Canon Introduces MS-500 - World's First Ultra-High Sensitivity Camera with SPAD Sensor for Clear Color Video Surveillance

The MS-500 provides effective video surveillance, capturing clear images of objects several kilometers away, even at night.

Sofia, Bulgaria, August 1, 2023 – Canon Inc. announced today that the company is launching the MS-500 model – an ultra-high sensitivity interchangeable lens camera (ILC) equipped with a 1-inch SPAD (Single Photon Avalanche Diode) sensor with a record resolution of 3.2 megapixels¹. Sales will begin at the end of August 2023.

In areas with extremely high security requirements, such as ports, public infrastructure, and national borders, high-precision surveillance systems are necessary to accurately capture objects day and night. The new MS-500 camera is the world's first² ultra-high sensitivity camera equipped with a SPAD sensor, capturing color video in conditions of minimal object illumination down to 0.001 lux³. When used in combination with studio ultra-telephoto lenses, it is possible to capture clear images of objects several kilometers away, even in night darkness. By enriching its range of ultra-high sensitivity cameras, including the ME20/ML series⁴, Canon addresses the diverse needs of the advanced video surveillance market.

1. Combination of SPAD sensor and studio lenses allows for night-time monitoring of distant objects

SPAD sensors use a technology known as “photon counting”, where microparticles (photons) that fall into each individual pixel are counted. When photons falling into pixels are converted into an electrical charge, their signal can be immediately amplified approximately 1 million times, making it possible to register even small amounts of light. In addition, each of these photons can be digitally counted, thus avoiding noise in the signal reading – a key advantage of SPAD sensors. This allows for clear color imaging even at ultra-low illumination of just 0.001 lux. The model uses a lens mount (according to BTA S-1005B standards), widely used in studio lenses. Canon's wide range of studio lenses with ultra-telephoto characteristics allows for identification of objects several kilometers away even in night darkness.

2. Includes image correction functions to improve visibility, including noise reduction and haze compensation

During night surveillance and long-distance surveillance, the effect of noise and atmospheric shimmer, especially in dark environments, can cause problems with image clarity. To address this issue, the "CrispImg2" function, which optimizes sharpness, gamma curve, and noise reduction settings for surveillance applications, is installed as standard as part of the custom image settings function, allowing adjustment of image quality settings depending on the application. This allows for high-visibility video capture at any time of day or night. The MS-500 also supports the "Haze Compensation" function, which reduces the effects of fog and haze. It automatically adjusts the appropriate contrast and offers image correction options that improve video quality.

Additional Information

1. Combination of SPAD sensor and studio lenses allows for night-time monitoring of distant objects

• SPAD sensors use a technology known as “photon counting”, where microparticles (photons) that fall into each individual pixel are counted. Unlike the “electric charge accumulation method” of a CMOS sensor, which measures the amount of light accumulated in a pixel over a certain period of time, a photon falling into the pixel generates an electron and can be immediately multiplied by about 1 million times and output as an amplified electrical signal. Since each photon is digitally counted, noise is ignored during signal reading.¹
• Clear color shooting in Full HD format is possible even at a minimum object illumination of 0.001 lux.

For more information on the differences between SPAD sensor and CMOS sensor, please visit Canon Technology website:

https://global.canon/en/technology/spad-sensor-2021.html

1-inch SPAD sensor with approx. 3.2 million pixels

Difference in light detection method between SPAD sensor (left) and CMOS sensor (right)

• Equipped with a conventional bayonet mount (compatible with BTA S-1005B standard), common for studio lenses. Studio lenses with ultra-telephoto characteristics from Canon's rich range can be used.
• Canon uses a lens construction and special coating that reduce unwanted reflections, allowing for clear video capture with less glare. A digital servo system, digital drive unit, and high-resolution encoder ensure high speed and precision in zoom, focus, and aperture operation.

Widest angle

Telephoto zoom

Ultra-telephoto zoom of Canon studio lenses allows for monitoring of distant objects (red circle in the image on the left)

Lens used: CJ45ex13.6B IASE-V H

2. Includes image correction functions to improve visibility, including noise reduction and appropriate exposure adjustment

• The "CrispImg2" function, which optimizes sharpness, gamma curve, and noise reduction settings for surveillance applications, is installed as standard as part of the custom image settings function, allowing adjustment of image quality settings. Automatic noise suppression and high image sharpness and visibility adjustment are possible.
• The "Intelligent Shadow Control¹" function allows for proper exposure adjustment to correct underexposure of the subject or overexposure of the background when shooting in backlight or with dark areas in the image.
• The "Haze Compensation¹" function reduces the effect of fog and haze and automatically adjusts the optimal contrast.

¹ The "Intelligent Shadow Control" and "Haze Compensation" functions cannot be used simultaneously.

Comparison of "Intelligent Shadow Control" enabled/disabled

"Intelligent Shadow Control" enabled

"Intelligent Shadow Control" disabled

Comparison of "Haze Compensation" enabled/disabled

"Haze Compensation" enabled

"Haze Compensation" disabled

3. Supports serial communication functions that allow remote control of pan/tilt operations and image quality settings

• Compatibility with Canon's proprietary "NU" serial communication protocol, used in Canon's ultra-high sensitivity cameras and remotely controlled cameras¹
• Compatibility with the "Pelco-D²" protocol, offered and published by Pelco, Inc. in the United States, which is widely used for controlling remotely controlled cameras and pan/tilt heads.
• Use a cable to connect the serial communication port of devices such as a pan/tilt head, which support these protocols, to the REMOTE port on the rear panel of the MS-500. By transmitting commands, the camera, lens, and pan/tilt head can be remotely controlled from the control device.
  

1. To view Canon's range of remotely controlled cameras, visit the following URL: http://canon.jp/remotecam
2. Pelco is a trademark of Pelco, Inc. or its affiliates.

Example configuration when using a camera mounted on a pan/tilt head

For more information on specifications, visit Canon's website: https://canon.jp/business/solution/networkcamera/lineup/multipurpose/ms500