Apple photos decided today was a great day to feature some memories from Carizo Plains National Monument, during the 2019 #superbloom

#california #wildflowers #photography #canoncameras
Apple photos decided today was a great day to feature some memories from Carizo Plains National Monument, during the 2019 #superbloom

#california #wildflowers #photography #canoncameras
New toy just arrived in the post! Canon R50, it's so small, but very cool! 🤓

#photography #CanonR50 #CanonCameras
3 Fantastic Lenses to Adapt To Canon RF Cameras You'll Love

We're rounding up some of the best Lenses to Adapt To Canon RF cameras. Looking to try something brand new? This will help!

The Phoblographer

Canon Patents ‘Clip-On’ Smartphone Camera with Magnetic Lenses

Canon has filed a patent for a new "image pickup-up device and adjustment mechanism" that appears to be a high-powered clip-on-style telephoto camera accessory for smartphones. It has a modular lens design that can allows multiple compact lenses to be swapped, and the lenses appear to be held together magnetically meaning there may even be the opportunity to mix, match, and add different combinations of lenses for varying effects including super-wide-angle lenses and macro.

The design for the patent were initially discovered by Canon News back in October of 2020, but the official publication of the patent application (JP,2019-235097) filed in Japan was published on July 15.

The patent overview describes an imaging device with a base capable of holding a smartphone and a lens barrel that can be rotated up to 270 degrees, with a gap in the base portion to accommodate (hide) the lens barrel when collapsed for travel. The camera unit is described as being able to be operated remotely (possibly by Bluetooth, WiFi, or a USB cable connection).

According to this proposed design, the purpose of this device is to provide a system that can operate on its own or enhance an existing smartphone's camera capabilities while making it easy to transport when not in use. The document states the camera would leverage a CMOS sensor and a processor capable of adjusting the color space conversion, gamma conversion, white balance, AE, and flash correction, and photograph an image or video in 4:2:2 format. The camera would also be able to automatically re-orient the image based on the position of the camera and lenses to ensure images will always be upright.

The system would also have its own built-in storage for JPEG images and video files. As for how much storage and what focal lengths will be available, the patent does not specify. While external devices like this that can sync to your smartphone are not new, ones that have multiple focal lengths (lenses) that are compact and easy to carry are uncommon.

It seems that despite the odd design, Canon is attempting to make a new system that can significantly expand the functionality of smartphone cameras, making it easier to leave bulkier DSLR or mirrorless camera kits behind while traveling and location scouting. If such a device sounds exciting, temper expectations: even though a patent is filed, it can still take years for it to arrive in a finished capacity if it ever arrives at all.

If Canon were to develop this device, it would likely fall into Canon's experimental, fringe camera line and join the likes of the PowerShot Zoom and the PowerShot Pick.

The full patent documentation can be read on J-PlatPat.

#equipment #mobile #news #canon #canoncamera #canoncameras #canonnews #canonpatents #ilc #interchangeablelenscamera #patent #patentapplication #smartphone #smartphones #telephoto

Canon Patents 'Clip-On' Smartphone Camera with Magnetic Lenses

The design clips to a camera and features magnetically swappable lenses.

Canon Patents Retractable Barrier That Protects its Mirrorless Sensors

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.

As spotted by DigiCame Info, the patent -- with an application number 2019-234718 -- was filed by Canon in Japan. Translated, the patent suggests that the sensor may be equipped with a barrier mechanism that closes at the opening of the mount to protect itself.

The proposed mechanism in the patent implies that the retractable barrier would be passive and not powered by a motor. Instead, the mechanism would automatically open when a lens or a body cap is twisted into the lens mount and subsequently close when the lens or body cap is removed, due to an array of integrated levers and springs.

If Canon was to implement it, having such a design would keep costs down and reduce potential points of failure because there are fewer moving parts. The patent proposes that this type of mechanism would be situated behind the frame of the lens mount, placed between the electrical contacts and the image sensor.

The patent doesn't detail what kind of material the barrier would be made out of, however, based on the detailed diagram below, it appears that the mechanism would be more sturdy than that of a standard shutter, DPReview suggests.

An exploded view of the components used to create the barrier mechanism.

Mirrorless camera systems face bigger challenges, compared to DSLRs, when it comes to image sensor exposure when a lens or body cap is removed. The filed patent system would passively ensure that the image sensor is kept safe without the user having to initiate it or endanger other parts of the camera designed for other purposes.

For example, Canon already uses its mirrorless cameras' shutter to protect the sensor when a lens is removed, but there have been concerns that this might put the shutter in unnecessary danger should it be unintentionally struck. A dedicated protection panel would better serve the desired purpose.

Although Canon has filed a patent for this barrier mechanism, it does not yet appear to be granted and as such, it is unlikely to see implementation in the near future. Additionally, patents can take several years to show use in a finished product, especially in the camera industry.

The full details on the patent can be read on J-PlatPat.

#equipment #industry #news #canon #canoncamera #canoncameras #canonmirrorless #canonpatent #canonpatents #mirrorless #patent #patentapplication #protection #sensor #sensors

Canon Patents Retractable Barrier That Protects its Mirrorless Sensors

An upgrade over protecting with a closed shutter.

Canon is Debating if Bringing APS-C to the RF Mount is Worth it: Report

According to a new report, Canon is in the midst of an internal debate on whether or not it should bring an APS-C camera to its RF line. Since moving to mirrorless, Canon has thus far separated its APS-C line (the EOS M series) from its full-frame offerings (R series).

Canon Rumors reports that it was made aware that Canon has been performing market research with "select pros and others" to see if there is actual demand for an APS-C RF-mount camera. Additionally, the report alleges that Canon already plans to let the EOS M cameras go in favor of a focus on the EOS R cameras, whether or not APS-C comes to the mount.

Canon also apparently has "zero plans" to produce any RF-S lenses.

According to a second Canon Rumors report, Canon is looking at three possible APS-C camera designs with the names the R7, R8, and R9.

While historically its flagship models like the 5D series and now the R5 steal most of the spotlight, most of Canon's user base came from its lower-end interchangeable cameras. Canon continued to make and sell the Rebel SL series cameras -- most recently the Canon SL3 which was released in 2019 -- because the models were so affordable and, as a result, popular. But as DSLRs have fallen in popularity and have become less of a moneymaker for any camera brand, Canon has begun to focus on its higher-end models as it admits the market has become saturated.

As reported by Petapixel 's David Crewe earlier this year, Canon was able to see some growth in its camera division due mainly to an increase in the average selling price per camera. These financial realities explain the company's choice to move towards a focus on full-frame mirrorless systems instead of entry-level DSLRs. It could also explain why the EOS M series has not seen much innovation in recent years.

The Canon EOS M50 Mark II, its most recent EOS M camera announced at the end of 2020, sells for the exact same $600 as Canon's entry-level SL3 DSLR. Given that Canon has admitted that low-end cameras don't contribute to its profitability as much as higher-end models do, Canon has plenty of reasons to abandon the platform. Meanwhile, Canon's cheapest RF camera, the EOS RP, costs $1000 without a lens.

Canon may see that unifying its APS-C and full-frame mounts makes a lot of sense. Not only is it a decision the company has made in the past with its EF-mount DSLRs, but it would also encourage newcomers to the brand to try higher-end glass that could be treated as an investment and would move with them to more expensive camera bodies when they were ready to upgrade.

Another factor Canon may be considering is existing competition: both Sony and Fujifilm have done extremely well in the APS-C market, leaving little room for Canon to muscle its way in without significant additional investment -- its tepid EOS M strategy hasn't been enough to seriously challenge either Fujifilm or Sony. Nikon has tried its hand at a Z-mount APS-C camera, but it isn't clear how well the Z50 is selling. That said, its retro-styled APS-C Z fc does seem quite popular ahead of its release. Canon may be looking at Nikon to see how it does in APS-C over the next year before determining its next move.

Canon's general lack of attention towards the EOS M line in recent years does seem to indicate that the company isn't set on continuing to keep it up, and the number of advantages to moving its full line of cameras to one mount are numerous. It remains to be seen if Canon thinks developing an RF APS-C camera and attempting to migrate its EOS M user base to it is worth the cost and associated risks, however.

#equipment #news #rumors #apsc #canon #canoncameras #canoneosm #canoneosr #canonmmount #canonrumors #fullframe #rfmount #rumor

Canon is Debating if Bringing APS-C to the RF Mount is Worth it: Report

Canon isn't sure what to do with APS-C.

7 Photographers Maximizing The Strength of Their Canon Camera

A Canon camera is a popular choice for new and experienced photographers. In this piece we look at a range of fantastic work shot on Canon.

The Phoblographer