Canon ME20F-SH – full-frame ultra low-light cinema camera | Fotoplus

The Canon ME20F-SH is a specialized full-frame cinema and broadcast camera, engineered for situations where image capture in near-total darkness is required. Its 35mm full-frame sensor, extreme sensitivity of up to ISO 4,000,000, and Cinema Lock EF mount make it a unique solution for professional users.

At Fotoplus, you receive not only the camera, but expert system-level consultation, lens selection support, and broadcast-oriented workflow guidance.

Full-frame sensor for extreme low-light imaging

The camera’s 35mm full-frame sensor is optimized for light sensitivity rather than resolution.

• Effective resolution: 2000 × 1128 (≈2.25 MP)
• Maximum gain: 75 dB (≈ ISO 4,000,000)
• RGB Bayer filter array
• Exceptional noise control in extreme conditions

Perfect for astronomy, wildlife night filming, surveillance, scientific and industrial imaging.

Cinema Lock EF mount for professional optics

The locking EF Cinema mount provides secure lens attachment and compatibility with a wide range of Canon EF lenses.

• Stable mounting for long-term installations
• Ideal for fast prime lenses
• Optimized for precision optical setups

Fotoplus experts assist in selecting the right lens configuration for your application.

Broadcast-ready connectivity and synchronization

Designed for professional environments:

• 2× HD/3G-SDI outputs (OSD + clean)
• HDMI output
• Genlock input
• Microphone and remote control connections

Ideal for multi-camera, studio, OB and fixed broadcast systems.

Advanced exposure control

Exposure parameters operate in a coordinated system:

• Manual gain: 0–75 dB
• Electronic ND: 1/8, 1/64
• Switchable IR-cut filter
• ONE SHOT AF and Push Auto Iris

Ensures reliable operation in rapidly changing or extremely low-light conditions.

Low power consumption, continuous operation

• Power input: 11–17 V DC
• Consumption: approx. 11 W
• 4-pin XLR and 2-pin power connectors

Ideal for long-duration and fixed installations.

Why choose Fotoplus?

• Cinema & broadcast system expertise
• Workflow-focused professional advice
• Real-world experience in extreme-use scenarios
• Secure local purchase and support

The Canon ME20F-SH is not a general-purpose camera, but a precision imaging tool for extreme environments. For professional guidance and reliable sourcing, Fotoplus is the right choice.

Featuring an astonishing four million ISO rating, the Canon ME20F-SH Multi-Purpose Camera captures video at up to 1920 x 1080p 60 and supports both NTSC and PAL broadcast frame rates. The camera incorporates a full frame 35mm-sized sensor with approximately 2.26 million pixels. This results in a pixel that is about 7.5 x larger than the pixels on optional Canon Full-frame DSLR cameras, which provides for camera's notable ISO rating.

Incorporating a Canon DIGIC DV 4 image processor, the camera supports 12 stops of dynamic range, and features Wide DR and Canon Log gamma profiles that protect highlight and shadow detail. The camera body is small in size and features 2 x HD/3G-SDI outputs, and a single HDMI output. The camera incorporates a Genlock-in for integrating this camera into a multi-camera shoot. Although small in size the ME20F Multi-Purpose camera features a locking Cinema EF Lens mount.

• This small box sized camera is versatile and can fit into smaller spaces. You can use optional accessories to configure the camera for a variety of applications.
• The camera's sensor feature photosites that measure 19 micrometers, which is 7.5 times larger than the photosites of the nominal Canon 35mm DSLR sensor. This allows the camera to provide excellent low light performance.
• This is an HD camera body only and is capable of capturing 1920 x 1080 footage at 59.94P / 59.94i / 50.00P / 50.00i / 29.97P / 25.00P / 23.98P.
• Professional connectivity includes the HD/3G-SDI connectors and genlock input, allowing the camera to be easily integrated into a multi-camera workflow. The OSD is available on both the HDMI and the first SDI output.
• The camera features a built-in filter stack including a clear filter, an ND 1/8, and an ND 1/64, as well as an IR cut filter, this allows you to choose to use the IR cut filter much as you would choose from the built-in ND filters.
• The camera features built-in One-shot AF, and Push Auto Iris. The One-Shot AF assists in focusing adjustment with a dedicated button. Focus status can be confirmed on an external monitor. Push Auto Iris automatically adjusts the aperture of the lens to quickly and easily maintain proper exposure, even in situations where lighting changes frequently.
• The locking cinema EF mount is compatible with EF mount lenses, and provides a stronger attachment to the camera than a standard EF mount. The front of the camera features a 12-pin lens terminal enabling lens connectivity with EF mount CINE-SERVO lenses or 2/3" broadcast lenses with an optional third party adapter.

Specifications

• Sensor: Full frame 35mm
• Pixels: Total: 2160 x 1200 (approximately 2.59 MP), Effective: 2000 x 1128 (approximately 2.25 MP)
• Color Filter System: RGB Bayer array
• Lens Port: Canon EF Cinema Lock type
• Interface (Inputs/Outputs): Outputs HD/3G-SDI: 2 (#1 with OSD, #2 clean) HDMI: 1 Inputs Genlock: Input only, Mic: 1 x 3.5 mm stereo mini jack, Remote Control A: 1 x 2.5 mm stereo mini jack (Canon unique protocol), Remote Control B: 1 x Circular 8-pin connector (Canon unique protocol)
• Format: 1920 x 1080p: 50 / 59.94, 1920 x 1080PsF: 25 / 29.97, 1920 x 1080i: 50 / 59.94, 1280 x 720p: 50 / 59.94, 768 x 576p: 50, 640 x 480p: 59.94
• Exposure: Auto: Iris, Gain, Shutter and ND operating together (Cannot set auto / manual separately) AE shift / AE response selectable
• Gain: Manual: 0 dB to 75 dB (3 dB intervals), ISO4M equivalent at gain 75 dB Auto: Iris, Gain, Shutter and ND operating together, Gain limit is settable from 36 dB to Off / 75 dB
• Shutter: Manual: 1.4 stops Auto: Iris, Gain, Shutter and ND operating together
• Iris: Manual: 1/2 stops push auto iris available (used with assign button) Auto: Iris, Gain, Shutter and ND operating together
• ND Filter: Electric Manual: 2 density (1/8, 1/64) Auto: Iris, Gain, Shutter and ND operating together
• Focus Control: Manual focus (when used with RC-V100), ONE SHOT AF (used with assign button)
• White Balance: AWB/Kelvin (2000K - 15000K) / Daylight / Tungsten / Set A / Set B
• IR: IR cut filter ON/OFF (electric manual)
• Digital Zoom: 2x / 4x
• Power Input: 11 to 17 VDC, Consumption: approximately 11 W (body only), Input Connectors 1 x 4-pin XLR, 1 x 2-pin