Canon Inc. has announced the development of the world’s first ultra-high-sensitivity interchangeable-lens camera (ILC), the MS-500, equipped with a 1.0 inch Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) sensor with the world’s highest pixel count of 3.2 megapixels. The camera is expected to be ideal for high-precision monitoring applications, such as in national borders, seaports, airports, train stations, power plants, and other key infrastructure facilities.
The MS-500 features a 1.0 inch SPAD sensor that reduces noise, making it possible to capture clear, full-colour HD imaging even in extremely low-light environments. When paired with Canon’s broadcast lenses, which excel at super-telephoto image capture, the camera is capable of accurately capturing subjects with precision in extreme low-light environments, even from great distances.
SPAD sensors employ a technology known as “photon counting,” where light particles that enter each individual pixel are counted. Every single one of these photons can be digitally counted, thus making possible zero-noise during signal readout—a key advantage of SPAD sensors. This allows the MS-500 to operate even under nighttime environments with no ambient starlight and is also capable of accurately detecting subjects with minimal illumination and capture clear colour images.
The MS-500 uses the bayonet lens mount, which is widely used in the broadcast lens industry. This enables the camera to be used with Canon’s extensive range of broadcast lenses, resulting in the ability to recognise and capture subjects that are several kilometres away.
Canon plans to commence sales of the MS-500 in 2023, leveraging its long history of comprehensive imaging technologies that include optics, sensors, image processing, and image analysis. The company will continue to pursue R&D to create products capable of surpassing the limits of the human eye while contributing to the safety and security of society.
