a XA75 camcorder.

The XA75/ XA70 and XA65/ XA60B series camcorders, including the XA75 (pictured), are ideal for news reporting and TV documentaries but can also be used for security and in places of worship.

The LCD display of a XA75 camcorder.

The larger 3.5-inch display is ideal for fast, precise focusing – simply touch the AF point required. Face detection AF and face tracking is also available.

Canon XA75/XA70 and XA65/XA60B camcorders

Building on the success of the current Canon camcorder range used by professionals and prosumers for everything from live news to high-quality conference calls, the Canon XA75/XA70 and XA65/XA60B series offer significant benefits for efficient livestreaming and more.

Designed to integrate seamlessly into the live video ecosystem, both ranges feature a Custom Picture menu that enables image settings to be finetuned for close colour matching.

The XA75 and XA70 boast a large 1.0-type CMOS sensor and powerful 15x zoom lens, giving impressive 4K UHD performance even in low light. Codec choices include the highly detailed XF-AVC as well as MP4 recording to dual SD cards at up to 150MB/s in 8-bit 4:2:0. There's even Canon Log 3 gamma and Wide DR to maximise dynamic range in tricky lighting, as well as a larger and higher-resolution 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD and Ocular EVF to aid critical framing. The camcorders also have built-in IBIS and two professional XLR inputs on the top handle for audio excellence. Canon's Dual Pixel CMOS AF system keeps everything in focus, and an OSD (on-screen display) recording function allows for an embedded time and date stamp on the footage.

A USB-C output allows easy internet streaming via Windows or Mac computers using popular and simple UVC technologies. The XA75 also has a 3G-SDI output to fit into broadcast TV and live event workflows.

The same UVC streaming technology via USB-C – as well as the larger EVF and LCD touchscreens – also feature on the 4K XA65/XA60B series, which have a smaller 1/2.3-type CMOS sensor.

A powerful 20x zoom provides even greater lens reach, and the camcorders have 5-axis image stabilisation and Hybrid CMOS AF III. The XA65 and XA60B both deliver XF-AVC and MP4 recording to twin SD cards. The HDU-4 top handle, which can be purchased separately, features two XLR inputs with four-channel audio recording. The XA65 also has a 3G-SDI output.

A EU-V3 expansion module mounted on a Canon EOS C300 Mark III camera with a CN8x15 IAS S E1/P1 Cine Servo lens.

"The EU-V3 is designed to work perfectly with the CN8x15 IAS S E1/P1 Cine Servo lens, which offers a wide-angle to telephoto capability that can cover Super 35mm sensors, as well as full-frame sensors via the built-in 1.5x extender," explains Canon Europe Product Marketing Specialist Jack Adair.

Expanding live production possibilities: Canon EU-V3

Built for professional, live multi-cam productions, the Canon EU-V3 expands the functionality of the Canon EOS C300 Mark III and EOS C500 Mark II with new hardware and software features designed to support live broadcast workflows.

Features include SDI-return for monitoring the final broadcast feed via the camera body outputs, as well as a tally light that switches from green for a preview feed to red when on air. The expansion module also provides 12-pin lens communication for Cine Servo and broadcast lenses, and Ethernet connectivity for remote control and support for Canon XC Protocol.

In addition, the new Focus Position Meter allows operators to visually monitor and manually register focusing positions with compatible Cine Servo, Compact Cine Servo and broadcast lenses, providing even further intricate control of the image.

A side profile of the Canon CN8X15 IAS S E1/P1 Cine Servo lens.

The 15-120mm (8x) focal range of the CN8x15 IAS S E1/P1, which extends to 22.5-180mm via the built in 1.5x extender, makes this lens ideal for live production and creative filmmaking.

A Canon CN8x15 IAS S E1/P1 Cine Servo lens with hood.

The lens not only delivers a cinematic look at up to 8K resolution but has an 11-bladed iris for smooth bokeh.

Take a wider view: Canon CN8x15 IAS S E1/P1

The growing trend for immersive, cinematic-style footage for live and pre-recorded TV productions has led to the development of the Canon CN8x15 IAS S E1/P1, a flexible Cine Servo lens that offers a wide angle of view and a powerful 8x optical zoom.

The widest lens in the Cine Servo range, the 15-120mm lens natively covers the Super 35mm sensor of cameras such as the Canon EOS C300 Mark III and EOS C70 but can also be used on full-frame sensors via the built-in 1.5x extender, which changes the focal length to 22.5-180mm.

The CN8x15 IAS S E1/P1 delivers outstanding image quality for both 4K and 8K productions and, like all the lenses in its cine range, has Canon's consistent organic warmth in colour.

The detachable drive unit, interchangeable EF/PL mount (lens mount service offered at authorised Canon service centres; fees may apply), and focus gears that suit most third-party accessories and supports mean this lens can be configured to fit in with multiple workflows. The lens also supports virtual systems using Canon's 16-bit absolute encoder and Cooke /i Technology and ZEISS eXtended Data communication (PL mount) for accurate recording of lens metadata for post-production.

"This is a workhorse lens that should give service for many years to come in a wide variety of uses," says Jack.

A large black reference display showing two men at a bar.

Ideal for live broadcast and post-production, the powerful and versatile DP-V2730 is the first 27-inch high-fidelity reference screen to use Canon's suite of award-winning monitoring tools.

The ports on the Canon DP-V2730 reference display.

With four 12G-SDI inputs, HDMI and a multi-function SDI, the DP-V2730 offers simultaneous SDI and HDMI viewing and will be upgradeable to become an SDI switcher – ideal for multi-cam productions.

Seeing it all come together: Canon DP-V2730

Canon's 18-inch DP-V1830 reference display was an instant hit at launch thanks to its superior colour fidelity and native 1000-nit brightness across the whole screen.

Fully compatible with international standards in terms of brightness criteria, HDR PQ for cinema and HLG for live sports broadcast as well as Dolby Vision certification, the monitor's advanced built-in tools to help with tricky HDR exposure – including HDR waveform, RGB parade, HDR false colour, pixel value check and frame luminance – revolutionised critical exposure measurement and took the worry out of live event broadcasting.

In response to demand for a bigger reference display, Canon has launched the DP-V2730, which uses the same powerful processing platform as the DP-V1830 but boasts a 27-inch screen.

"The DP-V2730 is the perfect size," says Canon Europe Product Specialist Aron Randhawa. "It's just what high-end users need to service the needs of 4K and HDR delivery with no compromises in terms of brightness and colour. The highlights are very bright and the shadows very dim, so it delivers outstanding contrast. The detail is simply incredible."

A Canon XF605 camcorder on a desk.

Audio is a critical part of live broadcasting and streaming and a firmware update brings improved four-channel monitoring to the Canon XF605 (pictured), EOS C300 Mark III and EOS C500 Mark II.

Strengthening existing products

The Canon XF605 quickly established itself as a broadcast quality 4K camcorder of note thanks to its stunning image quality, ease of use and flexibility. In the fast-changing world of livestreaming and now cloud editing, users want even more. Canon has delivered with a host of improvements designed to make this leading professional video camera even better.

The XF605 update includes face detection AF when shooting in slow and fast (S&F) mode, vertical shooting possibilities, four-channel audio level display and a new assignable button option.

The biggest changes, though, are in livestreaming and codec choices. Support for Canon's XC Protocol, as found in its PTZ cameras and now also in the Canon EOS C300 Mark III and EOS C500 Mark II, provides compatibility with the entire Canon streaming range, including the Canon RC-IP100. The update also introduces support for the higher quality 4K ALL-I recording as well as Long GOP.

A Canon CR-N500 PTZ camera set up to film a live music performance, with a keyboard player on stage in the background.

What makes a good livestreaming camera?

From SDI to IP streaming, XC Protocol to XLR terminals, discover the Canon camera features that can help to make your livestreaming a success.

"The ALL-I codec provides less compressed files for higher quality videos, giving users a wider choice of video compressions and file sizes, which is beneficial for professional editors" explains Paul.

Support for XC Protocol, four-channel audio level display and face detection AF in S&F mode are also included in the firmware updates for the Canon EOS C300 Mark III and EOS C500 Mark II.

Designed to strengthen the capabilities of these cameras for live, cinema and documentary productions, the update also adds support for faster VPG400 CFexpress cards and compatibility with the latest Flex Zoom and CN8x15 IAS S E1/P1 lenses, along with AF when shooting 100p or 120p.

To download the latest Canon firmware update, visit the support section of the Canon website and select your product from the pop-up menu to get started.

This impressive range of new products for live production, plus updates to enable you to get even more from its existing products, demonstrates Canon's commitment to making high-quality broadcast and livestreaming easier than ever. It may be a brave new world for many, but Canon continues to innovate and lead the way towards an always-connected multimedia future.

Adam Duckworth

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