Canon Announces ME20F-SH Ultra-High Sensitivity HD Camcorder with ISO 4 Million

[Chris Hurd]

"Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today has introduced the Company’s first multi-purpose camera, the new ME20F-SH, which delivers exceptionally high sensitivity to capture Full HD video with a minimum subject illumination of less than 0.0005 lux[1] (at maximum 75 dB gain setting, equivalent to an ISO sensitivity of over 4,000,000). Nighttime surveillance and security, cinematic production, reality television, and nature/wildlife documentaries are just some of the ME20F-SH’s many possible usage applications. With the ability to capture color video in extreme low-light conditions and its simplistic and versatile design, the ME-20F-SH Multi-purpose Camera can be easily incorporated into existing infrastructures and systems to provide high-quality video capture even where subjects might not be seen with the naked eye."

EF lens mount.

Full press release, pics and specs located here: Canon’s First Ultra-High Sensitivity Camera Features ISO Equivalent Over 4 Million at DV Info Net

[Jon Fairhurst]

I can imagine a ghost hunting reality show purchasing this camera, doing their first shoot - and then grading it green and adding noise so it looks like IR footage.

Audiences (myself included) don't expect to see real-time video and fast shutter photos of near zero light scenes. I wonder what the visual cues of this new style video will be? Our perception of low light video is about to change.

My other thought is that a high-speed version is sure to follow...