A 2023 firmware update brings new automation possibilities to the CR-N700. Once you install the free update and purchase a licence for the apps, both the RA-AT001 Auto Tracking and RA-AL001 Auto Loop apps become available directly in-camera. These bring useful and precise automated features without the need for expensive third-party hardware or a dedicated computer to run them.
Sophisticated yet intuitive, the Auto Tracking app builds on Canon’s intelligent face-recognition autofocus technology to automatically track subjects as they move around in-shot. You can create framing presets for anything from wide shots to tight head shots, define active and priority zones within a scene, and set a halting area that avoids continuous fine-tuning adjustments when people make small movements. Working directly in-camera, it ensures the utmost in reliable, accurate tracking performance and super-smooth movement, bypassing the need for a human operator to track subjects manually with a control column. The app is a fraction of the cost of third-party hardware solutions and can deliver big savings in labour costs.
The Auto Loop app enables you to pre-programme pan, tilt and zoom sequences, which you can put on a loop so they automatically repeat at the press of a button. Two alternative types of loop are available, including cycling A-B-C-A-B-C and reciprocating A-B-C-B-A-B-C progressions. This enhances creativity without the need for somebody to control transitions manually during a production. To ensure natural-looking transitions, the app enables you to programme complete PTZ routes with customised transition speeds and start-stop acceleration and deceleration at the beginning and end of movements, emulating the style of human operators.
“Both of these automation apps offer significant savings in time, effort and money for live productions,” says Canon Europe Product Specialist Paul Atkinson. “Levels of customisation ensure you get exactly the shots you want, for example setting up an ‘auto-select area’ so that people are automatically tracked if they enter a particular zone. You can also designate areas to be off-limits for tracking. The Auto Tracking app works particularly well for broadcasting and live streaming in any scenario where there’s a lot of movement going on, from shooting corporate presentations and online education to places of worship, concerts, theatre productions and sporting events. Both apps are driven by industry demand and user feedback, to ensure that next-generation video producers have the tools they need.”