Canon today announced a series of free firmware updates for its Auto Tracking Application RA-AT001, various PTZ cameras, the RC-IP1000 controller, and select Cinema EOS and XF professional camcorders. These updates are expected to be available starting July.
The Auto Tracking Application RA-AT001 receives new paid-for features designed to improve subject framing for PTZ cameras:
- Multi-Person Framing: This feature will maintain a balanced composition when framing multiple individuals, suitable for podcasts, talk shows, and lectures.
- Face Direction Framing: The system will automatically adjust the frame to leave space in front of a subject’s face, based on their facing direction, for a more aesthetically pleasing shot.
- Sit/Stand Framing: The camera will automatically zoom in when a subject sits down and zoom out when they stand up.
New firmware for Canon’s range of PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) cameras includes automatic RTMP/SRT streaming re-connection in case of network disruptions. It also allows for reducing the frame rate of web-based live camera feeds to optimize performance on congested networks.
Canon’s Multi-Camera Control App, a free iOS application for smartphones and iPads, will now support PTZ camera control. This includes Pan/Tilt functions, preset selection, auto tracking on/off operation, and pinch-in/out zoom.
The RC-IP1000 controller will receive three updates. Standard Communication serial support will be added, enabling indoor control of PTZ cameras via serial communication. Improvements to camera pre-registration include a long-press function on the touch panel for preset registration and a larger Preset Thumbnail layout.
Cinema EOS and XF professional camcorders will gain enhanced virtual production support for Unreal Engine, allowing simultaneous connections from multiple computers. Additionally, it will be possible to play RAW video files in-camera with digital lens correction applied and improved On-Screen Display (OSD) customization.
