Canon’s latest offering, the MS-500, is a remarkable camera that boasts one of the most sensitive non-infrared sensors ever developed. Featuring a high-resolution 1-inch SPAD (Single-photon avalanche diode) sensor with 3.2 megapixels, this camera allows clear color shooting in incredibly low light conditions, as dim as 0.001 lux, which is even less than what a clear moonless sky provides.
The MS-500 is equipped with an interchangeable lens mount compatible with Canon’s B4 mount, enabling it to work seamlessly with the company’s broadcast zoom lenses. With a hefty price tag of over $25,000 for the body alone, this camera is designed specifically for deployment in areas with exceptionally high-security requirements, such as seaports, public infrastructure facilities, and national borders.
The camera’s exceptional sensitivity and compatibility with ultra-telephoto broadcast lenses enable it to capture clear color videos of subjects located several miles away, even in low-light nighttime conditions. Moreover, special picture profiles have been incorporated to minimize noise caused by atmospheric disturbances that can occur over long distances.
The standout feature of the MS-500 lies in its SPAD sensor, which utilizes a cutting-edge technology called photo counting. This technology involves tracking light particles as they enter each pixel, amplifying them by a factor of one million, and then converting them into a digital signal. This meticulous approach allows every single photon to be counted accurately, eliminating the introduction of any noise, which is a significant advantage of SPAD sensors, as highlighted by Canon.
While the MS-500 is currently targeted for security and surveillance purposes, the groundbreaking SPAD sensor technology holds immense potential for future consumer and professional imaging applications. As this technology further develops and becomes more accessible, we can expect to see its integration into a broader range of cameras, opening up new possibilities for low-light photography and video capture in various fields.
