Canon launches MS-500 ultra-high-sensitivity camera

Canon U.S.A., Inc. launching the Canon MS-500, an ultra-high-sensitivity interchangeable-lens camera. Canon claims the MS-500 is not only the first ultra-high-sensitivity camera equipped with a SPAD sensor but also features the world’s highest pixel count on its 1-inch Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) sensor of 3.2 megapixels. The company announced the development of the high-security surveillance camera in April 2023.

The MS-500 camera is the world’s first ultra-high-sensitivity camera equipped with a SPAD sensor, achieving a minimum subject illumination of 0.001 lux³. When combined with ultra-telephoto broadcast lenses, it may be possible to capture clear color videos of subjects at a distance of several miles, even at night, the company said.

The SPAD sensor uses a technology known as “photon counting,” which counts light particles (photons) that enter a pixel. When incoming photons are converted to an electric charge, they are amplified approximately one million times and extracted as digital signals, making detecting even small amounts of light possible. In addition, every single one of these photons is digitally counted, prohibiting the introduction of additional noise 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 MS-500 camera has a built-in, industry-standard B4 bayonet lens mount (based on BTA S-1005B standards), a widely used mount for 2/3-inch broadcast lenses. The lens mount allows operators to utilize Canon’s extensive lineup of broadcast lenses.

The Canon MS-500 SPAD Sensor Camera is scheduled to be available in September 2023 for an estimated retail price of $25,200.00.