Webcam and Network Server in one package

Canon's VB-C10R integrated network camera combines a compact Pan/Tilt Zoom camera with a network server in one unit. The reverse mounted camera features a 16X optical zoom lens and 410K pixel CCD image sensor with viewing angles, image capture schedules, zoom, pan, tilt, and other options controlled through a browser-interface. According to Canon the new product makes remote observation, site surveillance and event webcasting easier due to increased camera control and simple installation. For security purposes image capture can be used in conjunction with door sensors or alarms to alert the camera when to collect an image and VB-C10 images can be easily compressed with JPEG format image compression and transmitted at up to 30 frames per second. The camera can also produce video images in three different sizes and at five quality settings for added user flexibility and to meet bandwidth requirements. There's 5MB of internal storage capacity and the VB-C10 can store images to a computer hard disk or network.

The pan-tilt-zoom operating range is +/-100 degrees with a tilting range of -30 degrees to + 90 degrees and the soon to be available WebView Livescope MV Version 2.0X will add advanced monitoring and image storage functions, including simultaneous display of up to 16 network cameras on one screen through a central management system.

Peter Matthews, Solutions and Software Product Manager, Canon's Business Imaging Solutions Group, said the new camera package brings increased capabilities for transmitting high quality video over the Internet or LAN, ideal for web broadcasting and security monitoring.

"The VB-C10 captures unmatched quality images for monitoring and observation. When used in conjunction with its built in server, this camera provides these services in real-time over the internet.
"Not only can businesses use the service for surveillance purposes, they can also provide internet viewing for a myriad of locations, including: sport grounds and tourist attractions, and for monitoring weather conditions. The possibilities are endless," said Mr Matthews.

The VCB-C10 is now available in Australia for AUS$3683 ex GST.