Another week, another Canon patent. This time, the Japanese camera company has filed patents describing a camera grip that incorporates a fan to deliver active cooling to EOS R-series cameras.
In March, PetaPixel reported that Canon intends to release seven or eight RF lenses per year, which is a pretty aggressive release schedule, helping Canon catch up to the more than 70 EF lenses that were available when the EOS R system launched in 2018. A pair of EF lenses that have yet to make their way to the RF system are Canon's EF 200mm f/1.8L USM and EF 200mm f/2L IS USM fast primes.
Canon has been awarded a patent for new artificial intelligence (AI) driven technology that will automatically zoom in to better frame a photo before capture.
Canon has announced that it is developing a virtual reality (VR) software platform that it is calling Kokomo. It is designed with the intention of changing human communication by combining VR with "immersive" Canon camera-powered video calls.
Canon has shared video captured with its unique virtual reality RF 5.2mm f/2.8 L Dual Fisheye lens. The 4K footage allows for inspection of quality as well as showcases the ability to "look around" and interact with the scene.
Canon has announced what it describes as its first product for virtual reality capture: the RF 5.2mm f/2.8 L Dual Fisheye Lens. It is capable of enabling stereoscopic 3D 180-degree virtual reality (VR) shooting to a single image sensor.
Canon will reportedly soon release a dual 5.2mm f/2.8 L fisheye lens designed for the creation of virtual reality content.
Canon has designed a system that makes it easier and more reliable to capture high-dynamic-range (HDR) photos by better pairing an in-body image stabilization (IBIS) with shake detection algorithms that actively correct for changes in a scene at the point of capture.
A Canon patent application has been published that shows a radical pass-through design integrated into a full-size camera. The goal of is stated to be one that would make it easier to grip the camera from different positions.
Canon has filed a patent for a system that expands the battery indicator of a camera to also display the remaining life of a connected USB-C battery supply.
Canon has filed a patent for a new shutter-like barrier mechanism that appears designed to protect the shutter and image sensor of its mirrorless cameras when a lens is removed, ensuring that no dust or debris can enter and cause damage.
Canon has applied for a patent that would allow a camera to use its in-body-image-stabilization (IBIS) to approximate the effects of an anti-aliasing filter. The idea is similar to how sensor-shift multi-shot works, but in reverse.
Canon has recently been thinking out of the box with its experimental camera lines, but a new patent filed in Japan shows the company isn't afraid to try new things with more conventional camera equipment either. The designs show an interchangeable lens with a large, circular touchpad.
Normally sensor manufacturers have to choose between high speed and high resolution while also managing power consumption. Canon appears to be trying to find a way to balance all three needs with a new sensor patent.
Canon has patented a handheld camera that combines a design reminiscent of the DJI Osmo (now called the OM) with its RF lenses and a rotating hinge. The flipping lens hinge is described as making it much easier to switch between forward-facing and selfie views.
Canon has patented a rather unusual product: a variable, zoomable 1.0x-1.5x-2.0x teleconverter that changes by moving a lever. Based on the design, it's likely that a lens like the RF 100-500mm would be compatible with it.
Canon has patented a new sensor design that mimics the design of backside-illuminated (BSI) sensors made by Sony. Mixing Dual Pixel with BSI would likely result in huge leaps in low light performance, dynamic range, and readout speeds.
A new patent filed by Canon Japan shows multiple optical formulas for an RF 50mm f/1.4 and f/1.8 design as well as a new RF 35mm f/1.4. The patents deal with increasing focusing speed when using lenses with large diameter elements.
A new patent has been unearthed that reveals yet another strange camera design from the folks at Canon. Following in the footsteps of the "clippable" IVY REC and monocular Powershot Zoom camera, this particular creation would be a smartphone camera attachment that lets you swap in various lenses.
Though we're still likely many months away from a finished product, Canon Rumors is reporting that in addition to working on a global shutter full-frame sensor, Canon filed a patent for a Quad-Pixel autofocus system.
A newly discovered Canon patent in Japan shows an EF to RF lens adapter with active cooling built in. It seems Canon may have been aware of the potential for overheating in the new EOS R5 and EOS R6, and are already working on some solutions...
Canon News has uncovered a new patent out of Japan that shows some of Canon's potential plans for the RF lens mount. According to the patent, Canon is looking into releasing some more affordable RF prime lenses like an 85mm f/1.8 and a 100mm f/2.8.
A new patent uncovered by the folks over at Canon News reveals that Canon hasn't given up on improving EF-mount lenses, especially those that appeal to high-end sports and wildlife photographers.
A reliable report from Canon Rumors, as well as a newly discovered patent, has revealed some of Canon's exciting plans for the RF Mount. Not only is a nifty fifty 50mm f/1.8 lens in the works, the company is also working on a pancake lens and has designed a 135mm f/1.4L.
Canon News has uncovered a fresh patent that shows Canon working on a dual IBIS + Lens IS system for its more affordable, entry-level cameras like the EOS M and PowerShot series.
A fresh patent uncovered by Canon News reveals that Canon has been working hard to perfect an implementation of IBIS + Lens Stabilization, something we'll hopefully see in a future version of the EOS R.
So far, Canon has released only two ultra-fast primes for the full-frame mirrorless RF-mount system: the 50mm f/1.2 and two versions of the 85mm f/1.2. But judging by a recent patent filing, Canon has at least a couple more f/1.2 lenses in the works, and is even toying with the idea of a 18mm f/1.0.
We're not sure if adding airflow to various photography gear counts as "innovation," but yet another Canon patent has been unearthed that shows just that. This time it's not a DSLR or a lens, but a hybrid speedlight that Canon is planning to upgrade with on-board cooling.
A newly discovered Canon patent illustrates the lengths that companies are considering when it comes to cooling the latest and greatest camera gear. In this case: a detachable fan that replaces the optical viewfinder of a 1D X-like DSLR.
If you look at patents awarded as a measure of innovation, Canon is one of the most innovative companies on Earth. In 2016, Canon was granted the third most US patents of any company, beating out the likes of Intel, Microsoft, Apple, and even Google.