Canon launched the MS-500 the ultra-high-sensitivity ILC (Interchangeable-Lens Camera) equipped with the 1†SPAD (Single Photon Avalanche Diode) sensor featuring the world’s highest pixel count of 3.2 megapixels.
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The SPAD sensor uses a technology known as "photon counting", which counts light particles that enter a pixel. When incoming photons are converted to electric charge, they can be instantly amplified approx. 1 million times and extracted as a large signal, making it possible to detect even small amounts of light. In addition, every single one of these photons can be digitally counted, thus making it possible for noise not to enter during signal readout, a key advantage of SPAD sensors.
This enables clear color video shooting even under a 0.001 lux low-light environment. The lens mount is the bayonet lens mount (based on BTA S-1005B standards) which is a widely used mount for broadcast lenses. Taking advantage of Canon's extensive lineup of broadcast lenses with ultra telephoto performance, it is possible to identify the subjects at distance of several kilometers even in the nighttime darkness. In night monitoring and long-range surveillance, the effect of noise and atmospheric shaking, particularly in dark environments, may cause problems within the clarity of the video.
To solve this problem, "CrispImg2", which optimizes sharpness, gamma curve, and noise reduction settings for monitoring applications, is installed as a standard feature in the custom picture function that allows for adjusting image quality settings according to the application. This enables to shoot high visibility videos at any time of day or night. The MS-500 also supports “haze compensation†function, which reduces the effects of haze and mist. This automatically adjusts for proper contrast and provides image correction functions that improve video quality.
Equipped with the conventional bayonet mount (BTA S-1005B standard compliant), common for broadcast lenses. Canon's abundant broadcast lenses with ultra-telephoto performance can be utilized. Canon has a lens barrel design and lens coating technology, which reduce unwanted reflections, enabling clear video capture with less ghosting and flare. A digital servo system, digital drive unit, and high-resolution encoder provide high-speed, high precision zoom, focus, and iris operation. It is Compatible with Canon’s proprietary serial communication control protocol “NU†which is used for Canon’s ultra-high-sensitivity cameras and remote cameras. ■
