Canon recently debuted the MS-500, an atypical model boasting exceptional light sensitivity, making it one of the most potent non-infrared cameras ever. Equipped with a 1-inch SPAD (Single-photon avalanche diode) sensor that offers a highest-ever resolution of 3.2 megapixels, the camera also features an interchangeable lens mount. This setup enables it to film clear, colored footage even under conditions as low as 0.001 lux, as reported by Canon — dimmer than the light of a moonless night sky.
The MS-500 relies on Canon’s B4 mount, compatible with its broadcast zoom lenses. Priced at over $25,000 for just the body, the camera is designed to function in areas necessitating extreme levels of security, such as national borders, ports, and public infrastructure facilities, as stated by Canon. When paired with Canon’s ultra-telephoto broadcast lenses, it’s capable of capturing “crisp, colored videos of objects miles away, even in the dark.” It also employs specialized picture profiles to mitigate noise generated by atmospheric interference over great distances.
Canon
Why does a security camera priced at over $25,000 matter? The key lies in the SPAD sensor, which has significant implications for future consumer and professional image capturing. This sensor employs a technique known as photon counting, which records and amplifies the light particles entering a pixel a million times over before transforming them into a digital signal. Every individual photon is accounted for, eliminating any possible noise — “a critical benefit of SPAD sensors,” Canon noted.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Canon MS-500 SPAD Camera
What is unique about Canon’s new MS-500 camera?
The Canon MS-500 camera is equipped with a high-resolution 1-inch SPAD (Single-photon avalanche diode) sensor. This enables it to capture clear, colored video footage in conditions as dim as 0.001 lux, which is dimmer than the light from a moonless night sky.
Who is the target market for Canon’s MS-500 camera?
Canon’s MS-500 is intended for use in locations that require extremely high security levels, such as national borders, seaports, and public infrastructure facilities.
What is the price of the Canon MS-500 camera?
The Canon MS-500 camera body is priced at over $25,000. The price does not include any lenses.
What is a SPAD sensor and why is it important?
A SPAD sensor uses a technology called photon counting. It records and amplifies the light particles entering a pixel a million times over before transforming them into a digital signal. The key advantage of a SPAD sensor is its ability to count every individual photon, thereby eliminating any possible noise.
How does the MS-500 camera reduce atmospheric noise in long-distance shooting?
The MS-500 camera employs specialized picture profiles to mitigate noise generated by atmospheric interference over great distances. This feature allows it to capture clear and colored videos of objects located several miles away, even in the dark.
More about Canon MS-500 SPAD Camera
- Canon Official Website
- SPAD Sensor Overview
- More about Canon’s B4 Mount
- Canon’s Broadcast Lenses
- More about Light Levels and Lux
5 comments
Wow! Canon’s really stepping up their game with the MS-500, huh? Capturing color vid in pitch black? thats crazy!!! I mean, who’s got the cash for it tho? lol
Always been a canon fan, their innovation never fails to impress. SPAD tech sounds wild! It’s like magic for a photo geek like me.
I mean 25k for just the body. Imagine the price once you add Canon’s ultra-telephoto lenses! Sounds dope but defo out of my budget 🙁
This could revolutionize nighttime photography, amazing! But who else here is hoping this tech trickles down to us average joes?? Need it!
For high-security areas, this could be a game-changer. Great move Canon, now just need to convince the boss to cough up the cash!