The interest generated by the ME20F-SH multi-purpose camera that Canon launched in 2015 paved the way for this new modular and, according to Canon, affordable camera, another model featuring Dual Pixel autofocus.

Compact and versatile, the camera supports a broad range of uses, including cinema, television production, live sports, law enforcement, house of worship and special uses, such as weather monitoring, night shooting, event installs and point of view applications. Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus (DAF) technology provides ME200S-SH camera users with a range of focusing options when using compatible Canon EF lenses and CINE-SERVO lenses.

“Much like the ME20F-SH multi-purpose camera that Canon launched in 2015, the new ME200S-SH multi-purpose camera is so small and compact it can easily fit into tight spaces,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “As indicated in the name, we anticipate users will implement this camera in an extensive variety of ways, from uniquely angled shots for HD sports broadcasting or traffic and weather reporting, to cinematic production or surveillance of public spaces, even applications we haven’t yet thought of. We are very excited to see how the capabilities of this camera inspire image creators.”

With a suggested list price of $5,999, the ME200S-SH, which extends Canon’s line of multi-purpose modular cameras, is scheduled to be available in August 2016. Featuring high sensitivity up to 204,800 ISO in a 8.2 megapixel Super 35mm sensor and a cinema look for high-quality image capture, the ME200S-SH allows for easy custom configurations for diverse usage scenarios such as:

Live HD – 1920×1080 / 60p, 50p output, Dual Pixel CMOS AF and Remote (RC-V100) enable HD Live use for HD studios as well as sporting events. Thanks to its compact size, this camera can be placed in unique creative spaces such as the top of a basketball hoop. Genlock functionality is standard for this multi-purpose camera use.

Production – Remote manual control of focus, iris, auto exposure (AE) and ND filters is available with the optional Canon RC-V100 controller, benefitting a range of users from meteorologists looking to get distinctive images of severe weather conditions to concert venues looking to add creative low-light imagery or cinematic shallow depth of field to their offerings.

Security Surveillance – Infrared shooting and ISO 204,800 allow for surveillance of buildings, borders, airports, and harbors. Remote control capability and Auto Exposure allow the ME200S-SH camera to be easily incorporated into these constantly evolving and potentially unmanned environments.

The ME200S-SH camera includes both Canon Log and Wide DR Gamma providing users the high- dynamic range and the ability to choose their post-production strategy. Users can experience high-quality imagery whether they are doing a full post-production grade or making quick onsite corrections.

In addition, the ME200S-SH camera employs Canon’s EF Mount (Cinema Lock Type) providing shooters with the ability to use a diverse array of compatible Canon EF interchangeable lens, CINE-SERVO lenses, newly announced COMPACT-SERVO lens (COMPACT-SERVO 18-80mm zoom Lens, model name CN-E18-80mm T4.4L IS KAS S) and a select Canon Broadcast HD lenses by utilizing a third party mount converter. The Cine Lock feature allows users to easily mount the lens without having to rotate it into the mount.

The ME200S-SH camera features 3G/HD-SDI and HDMI output terminals that enable users to output video via a single cable to a variety of peripheral equipment, including external recorders and monitors. A 12-pin lens jack is provided to enable communication with the drive unit of select CINE-SERVO and broadcast lenses.

Equipped with a φ2.5mm stereo mini-jack and a round eight-pin jack for RS-422, the multi-purpose camera is capable of connecting with Canon’s optional RC-V100 Remote Controller, with a list price of $2999. Furthermore, a φ3.5mm stereo mini-jack allows the camera to connect to a microphone or other external audio equipment.