Smarter Broadcast: Grace Church Bethlehem Upgrades to Canon CR-N700 PTZ Cameras
Grace Church Bethlehem wanted to raise the quality of their broadcast while making operation simpler for their team. Their leadership identified the Canon CR-N700 PTZ cameras as the right solution, and Fresh Tech was brought in to design the infrastructure, integrate the system, and commission it for weekly use.
The Camera Package
The upgrade centered on two Canon CR-N700 PTZ cameras, both placed at front of house to replace aging broadcast cameras. Each unit is paired with a Cervo Flex tally system for clear visibility from stage. Control is handled through a Canon IP-100 controller in the video suite and a Canon IP-1000 at front of house, giving the team flexibility to manage the cameras from either location.
The CR-N700 stood out as the right choice because of its large one-inch sensor, which is unusually powerful for a PTZ. The cameras deliver cinematic image quality, accurate color, and strong low-light performance. They also take advantage of Canon’s second cropped output, allowing the team to capture both a full head-to-toe shot and a waist-up shot from the same camera simultaneously. This maximizes coverage without adding more gear.
Easier Operation, Better Results
One of the most valuable features of the system is its auto-tracking capability. For preaching, the CR-N700s smoothly follow the pastor’s movement across the platform, maintaining consistent framing and focus without the need for a dedicated operator. On weekends when the team is stretched thin, the church can still count on the PTZs to capture high-quality video that feels natural and professional.
To further enhance the broadcast, Fresh Tech created custom color-corrected LUTs and profiles tailored for Grace’s two service types. With the touch of a button, operators can instantly recall the right look, ensuring a polished and consistent broadcast whether the service is modern or classic.
Lasting Impact
The result is the best of both worlds: cinema-quality images paired with the efficiency of PTZ operation. Volunteers and staff can run the cameras with confidence, while auto-tracking ensures reliable coverage even when operators are unavailable. With Canon’s dual outputs, the team gets more flexibility out of fewer cameras, and online viewers benefit from clear, engaging coverage that keeps them connected to the service.
For Grace Church Bethlehem, this project was not just an equipment update but a way to align their broadcast ministry with the same excellence and intentionality they bring to every service. The new system empowers their team, strengthens their reach, and ensures their story is told with clarity each week.
