Canon CR-N500 Professional 4K NDI HX2 PTZ Camera with 15x Zoom (Satin Black)

Overview

The Canon CR-N500 Professional 4K NDI HX2 PTZ Camera with 15x Zoom in Satin Black is built for documentary shoots, live events, streaming broadcasts, reality productions, and digital film work where a remote-controlled camera needs to match the color depth and look of a multicamera setup. It pairs a 1" dual-pixel CMOS sensor with Canon's DIGIC DV6 image processor, delivering UHD 4K30 and Full HD up to 60p, 15x optical zoom with 20x digital zoom, and professional touches like genlock support, Canon Log 3, and built-in ND filters. Where it differs from a standard Canon camcorder is its remote-operation focus: control via IP, RS-422, IR, or Wi-Fi, PoE+ powering over a single Ethernet cable, and HDMI, 3G-SDI, and IP video output built in.

1" CMOS Sensor and DIGIC DV6 Processor

The CR-N500's 1" CMOS sensor captures UHD 4K video at up to 30p and Full HD at up to 60p, with larger photosites than the smaller sensors found in many other PTZ cameras for cleaner low-light images and a shallower depth of field at wide apertures. Canon's DIGIC DV6 image processor drives the camera's high sensitivity, rated to 1.5 lux, and provides the processing power behind 4K UHD acquisition and precise autofocus.

Dual-Pixel AF with Face Detection

Dual-Pixel CMOS AF combines imaging and phase-difference autofocus on the same sensor, driving the focusing lens smoothly and tracking subjects accurately even while zooming, panning, or tilting. Dual-Pixel Focus Guide overlays focus assist information on screen so an operator can see whether focus falls in front of or behind the subject, simplifying precise manual focus in 4K UHD.

• Face Priority mode keeps tracking within the predefined focus area once a face leaves the frame.
• Face Only mode holds focus position rather than searching for a new subject once the tracked face leaves frame.
• The operator can toggle between multiple detected faces in a scene.

15x Zoom Lens with Built-In ND Filters

The CR-N500's 15x optical zoom lens has a 73° horizontal wide-angle field of view and a focal length of 8.3 to 124.5mm (Full-Frame Equivalent: 25.5 to 382.5mm), with aspheric elements to control aberrations across the zoom range. Optical image stabilization helps keep handheld-style framing steady, and a built-in ND filter mechanism offers 1/4, 1/16, and 1/64 densities for controlling exposure without changing aperture.

Canon Log 3 and Wide DR Gamma

Canon Log 3 delivers an 800% dynamic range (13-stop equivalent) while keeping dark-area detail and noise more controlled than standard Canon Log, making it well suited to documentary and unscripted shoots with rapidly changing light, and helping the CR-N500 match color and look with other log-shooting cameras in a production. Wide DR Gamma is also supported for a natural, seamless tonal range with minimal blown highlights. Six preset image-quality modes cover common looks out of the box, and the Custom Picture function lets an operator fine-tune gamma, color space, and color matrix to match other cameras in a multicamera shoot, similar to Canon's XF705 and Cinema EOS cameras.

NDI HX2, RTMP and Multi-Protocol IP Streaming

An RJ45 interface handles IP communication for high-resolution video distribution, with the CR-N500 able to distribute up to three video streams simultaneously, or two (4K H.264 and 360p H.264) when HDMI/SDI output runs at 30 fps or below.

• NDI HX2 support built in, with no separate license required, for higher quality and lower latency than earlier NDI|HX versions.
• RTMP streaming lets multiple viewers watch a live feed simultaneously without waiting for a download to finish.
• Standard VISCA protocol support for remote control over IP or serial RS-422 from compatible third-party controllers.
• Canon's XC protocol enables remote control via the optional RC-IP100 controller.

PoE+ Power with Genlock and Dual XLR Audio

The CR-N500 can be powered over its LAN port using PoE+, fitting straight into an existing PoE+ network without extra power cabling. Genlock support keeps the camera in sync with other cameras in a multicamera environment, and audio can be captured via two XLR inputs or a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack, then embedded into HDMI, 3G-SDI, NDI HX2, or RTMP/RTSP/RTP streaming output. A serial RS-422 terminal is also included for third-party VISCA-compatible controllers.

Smooth Variable-Speed Pan and Tilt

A dedicated pan/tilt drive mechanism lets an operator dial in pan and tilt speed in incremental steps for smooth, precise movement, with tally lamps on the front of the lens housing lighting up red to show performers and crew which camera is live.

Remote Control and Webcam Driver

The CR-N500 can be operated via IP, RS-422 serial, infrared, or Wi-Fi, with Canon's optional RC-IP100 controller able to manage up to 100 cameras and 100 presets for larger productions. Canon's free Camera Control Software runs on Windows and provides a 9x9 live view, control of up to 100 cameras, and tally functions from a laptop or tablet. A Camera Search Tool helps installers assign IP addresses across multiple units, and the browser-based Settings Page allows exposure, white balance, and other adjustments to be made remotely. Canon's Webcam Driver software also turns the CR-N500 into a network webcam, supporting up to five cameras and up to 4K30 output with embedded AAC-LC audio, free of charge.

Additional Benefits

• Full HD recording uses oversampling from the 4K sensor for detailed, high-quality Full HD output.
• Three video output interfaces cover HDMI and IP at up to UHD 4K30 or Full HD 59.94p, with SDI available at Full HD 59.94p.
• A distinctive, compact all-new design maintains visual consistency with Canon's established 4K camera systems and lenses.
• A built-in microSD card slot is included for camera settings and future functionality.