Canon Offers Four Full HD Network Cameras
Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, has introduced its first-ever line of Full HD IP Security cameras. Integrating sophisticated technologies derived from Canon’s world-famous digital cameras and HD lenses, the four new products include:
• VB-H41 pan/tilt/zoom IP camera with a 20x wide-angle zoom lens
• VB-H610VE fixed vandal-resistant IP 66-rated IP dome camera
• VB-H610D fixed indoor IP dome camera
• VB-H710F “box” style fixed IP camera
All feature class-leading low-light performance, a Genuine Canon aspherical wide-angle zoom lens with optimal lens coating technology, a 2.1 Megapixel 16:9 aspect ratio widescreen CMOS image sensor, and a pair of proprietary Canon DIGIC processors: the powerful Canon DIGIC DV III image processor for exceptional picture quality with lifelike colors and tonal accuracy, reduced noise, and low power consumption; and the second-generation Canon DIGIC NET II network video processor, a powerful, highly efficient compression, encryption, and transmission engine for full 1920 x 1080 HD up to 30 fps simultaneously in both H.264 and M-JPEG.
Advanced Canon technology built into these four IP security cameras includes sophisticated analytic capabilities as well as ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) Profile S conformance for improved compatibility with other ONVIF-compliant third-party security products.
“Canon leadership in HD imaging technologies enables the Company to leverage its vast expertise in developing IP security cameras with exceptional picture detail and advanced digital features,” noted Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager of the Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “These new cameras provide outstanding imaging performance and sophisticated user benefits to address the needs of security professionals in a diverse range of applications and environments.”
All four of Canon’s Full HD IP Security cameras are designed to capture high-resolution detail and color vital for obtaining crucial visual information for security purposes. Markets for these cameras include financial institutions, industrial plants and utilities, military and government agencies, airports and transportation centers, schools, retail establishments, and casinos. The advanced Canon DIGIC DV III image processor built into these IP security cameras optimizes image quality, providing Auto Gain Control, which limits the amount of gain added to the image to reduce “noise.” The new DIGIC NET II network video processor includes a multi-codec function for the simultaneous transmission of video in both H.264 and M-JPEG up to 30 frames per second. The Canon DIGIC NET II’s H.264 codec features an adjustable i-frame interval to optimize bandwidth and video-storage space. M-JPEG and H.264 can be output in multiple resolutions: 1920 x 1080, 960 x 540, and 480 x 270. M-JPEG can also be output at 320 x 240 QV
GA resolution. The DIGIC NET II network video processor is also utilized for the cameras’ Smart Shade Control feature, which selectively brightens dark areas while maintaining accurate exposure of bright areas in high contrast scenes.
Each of the Full HD IP Security cameras also features built-in Video Analytics to assist in identifying potentially crucial details including moving, removed, and abandoned object detection as well as passing (or “tripwire”) detection. User-adjustable in terms of detection characteristics such as sensitivity, area and duration, Video Analytics can engage configured alarms and notification functions. Passing detection can, for example, issue an alert if a person or object moves past a user-preset line or polygon in the camera image, such as a doorway, window, driveway, or other boundary. All four cameras also feature Camera Analytics, which include detection of camera tampering and sound-level detection in the vicinity of the camera that may indicate vandalism or sabotage.
Additional features shared by the Canon VB-H41, VB-H610VE, VB-H610D, and VB-H710F Full HD IP Security cameras include a Privacy Mask function to block sensitive locations (such as ATM keypads or computer monitors) from the cameras’ view while still allowing for a full range of motion. The cameras also feature two-way audio connectors for bi-directional sound communication, built-in Management Tools, and a Web Viewer function for remote video monitoring by authorized users on supported web browsers such as 32-bit versions of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 7, 8 and 9. The cameras ship with RM-Lite 2.0, Canon’s free network video and recording software for up to four cameras. A built-in SD Memory Card slot (supporting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards) allows users to record still images or H.264 video during network outages, scheduled event triggers, or manually through Admin viewer (VB Admin Tools are resident on each camera’s web server). An Auto IP feature can automatically assign each camera a private IP address, all
owing for connectivity without configuring each cameras network setting.
A valuable new feature shared by all four new models is Viewer PTZ, which allows a computer operator to magnify video from the camera for an even closer look at specific image details. Due to the high quality of Full HD video, video quality remains usable even when magnified. In addition to Viewer PTZ, the VB-H610VE, VB-H610D, and VB-H710F models are equipped with Digital PTZ, which uses the camera to trim or crop sections of the Full HD video image. The cameras can then digitally encode and transmit just those cropped areas, saving bandwidth. Compared with streamed video that is magnified on a computer using the Viewer PTZ function, the Digital PTZ function can reduce the overhead for computers because the video cropped by the camera is streamed, resulting in smaller file sizes. Digital PTZ supports a 16:9 aspect ratio at multiple resolutions, including 640 x 360, 512 x 288, 256 x 144, and 128 x 72 pixels.
VB-H41
Featuring a completely new structural design for increased durability with improved bearings and a flexible-cable assembly, the Canon VB-H41 Full HD IP Security camera includes a best-in-class Genuine Canon 20x optical zoom lens with 12x digital zoom, a wide 60.4º angle of view, and an improved Auto Focus algorithm to improve focusing accuracy in various difficult shooting conditions. Working together with a built-in thermal sensor, the VB-H41 Auto Focus algorithm also corrects for temperature changes in the installation environment. An electronic Image Stabilization feature minimizes blur that can be caused by vibration in the installation base, and the VB-H41 supports select third-party USB joysticks for controlling PTZ and presets. The VB-H41 can capture potentially crucial image detail in low-illumination environments down to 0.4 lux at F1.6 and 1/30 sec. in color* and 0.02 lux at f/1.6 and 1/30 sec. in black & white.*
VB-H610VE
The VB-H610VE fixed vandal-resistant Full HD IP Security camera is housed in a clear polycarbonate dome mounted to an aluminum body; this unified enclosure has a dust and water-resistance rating of IP66. The enclosure can also absorb violent impacts. Inside the enclosure, the VB-H610VE lens is mounted in a damping mechanism to protect it against heavy blows. The camera is designed for use in areas that may be subject to abuse, such as correctional facilities, public transportation centers, shopping malls, and schools. An optional heater allows the camera to be used in temperatures down to -22º F. The VB-H610VE also features a built-in Genuine Canon 112.0º wide-angle 3x optical zoom lens for clear, high-quality images. The VB-H610VE (and VB-H610D and VB-H710F) can capture potentially crucial image detail in low-illumination environments down to 0.3 lux at F1.2 and 1/30 sec. in color* and 0.015 lux at f/1.2 and 1/30 sec. in black & white.*
VB-H610D
As with the VB-H610VE, this camera has a built-in Genuine Canon wide-angle 3x optical zoom lens with an ultra-wide 112.0º angle of view, making it ideal for use in areas with severe space restrictions such as stairways, narrow halls, and elevators, as well as vast, wide-open spaces such as shopping malls or factory floors. The lens’s sophisticated aspherical optical composition and optimal lens coating technology enables it to produce high-quality sharp images with minimal distortion and flare. The VB-H610D is a versatile fixed security indoor dome camera suited for many IP security applications. Both the VB-H610VE and VB-H610D cameras also include a Remote Adjustment Function to change the angle of view (including pan, tilt, rotation, zoom, and focus) of the cameras from any remote PC, thereby eliminating the time and expense of on-site adjustments involving labor, transportation, and equipment.
VB-H710F
Designed with a traditional rectangular “box” look, the Canon VB-H710F Full HD IP Security camera also features a built-in Genuine Canon wide-angle 3x optical zoom lens with an ultra-wide 112.0º angle of view. A unique feature of this camera is its built-in motorized focus and zoom function, which enables users to adjust those settings. Convenient and labor-saving, motorized focus and zoom is a major benefit for challenging and/or large installation environments.
Installation Advantages
The Canon VB-H41, VB-H610VE, VB-H610D, and VB-H710F Full HD IP Security camera are designed to facilitate convenient installation. All provide ONVIF Profile S conformance for improved compatibility with other ONVIF-compliant third-party security products. All four cameras can be powered either with 24VAC, 12VDC, or PoE (IEEE 802.3af conformant).