Canon Intros BU-47H Outdoor Remote-Control PTZ Cam
Story Highlights
Canon U.S.A., Inc. has introduced the BU-47H outdoor remote-control PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera, which provides extensive upgrades in functionality and performance over previous models.
Equipped with three 1/3-inch (2.37 million pixel) CMOS sensors for full 1920 x 1080 HD image quality, the new BU-47H integrates a genuine Canon 18x HD zoom lens (7.4 – 134mm) with 1.5x digital extender, advanced Canon auto focus and Optical Shift-Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, and the sophisticated Canon DIGIC DV III image processor for exceptional picture clarity, detail, and color accuracy even in low-light conditions.
Featuring a non-proprietary control protocol, the new BU-47H includes 4:2:2 color sampling and finely graded video-adjustment settings to help meet exacting user preferences for broadcast and professional applications. These include use of the BU-47H as a full HD point-of-view(POV) camera for TV sports, news, traffic, or weather, as well as coverage of services in houses of worship, and for security/surveillance use.
“The Canon line of remote-control PTZ cameras has been embraced by a wide range of markets for its superb full HD picture quality, convenient cost-effective operation, and versatility,” noted Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “The BU-47H, for outdoor use, is the newest addition to this line, and it delivers upgraded features for even greater functionality that many broadcasters and professionals are looking for.”
Designed for use in locations where an on-site camera operator is impractical – such as at the top of a high mast overlooking a stadium or a busy seaport – the Canon BU-47H outdoor remote-control PTZ camera is capable of panning through 340 degrees and tilting +30 degrees ~ -50 degrees in precise and smoothly choreographed movements. The entire camera unit is contained in a compact, lightweight housing that meets the stringent IP-45 specification for dust- and waterproof-efficiency (Ingress Protection Rating published by International Electrotechnical Commission). Combined with its superb weather-resistance, the BU-47H housing also includes a “windshield-wiper” type blade to keep its lens port clear. Built-in features include a four-position remote-control ND (neutral density) filter and Canon Optical Shift-IS technology to help minimize camera shake even in high-wind conditions. The BU-47H is also equipped with a choice of auto focus, or full remote-control manual focus operation.
The BU-47H outdoor remote-control PTZ full HD camera features a non-proprietary control protocol that helps enable users and system integrators to interface the camera with their own control system or that of third-party providers. The BU-47H can be operated in automatic or manual mode, and can pan, tilt, and zoom simultaneously to up to 32 preset coordinates. Essential to the upgraded functionality of the Canon BU-47H camera is a range of finely graded video-adjustment settings of particular importance to broadcast users. Settings include white balance, master pedestal, R-, B-, and G-gain, hue, master black (R/G/B), setup level, gamma, knee, sharpness, knee aperture, skin detail, color matrix, and horizontal detail frequency.
Especially important to security and surveillance use is the exceptional low-light performance of the BU-47H. The camera features a minimum subject brightness of 0.08 lux,* which can enable shooting even in brightness levels equivalent to moonlight (0.5 to 1 lux).
The BU-47H camera provides a genlock input for broadcast video-system synchronization. Video outputs include HD-SDI with embedded audio for full HD recording and a simultaneous SD analog composite output for monitoring. Short- and long-distance control systems interface via RS-422 connections. An audio input enables a third-party microphone to be connected to the BU-47H, which has a maximum noise level of less than NC55. The total weight of the BU-47H is 17 kg. (approx. 37 lbs.).
The Canon BU-47H outdoor remote-control PTZ camera is scheduled to be available in late December 2012 for an estimated list price of $26,000.