Canon has announced Multi-Camera Orchestration (MCO), a solution that enables professional multi-camera productions to be operated by a single user. It was designed for live environments such as podcasts, news, talk shows, and studio productions.
MCO synchronises multiple PTZ cameras to one main camera, automating movements to help simplify complex workflows. By assigning one camera as the main, sub-cameras automatically respond to pan, tilt, and zoom movements while maintaining predefined roles. This allows operators to execute coordinated camera moves and switch role sets instantly, without manual reprogramming during live production.
MCO is claimed to deliver reliable subject tracking using overhead cameras, ensuring accurate performance even during fast movement and tight zooms. Cameras automatically return to the subject position without resets, supporting visual continuity in demanding live scenarios. On-air shots can be locked instantly to maintain stable framing and eliminate unwanted camera movement, plus operators can also define no-track zones to prevent distractions and ensure cameras focus only on key areas of the scene.
Key highlights:
- Single-operator control of professional multi-camera productions
- Main camera with automatically synchronised sub-cameras
- Role-based presets for instant camera behaviour switching
- Automated alternative angles and group shots
- Accurate tracking using overhead subject detection
- Shot locking for stable, distraction-free live broadcasts
- Custom no-track zones for predictable camera behaviour
- Reduces set-up time with virtual production workflows
There are two versions of MCO available
Full
Utilizes advanced skeleton detection powered by GPU, characterized by high recognition accuracy for head position and other features. It employs the camera body’s auto-tracking function for composition creation and automatic tracking. It also controls camera body auto-tracking + analyses overhead camera footage for remote control via the MCO system. It leverages the camera body’s auto-tracking function, ensuring excellent tracking performance and reduced risk of frame loss.
Lite
A lightweight model is operable via CPU without GPU usage. It operates efficiently with minimal resource requirements. It analyzes footage captured by the overhead camera for remote control via the MCO system. As the camera is moved and tracked via remote control from the MCO system, subjects moving rapidly may occasionally frame out compared to the Full version. However, the overhead camera constantly maintains awareness of subject positions, preventing subject loss.
