Canon Japan: ISO can go beyond '102,400'

Tsunemasa Ohara image It is technically possible to push equivalent ISO sensitivity beyond ‘102,400’ in a future DSLR camera, say Canon Japan’s research and development chiefs.

An ISO of 102,400 is currently the highest available on a digital SLR camera – a feature built into the recently announced Canon EOS-1D Mark IV and Nikon D3s professional models.

Shooting with such a high sensitivity already enables photographers to shoot in near darkness.

Asked whether Canon may go higher than the current ‘102,400’, Tsunemasa Ohara, senior general manager at Canon Inc’s Photo Products Group, said: ‘Technically, we can.’

But Ohara, who oversaw the development of the 1D Mark IV, cautioned that Canon would need to ensure noise reduction systems delivered images at least on a par to those delivered by this camera.

Commenting on areas Canon sees for future improvement he added: ‘Professionals say that they want higher sensitivity and more accurate AF and AE systems.’

Ohara (pictured) said that technology on board the ID Mark IV will filter down to enthusiast-level cameras, but he declined to be drawn further on this or reveal details of future product development.

However, he did disclose Canon’s plans to embark on a massive ‘education’ programme to enable photographers to get the most out of the EOS-1D Mark IV.

This programme will include educating photographers on the ’17’ AF custom functions on the 1D Mark IV.

Ohara was speaking to Amateur Photographer (AP) at the Canon Pro Photo Solutions show in central London this afternoon.