MELVILLE, N.Y., March 31, 2015 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, has introduced nine new Network Video Security cameras with advanced capabilities designed to efficiently serve the surveillance needs of industrial sites and utility infrastructures, financial institutions, airports and transportation hubs, schools, stores, offices, and gaming establishments. These new Network Security cameras include three models comprising Canon’s new Speed Dome product category, which include two outdoor cameras featuring weather- and vandal-resistant protective housings, 360° endless panning with a fast and accurate pan/tilt mechanism, and a 30x optical zoom lens. Additional models include an indoor Speed Dome camera, indoor and outdoor compact vandal-resistant Dome cameras, and outdoor fixed Box cameras.
All nine new Canon Network Security cameras integrate advanced core components designed to deliver superb high-resolution picture detail, exceptional low-light performance, and vital color information. Those components include new 1.3 Megapixel CMOS image sensors, Genuine Canon zoom lenses, and dual proprietary Canon DIGIC image processors: the DIGIC DV III to maximize image quality while minimizing power consumption; the DIGIC NET II for simultaneous streaming of two H.264 and three M-JPEG video streams in multiple sizes, resolutions, and aspect ratios for versatile monitoring and recording (including monitoring on smart phones and tablets).
“Security is an ever-growing concern in many sectors, and Canon is continually improving its Network cameras to deliver new capabilities for maximizing the advantages of detailed video capture combined with IP communication,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A. “Canon’s years of expertise in HD lenses, image sensors, signal processors, and robotic mechanisms contributed to these newest Network Security cameras, which include indoor and outdoor models designed to deliver outstanding picture quality, new digital user benefits, and the latest technical compatibilities for efficient use in many markets.”
Innovations for Convenience and Versatility
Common among all of the nine new Canon Network Security cameras are a range of features intended to maximize utility, convenience, and efficiency. These features include scheduled Custom Video Settings (including exposure, shutter speed, iris, gain, white balance, and noise reduction) for optimal image capture according to time of day, Area-Specific Data Size Reduction (ASDR) for maintaining high-quality video in important areas of the picture while reducing bandwidth usage in other parts, and Intelligent Functions to aid in analyzing video content. User-adjustable in terms of detection characteristics (sensitivity, area, and duration), these 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 user-adjustable Privacy Mask function to block sensitive locations (such as ATM keypads or computer monitors) from the cameras’ view. A built-in SD card slot is also included 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 also feature Auto Smart Shade Control to compensate for bright lighting, Haze Compensation, multiple power options, and are ONVIF 2.4.2 / Profile S / Profile G conformant to help ensure maximum interoperability with third-party recorders and other equipment.
Speed Dome Network Cameras
Three of the latest Canon Network Video cameras comprise a new Canon product category known as Speed Dome Network cameras. These include the outdoor VB-R11VE and VB-R10VE models and the indoor VB-R11, all of which feature 0.03 lux performance (at f 1.4 and a shutter speed of 1/30 sec.) to capture critical image details in low light, and a 30x Genuine Canon optical zoom lens utilizing high ultra-low dispersion lens elements to capture clear, distortion-free imagery at a distance. Most notable among the features of the Speed Dome cameras is Moving-Subject Auto-Tracking with Auto-Zoom and Endless 360° 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° Panning feature delivers seamless tracking of subjects of interest. A subject can approach, pass beneath, and walk away from a Speed Dome camera all while being continuously tracked on video the entire time. A full 180° tilting feature includes automatic image-flipping to keep the video right-side-up after the subject passes beneath the camera.
Canon SR series optical encoders, micro-stepping motors, and a timing belt enable the Speed Dome Network cameras to provide fast (up to 450° 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 an IP66-rated weather-resistant dome housing that is also IK10-rated for impact resistance. A built-in heater and blower provide temperature control, and a PoE+ compatibility allows for single-cable installation.
Fixed Dome Network Cameras
Featuring IK10-rated vandal-resistant bodies, the VB-M61VE and VB-M640VE outdoor and VB-M61V and VB-M640V indoor compact fixed dome network cameras are equipped with 2.4x Genuine Canon wide-angle zoom lenses with a 111.5° ultra-wide angle of view. The lenses are also IR corrected to ensure proper focus if IR illumination is present. All four also feature Canon’s Remote Adjustment Function, which eliminates the need for a technician to climb a ladder or use a bucket truck should it become necessary to re-frame an inaccessibly 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-M61VE and VB-M640VE cameras are also IP66 weather-rated. An optional heater for both models enables integrators to configure them for extended low-temperature use. The VB-M61VE and VB-M61V also offer Intruder Detection and Scream Detection as part of their Intelligent Functions.
Outdoor Fixed Box Cameras
Housed in an IP66 weather-resistant rectangular body linked to a sturdy mounting base via a tamper-resistant adjustable ball-joint, the VB-M741LE and VB-M740E outdoor fixed network cameras are equipped with 2.4x Genuine Canon wide-angle zoom lenses with a 113.4° 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 (two of the LEDs are designed to be effective in wide-angle settings and the other two in telephoto); a built-in heater for cold environments; 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.