Canon recently announced its newest offering within the company’s line of remote PTZ cameras — the Canon CR-X300. With its eyes on streaming productions, municipal public meetings, courtroom footage and outdoor nature videography, Canon has brought big-league specs to this tiny remote camera.
Overview
The Canon CR-X300 8.29 mega-pixel 4K sensor captures a 3840 x 2160 image with 4:2:2 color sampling and 10-bit color depth, allowing for seamless integration with most professional formats. Also, Canon has equipped the X300 with its “Hybrid AF” auto-focusing technology that detects faces and can track with the subject and pan up to 180-degrees.
The camera also has an ND filter, image stabilization and can mount traditionally or inverted. Undoubtedly, this is a versatile performer.
Zoom lens
Remote operators will enjoy a 20X optical zoom lens, which is the 35mm lens equivalent of 29.3mm to 601mm. Best-used in multi-cam production environments, Genlock keeps the cameras in sync, and the X300 features 6G-SDI and HDMI outputs.
Build
Canon CR-X300’s die cast aluminum body is waterproof and dustproof. Also, according to Canon’s website, its body isn’t “affected by environmental conditions.”
Uses
Many camera operators may scoff at the very idea that you can get quality production value from a remote camera. However, remote cameras do fill very important roles, including situations with limited space, such as a court proceeding. Also, remote cameras allow one crew member to cover an event professionally and within almost any environment.
Pricing
Along with the professional image specs listed above, the Canon CR-X300’s $12,000 price tag could put the camera out of reach for some streamers. However, it may just help set the standard for industry-level remote videography.
