Canon Europe has launched the ME20F-SHN, a low light network camera, pictured. As a sister product to the ME20F-SH, the ME20F-SHN which now features network capability, is an addition to Canon’s Multiple Purpose camera line. The makers say the product offers colour and Full HD resolution images in limited light, and is suitable it’s claimed for surveillance operations. The camera has built-in video analytics in a lightweight and compact body.
With a 2.26MP Full Frame 35mm CMOS sensor and DIGIC DV 4 processor, the ME20F-SHN delivers low noise, Full HD colour video in extreme low light the manufacturer says. The sensor’s pixels and readout circuitry use Canon’s proprietary technologies to achieve reduced noise and high sensitivity. With a maximum ISO in excess of 4 million (+75db), which delivers the low-light sensitivity, the ME20F-SHN can capture subjects illuminated with less than 0.0005 lux. Even greater detail can be captured in low-light places by removing the infra-red cut filter when shooting in infrared mode.
Much like Canon’s Cinema EOS range, this network camera offers Canon Log and Wide DR from the Custom Picture menu, which enables a wide dynamic range of up to 12 Stops (800pc), delivering quality images across a range of lighting scenarios, the company says. The Custom Picture menu has been upgraded, with the addition of the Crisp Img function, which obtains sharp images in well-lit environments and low noise image under low light.
Featuring Ethernet, 3G/HD-SDI and HDMI ports, the ME20F-SHN caters for video outputs based on user requirements. For local monitoring, the ME20F-SHN has 3G/HD-SDI and HDMI ports; while an Ethernet connection enables remote operation of camera settings, monitoring and recording via web browsers, mobile devices or other video management software. The microSD card slot supports record and playback from a microSD card. For unmanned surveillance, the six video analytics functions and Alarm I/O interface enables automated recording and output to external devices triggered by video motion detection and alarm input.
With the Area-specific Data Size Reduction (ADSR) function, the ME20F-SHN enables users to capture detail in selected areas of interest while reducing bit-rates in the other areas of the image to save network bandwidth. For ease of integration into video surveillance systems, the ME20F-SHN supports a range of video management software through Canon WebView and ONVIF protocols.
Operators can select a lens for each shooting and equipment scenario, taking aspects such as angle of view and level of brightness into account. Featuring an EF mount with Cinema Lock, the ME20F-SHN is compatible with a range of lenses across the Canon line-up, including zooms, primes and selected Cine Servo lenses for greater control. With PoE+ support, the data transmission via Ethernet and power supply are provided with a single LAN cable, which aids installation of the camera.
