Canon introduced its first multi-purpose camera, the ME20F-SH. It features a full frame sensor, which can record 1080p Full HD videos at ultra high senstitivity. It can shoot subjects with illuminance levels as low as 0.0005 lux at a maximum gain (or sensor noise) level of 75dB, which equates to maximum ISO levels of over 4,000,000. Stated by Canon in a press release out of the United States yesterday, it features an enhanced 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor, that can capture colour full high definition videos, recording objects that might not be visible to the human eye.
Pixel sizes in the enhanced sensor measure 19 micro-meter square, increasing pixel surface area up to 5.5 times than that in most premium line sensors that feature in Canon's DSLR cameras. This facilitates massive noise reduction in videos, and increases sensitivity to an exceptionally high level. The ME20F-SH also features Canon's Log and Wide Dynamic Range capabilities, as seen in Canon's cinema cameras. It also includes Canon's proprietary EF port for interchangeable lenses, that add a diverse range of functionality to the camera.
The Canon ME20F-SH features output-only 3G/HD-SDI and HDMI terminals, 2.5mm stereo mini-jack and a round 8-pin RS-422 digital signal analyzer jack. There is also a 3.5mm stereo jack that facilitates connections to an external microphone via an adapter. With its extreme low-light capabilities and the number of ports provided with the camera, Canon is touting the ME20F-SH to be used in professional digital cinematography, nighttime surveillance, security, television and wildlife documentaries, among other uses.
The camera features two density-level ND filters, an IR-cut filter, colour temperature setting support upto 15000K, and can work in environments with up to 40 degrees celsius temperature. It weighs 1.1 kilos without any attachment, and has a suggested retail price of $30,000. It will be made available from December 2015.