New Canon Patent Reveals Interchangeable Lens With Touchpad Tech

As seen with a previous patent that was unveiled in December 2020, Canon is not afraid of exploring new technologies to redefine photography, as well as its own cameras. This time around, a new patent has revealed yet another seemingly daring take by the camera maker to replace traditional approaches with a more modern twist.

In a report by Japanese website Digital Camera Info, the recently discovered Canon patent showcases an interchangeable lens which features a large circular touchpad on its side. From what is explained in the patent’s description, the touchpad functions as a mechanism that allows the photographer to manually focus on subjects – basically replacing the traditional focus ring altogether.

The component is able to detect touch operations performed clockwise and counterclockwise at a variety of speeds. Needless to say, these motions represent the process of focusing in or out.

It remains to be seen whether or not this approach is actually practical for photographers. While the previous shutter-touchpad patent revealed that it is capable of identifying different touch inputs that may represent a variety of commands, this particular innovation – on the other hand – is shown to only handle basic focusing functions and nothing else.

Much like the shutter-touchpad, this new approach for interchangeable lenses will likely not sit well with most photographers due to its reliance on touch-based tech to replace traditional mechanisms. Fortunately, as with most patents, there’s also a chance that Canon’s unnecessary attempt of reinventing the wheel may not see the light of day.

Canon PowerShot Zoom Coming To Malaysia In April; Retailing At RM1379

Canon has announced that the PowerShot Zoom will be arriving in Malaysia later in April. The device was originally unveiled last year in September and was also a Japan-only exclusive up until recently. It is also the only PowerShot-branded product to be presented in a monocular-like form factor, enabling for easy one-handed controls.

As a quick recap, the Canon PowerShot Zoom is a pocket-sized camera that weighs only at 145g – featuring a 12.1MP 1/3-inch CMOS sensor, paired with the company’s own DIGIC 8 processor. With that, it is capable of recording Full HD videos at 1080/60p, and snapping high resolution photos at up to 10 frames per second. Unfortunately, 4K recording is not in the cards for the Zoom. 

The camera also comes with several built-in features such as Face Detection autofocus, built-in stabilisation, and a maximum ISO of 3200. True to its namesake, it offers an impressive zooming range equivalent to 100-400mm lenses via optical, and up to 800mm digitally.

For shot framing assistance, the PowerShot Zoom features a 0.39-inch electronic viewfinder (EVF) that has a resolution of 2.36 million dots, which Canon says is similar to the one equipped on its EOS RP mirrorless camera. As for connectivity, the Zoom comes with Bluetooth and WiFi support which allows you to pair it with a smartphone to review captured photos or videos. 

In terms of battery life, Canon says that the monocular camera – when fully charged – is able to provide approximately 60 minutes of movie record time, 150 still shots, and a live viewing time of 70 minutes. Other than that, it also includes a microSDXC card slot,  a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and a wrist strap attachment.

Despite looking and functioning like a spy gadget, the Zoom is intended to let users get closer to the action – regardless whether at a football match, concert, or even birdwatching. That being said, we do not condone spying or any similar acts that intrude on privacy.

The Canon PowerShot Zoom will retail at RM1,379 once it lands in Malaysia later in April.

Recently Discovered Canon Patent Reveals A One-Handed Camera With Interchangeable Lens Capability

A new patent by Canon was recently discovered which suggests it is exploring on manufacturing a one-handed camera similar to the DJI Osmo. What’s interesting about the concept is that the camera allows for interchangeable lenses, specifically the company’s own RF line.

According to the patent, the one-handed Canon camera features a main body that could rotate 180-degrees vertically and swivel 360-degrees horizontally. The first allows it to do panning shots, while the latter would easily enable it to switch between forward facing and selfie views. This is attached to a hand grip that includes a LCD display with a smaller indicator screen and two buttons beneath it, as well as what appears to be a trigger-like button in front.

Typical of most patents, the company did not provide any expected hardware specifications for the device. However, it is believed that its mechanisms are motorised, similar to other devices of this category. One detail worth pointing out is that Canon’s patent did not depict any form of onboard stabilisation. But it is possible that it may rely on an in-body stabiliser or IBIS technology since the device’s main body did not exhibit any gimbal-like features.

Canon News reports that the company has actually filed five separate patents involving this design, although it is not known if they include a unique feature that sets them apart from each other. As with other Canon concepts that are discovered through various patent offices, there is a possibility that the product may not see an actual release. However, the device would be the first of its kind to allow for lens interchangeability if the Japanese company decides to develop it.

New Canon Patent Suggests Using A Touchpad To Replace Camera Shutter Buttons

A patent filed by Canon was recently discovered that is suggesting an interesting yet controversial approach to cameras. This newly uncovered concept aims to revolutionise the shutter button – perhaps one of the most important elements of the device – by replacing it altogether with a context-sensitive touchpad. 

According to the patent filing that was first spotted by the aptly named Canon News website, the new touchpad is situated where a shutter button is normally found. It also describes that the component can be used for other purposes which could also potentially see it replacing certain dials and other traditional functions.

Like most approaches such as LCD touchscreens, the patent reveals that the touchpad is capable of detecting whether the user is pressing or swiping on it. This enables the component to identify different commands such as snapping a photo, or maybe to adjust aperture, exposure and even shutter speed.

Canon News believes that one major benefit gained from this approach and by removing the shutter button is an improved weather or waterproofing on the camera body. Although this suggestion is true to an extent, the removal of a physical shutter button may not sit well with most photographers due to the lack of “traditional feel” that they are accustomed to.

As with other patents that are filed by Canon and by other brands, there’s a possibility that this new technology may not see the light of day. That said, we will definitely keep you posted should the brand one day decide to actually debut a touchpad “shutter” on its future camera releases.