Canon’s first ultra-high-sensitivity multi-purpose camera captures high quality videos effortlessly in extreme low-light situations

Canon’s first
ultra-high-sensitivity multi-purpose camera captures high quality videos effortlessly

in extreme low-light situations

New
ME20F-SH multi-purpose camera delivers Full HD videos with eye-opening clarity
at 0.0005 lux illumination (ISO 4,000,000+ equivalent)

Canon’s
multi-purpose camera employs an enhanced version of the 35 mm full-frame CMOS
sensor for Full HD video usage that was developed by the company in 2013[3].
While capturing videos in low-light conditions often require the use of
infrared illumination – a technique that only yields video in black and white,
the ME20F-SH achieves impressive low-light performance retaining Full HD videos
in colour with reduced noise in low-light conditions without the need for
infrared illumination. This makes the ME20F-SH uniquely suited for situations such
as shooting wildlife documentaries or surveillance. By enabling video capture
in low-light scenarios under which subjects are difficult to discern with the
naked eye, the ME20F-SH makes image capture possible even in challenging environments.

“The
ME20F-SH is a game changer with its unrivalled ISO sensitivity of over 4
million, capable of capturing full colour HD footage of scenes too dark for the
naked eye to discern. This spells limitless possibilities for users who require
top-of-the-range equipment to capture high quality professional footage in
environments with minimum illumination, such as wildlife documentaries or
underwater videography.” said Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore
Operations, Canon Singapore.

Ultra-sensitive CMOS
sensor enhances colour video capture in low-light conditions

The
ME20F-SH’s CMOS sensor has pixels measuring 19 μm square[4],
which is more than 7.5 times the surface area of the pixels on the CMOS sensor featured
in Canon’s top-of-the-line EOS-1D X (released in June 2012), and other digital
SLR cameras. The sensor’s pixels and readout circuitry uses Canon proprietary
technologies to achieve reduced noise, enabling it to detect subjects illuminated
at less than 0.0005 lux[5].

Similar
to Canon’s Cinema EOS System professional digital cinematography cameras, the
ME20F-SH is equipped with Canon Log and Wide DR gamma, enabling it to deliver excellent
image quality videos consistently, across a range of lighting situation.

Diverse imaging
possibilities with Canon’s interchangeable EF lenses

The
ME20F-SH employs the same EF mount (Cinema Lock type) as Canon’s digital SLR
cameras and Cinema EOS System-series professional digital cinematography cameras.
With its ability to use any of the company’s extensive line-up of
interchangeable EF lenses, the ME20F-SH can cater to a wide range of imaging
possibilities.

Compatible with professional video-recording interfaces

Employing output-only 3G/HD-SDI and HDMI terminals, ME20F-SH enables
users working remotely to output videos via a single cable to a range of
peripheral equipment, such as external recorders and monitors.

Equipped with a φ2.5 mm stereo mini- jack and a round 8-pin jack for
RS-422, this multi-purpose camera is capable of connecting with Canon’s RC-V100
Remote Controller (released in June 2014; sold separately)[6]. Users
can thereby operate or alter camera settings from a remote location, capture
videos from inaccessible locations, or conduct fixed-point surveillance easily.
The φ3.5 mm stereo mini-jack allows the camera to connect with an external microphone,
to enable users to output audio and video signals to connected peripheral on
location.

Pricing and availability

The Canon ME20F-SH will be available from May 2016 at a recommended
retail price of $31,029.
Product specifications