Canon Announces World’s First Ultra-High-Sensitivity Interchangeable-Lens SPAD Sensor Camera

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Canon press release:

Canon Launches MS-500 – The World’s First Ultra-High-Sensitivity Interchangeable-Lens SPAD Sensor Camera

The Camera Supports Advanced Surveillance, Enabling Color Video Capture of Subjects Several Miles Away, Even at Night

MELVILLE, NY, August 1, 2023 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today that the company is launching the Canon MS-500, an ultra-high-sensitivity interchangeable-lens camera (ILC). The MS-500 is not only the world’s first1 ultra-high-sensitivity camera equipped with a SPAD sensor but also features the world’s highest pixel count2 on its 1” Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) sensor of 3.2 megapixels. The company announced the development of the camera in April 2023, and visitors to the Canon booth at NAB 2023 saw a working sample of the camera in action firsthand.

In areas with extremely high-security levels, such as seaports, public infrastructure facilities, and national borders, high-precision monitoring systems are required to surveil targets both day and night accurately. The new 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 new MS-500 helps to strengthen Canon’s ultra-high-sensitivity camera lineup, which also includes the ME20, and ML Series4, allowing the company to meet a variety of customer needs in the advanced surveillance market.

Combination of SPAD Sensor and Broadcast Lenses Enable Long Range Surveillance at Night

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.

Custom Picture Functions Help Improve Visibility, Including Noise and Haze Reduction

The effect of noise and atmospheric turbulence, particularly in dark environments, may cause issues with video resolution, especially in long-range surveillance applications. To help mitigate this occurrence, CrispImg2, a Custom Picture preset mode that optimizes resolution and contrast while suppressing image noise, is a standard setting in the custom picture menu. Users can also create their own custom picture profiles to adjust and save image quality settings according to various shooting environments. This feature enables users to shoot high-visibility videos at virtually any time of day or night. The MS-500 camera also includes Haze Compensation, and Smart Shade Control features that help reduce the effects of haze and mist while automatically adjusting contrast and image brightness.

Pricing and Availability
The Canon MS-500 SPAD Sensor Camera is scheduled to be available in September 2023 for an estimated retail price of $25,200.00*. For more information, please visit usa.canon.com.

First Canon EOS R5 Mark II Bodies Undergoing Testing In The Wild?

It’s along running rumor, but we can sure the EOS R5 Mark II will be released, sooner or later.

Latest murmurings has it that Canon might already test the EOS R5 Mark II with selected photographers. The rumor originated from the YouTube channel of Ordinary Filmmaker. I wouldn’t rate it as very reliable. On the other hand, rumors that go on since such long time have a high probability to become reality, sooner or later. For the mere simple fact that there will be a successor to the EOS R5.

According to the rumor in the video below, Canon put EOS R5 Mark II bodies into the hands of content creators, videographers, and photographers. Basically everyone who might need a camera to get things done. According to the rumor, the EOS R5 Mark II might be released in Q4 2023. Time will tell.

Another Milestone For Canon: 100 Million EOS Cameras And 160 Million RF/EF Lenses

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Canon press release:

Canon celebrates significant milestones with production of 110 million EOS series cameras and 160 million interchangeable RF/EF lenses

TOKYO, June 29, 2023—Canon Inc. announced today that the company has reached two major production milestones—a cumulative total of 110 million1 EOS Series interchangeable-lens cameras in March and 160 million2 RF/EF series interchangeable lenses in May. An EOS R6 Mark II (released in December 2022) was the 110 millionth EOS series camera produced, while an RF100mm F2.8 L MACRO IS USM (released in July 2021) became the Company’s 160 millionth interchangeable lens.

Production of EOS Series cameras reaches 110 million mark through Canon’s pursuit of “Speed, Comfort and High Image Quality”

EOS, or Electro Optical System, is also the name of the Greek goddess of the dawn. Canon’s EOS system debuted alongside the EF series of interchangeable lenses in March 1987 as the world’s first fully-electronic mount system for silver halide film AF SLR cameras. During the dawn of digital SLR cameras, Canon introduced its breakthrough EOS Kiss Digital (EOS Digital Rebel or EOS 300D in other regions) in September 2003. Since that time, Canon has continued to launch a range of groundbreaking products, including the professional-model EOS-1D series and the EOS 5D series, which paved the way for digital SLR video recording. Canon’s desire to further expand the boundaries of visual expression led to its next-generation EOS R System, launched in October 2018. By striving to expand its lineup of attractive products to meet a diverse range of needs, Canon’s EOS series has gained and maintained the support of many users over the years. As a result, the company has maintained the world’s No. 1 share3 of digital SLR cameras over 20 years, from 2003 to 2022. In March 2023, Canon produced its 110 millionth EOS series camera.

Production of Canon RF/EF lenses reaches 160 million unit production milestone on the strength of advanced imaging technology

Canon’s proprietary EF lenses, launched in March 1987 along with the EOS SLR camera system, have continued to evolve since their introduction, leading the industry through the incorporation of a wide range of innovative technologies, including such world’s firsts4 as the Ultrasonic Motor (USM), Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, and a multilayered diffractive optical (DO) element.

With the addition of the RF Lens—which achieves unprecedented high image quality by leveraging a large aperture and short-back focus, along with a high-speed signal transmission system, that are the hallmarks of the EOS R System launched in 2018—the entire range of lenses has been expanded to include a total of 115 models5, expanding the possibilities of image capture. In May 2023, the Company celebrated the production of 160 million EOS series interchangeable lenses.

Refining its proprietary imaging technologies, Canon will continue to strengthen and expand the EOS series along with its RF and EF lens lineup, striving to push the frontier of imaging forward and to contribute to the further development of photographic and video imaging culture.

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Canon Designs Recognized With Internationally Renowned iF Design Awards (29th consecutive year)

IF Design Awards
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EDIT: the iF Awards Canon got are listed here.

Canon press release:

Canon Designs Recognized with Internationally Renowned iF Design Awards for 29th Consecutive Year

Seven Canon Products Have Been Recognized With This Prestigious Award

MELVILLE, NY, June 22, 2023 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced that seven Canon product designs were recognized by iF International Forum Design GmbH with prestigious 2023 iF Design Awards. It marks the 29th consecutive year that Canon has won iF Design Awards. Encouraged by the recognition of the Company’s design excellence, Canon will continue striving to realize products that combine the highest levels of performance and design.

Established in 1953, the iF Design Awards are recognized internationally as one of the most prestigious awards within the field of design, with outstanding industrial designs chosen from all over the world each year. This year over 10,000 entries from 56 countries and regions were judged by internationally active design experts across nine disciplines: product, packaging, communication, interior architecture, professional concept, service design, architecture, user experience and user interface.

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Canon Is The Official Image Provider For The Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times
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Canon press release:

The Los Angeles Times Selects Canon as Official Imaging Provider

MELVILLE, NY, June 22, 2023 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, and the Los Angeles Times, the West Coast’s leading news organization, announced today a new multi-year partnership that makes Canon the Official Imaging Provider of the L.A. Times.

“As one of the world’s most notable newspapers, the Los Angeles Times had numerous digital imaging solutions the company could have selected as a partner,” said Tatsuro “Tony” Kano, Executive Vice President & General Manager of Canon U.S.A., Inc. “The range of Canon cameras and lenses, as well as our industry-leading service and support, can help the Los Angeles Times connect readers with high quality, impactful visual content.”

The Los Angeles Times’ mission is to inform, engage and inspire people through its high-quality journalism and compelling storytelling. Canon’s corporate philosophy of Kyosei – all people, regardless of race, religion, or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future – complements that mission and forms the basis of a partnership that will support visual storytelling that originates in California and resonates around the world.

“The Los Angeles Times has a long and distinguished history of visual journalism, and Canon’s cameras have been an invaluable tool for our news photographers for generations,” said Chris Argentieri, President & C.O.O. of the Los Angeles Times. “Our partnership with Canon will allow us to outfit our staff with best-in-class imaging equipment and expand on the range of visual journalism and storytelling we produce.”

As the Los Angeles Times’ official imaging provider, The Times’ award-winning photo and video journalists and the L.A. Times Studios video production team will use a range of Canon equipment, including Cinema E.O.S. cameras, lenses and accessories; P.T.Z. and remote cameras and accessories; camcorders and accessories; and other Canon digital cameras, lenses and accessories for use in newsgathering and video production.

In addition, Canon will become the presenting sponsor of the L.A. Times Short Docs, a showcase for short films that amplify underrepresented voices and foster diversity in the film community, and will commission a branded video series on iconic photographs of Los Angeles captured by L.A. Times photographers.

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