Canon U.S.A. has announced it has entered into a strategic partnership with Brizi, a remote camera and group photo technology company whose platform has already been at various NBA games and major tennis events. The alliance was announced at CES 2019 in Las Vegas.
BriziCam is a mobile web-based platform that enables users to tap into remote-controlled cameras to capture group photos at sporting events and other landmark sites or entertainment events. The cameras are installed strategically inside venues to capture a bird’s-eye view of the entire arena. The platform is able to locate and capture user photos from a fan’s seat number.
“In Brizi, we see an innovative, energetic and strong team with a clear vision to drive group-photo memories in the fan engagement and landmark markets,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and COO of Canon U.S.A., in a press release. “This strategic alliance marks the dawn of a new era of collaboration, powered by Canon, and we are excited to work with Brizi to further advance the imaging technology industry.”
Users can control the camera through their smartphones by zooming in or out or moving position, with the idea being that Brizi’s wide lens cameras offer better vantage points for taking photos at sporting events compared to the traditional selfie method or selfie stick. Before this new partnership, Canon was already Brizi’s top imaging-equipment provider. Canon and Brizi’s new agreement will add sales, joint marketing, and research and development collaboration between the two companies.
BriziCam has been tested inside the home venues of the Portland Trailblazers and the Philadelphia 76ers as well as tennis events such as the 2018 Australian Open and 2018 Madrid Open. Brizi is a Toronto-based company that announced this past September it had received $2.5 million in a seed financing round led by investment group 2EP.
SportTechie Takeaway
Brizi also adds augmented reality filters and branded overlays onto photos, meaning the platform can appeal to sports teams looking to increase sponsorship value. The photos are shareable from Brizi’s platform onto social media sites. To date, shared “Brizi Moments” have reached more than 26 million people across seven countries according to Canon’s press release. As Brizi continues to build partnerships with sports teams and leagues, perhaps the days of the selfie stick are numbered.
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