ME20F-SH Key features:
· Ultra low-light performance at ISO 4 million
· High quality Full HD 1080p/1080i/720p output
· Flexible control with auto and custom settings
· Compatible with a wide range of EF lenses
· Remote control of camera settings and built-in ND and IR cut filters possible
· Small and lightweight for ease of integrationCanon has announced the the ME20F-SH, a professional multi-purpose video camera capable of capturing full colour images in extremely low-light environments. Boasting an industry leading unrivalled maximum ISO in excess of 4 million (+75dB), the ME20F-SH is designed to be as small as possible whilst delivering high quality professional grade Full HD footage. Supporting image capture in situations where it previously would not have been possible, the ME20F-SH is ideal for use within specialist applications such as TV productions of night-time wildlife, deep sea/cave exploration, astronomy and surveillance. The ability to install the camera in a semi-permanent location, with remote control operability, also means that for documentary and natural history filmmakers, long term projects and events can be captured with minimum staffing.
First class infrared capability
Capturing video in low-light conditions often requires the use of infrared illumination, a technique that traditionally only yields footage in black and white. The ME20F-SH however, achieves impressive high-sensitivity performance enabling the capture of colour Full HD video with reduced noise, even in low-light conditions and without the need for infrared illumination.
Exceptionally high sensitivity
Designed to be used in situations where ambient light levels are extremely low, the ME20F-SH features a newly developed Full Frame 35mm with 2.26 MP CMOS sensor and a DIGIC DV4 processor. The sensor’s pixels and readout circuitry use Canon’s proprietary technologies to achieve both reduced noise and exceptionally high sensitivity, allowing you to capture subjects illuminated with less than 0.0005 lux. Similar to Canon’s Cinema EOS cameras, the ME20F-SH includes Canon Log and Wide DR settings, which enable a wide dynamic range (800%), delivering high-quality results across a variety of ambient lighting conditions, without the need for supplemental lighting.
Connectivity
The ME20F-SH offers several options with regard to connectivity to external third party devices for recording or remote viewing purposes, and is also compatible with Canon’s RC-V100 for full remote control over the camera.
Enabling a wide range of imaging possibilities
The new ME20F-SH employs Canon’s EF mount with Cinema Lock, as found on the Cinema EOS C500, allowing users to take advantage of the company’s extensive lineup of interchangeable lenses. By enabling operators to select the ideal lens based on their shooting or application requirements, taking into consideration such factors as angle of view and level of brightness, the multi-purpose camera facilitates a wide range of shooting possibilities.
Price and availability Canon UK has not announced price or availability, but a Canon USA press release says that the ME20F-SH is expected to be available in December 2015 at a suggested retail price of $30,000. Due to the specialist nature and demand for this product, the ME20F-SH will only be available to selected partners. |
Canon has announced its intention to add new lenses to its hybrid RF L-series range on 30 October 2024, teasing with the image above. Canon’s hybrid lenses are a range of RF L-series primes and zooms designed for high performance stills and video capture. They are able to perform multiple roles and harness technology from Canon’s broadcast, cinema and existing RF lenses to make for a truly versatile range. The first two lenses in the range are the RF 24-105mm f2.8L IS USM Z , launched in November 2023, and the RF 35mm f1.4L VCM lens , announced earlier this year in June. Keep an eye out as full details will be published as soon as they're available on 30 October 2024.