First Look: Canon’s VB-C10 Pan-Tilt-Zoom Network Camera

Wayne N. Kawamoto
Managing Editor, www.smallbusinesscomputing.com

Combining a compact, user controlled Pan/Tilt Zoom (PTZ) camera, with a network server, the all-in-one VB-C10 and the inverse-mounted version VB-C10R is designed to bring new capabilities to transmitting high-quality video over the Internet or LAN. Canon says that its new VB-C10 Network Camera will make it easy for users to perform remote observation, site surveillance, security monitoring and event webcasting. The VB-C10 features a 16X optical zoom lens and is designed to connect in minutes, and deliver up to 30 frames per second Motion-JPEG compression, while three capture sizes and five quality settings should allow users to tune the system to meet bandwidth requirements.

Canon says that initial configuration is a snap. Users only have to plug in the power cord and Ethernet cable, and run the IP Installer utility software from any PC on the network. Once on the network, a browser-based interface provides easy access to various settings, including: camera restrictions, preset viewing angles, image capture schedules and more.

The company claims that its VB-C10 delivers the highest pan-tilt-zoom operating range in its class: +/-100 degrees (VB-C10R +/- 170 degrees); tilting range -30 degrees to + 90 degrees (VB-C10R -90 degrees to + 10 degrees.) Other features include: transmitting real-time video to up to 20 viewers simultaneously, built-in Web and FTP Servers, a panorama image generator, and up to 8 preset camera positions for rapid viewing of important subjects and defining image archiving locations. With an image sensor of 410,000 pixels, a weight of 1.4 lbs (VB-C10), and a size of 4.4 x 5.4 x 5.6 in., the VB-C10 is small, lightweight and fast and may be mounted almost anywhere quickly and easily.

The VB-C10(R) also features image capture and storage capabilities, either schedule-based or sensor-activated, automatic retrieval of captured images using Canon’s VBCollector software, sensor input and relay output terminals for security system operation and a data log. Optional monitoring software, WebView Livescope (optionally available in various versions) offers monitoring, customized viewer windows, panorama controls and simultaneous 4-camera display mode.

The new Canon VB-C10 will be available in mid May at authorized Canon dealers, with a MSRP of $1799.

Small Business Computing Staff
Small Business Computing Staff
Small Business Computing addresses the technology needs of small businesses, which are defined as businesses with fewer than 500 employees and/or less than $7 million in annual sales.

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