Canon Patent for a 2mm f/1.4 Weather-Sealed Lens (action camera coming?)

Canon Patent

I totally missed this patent. Found it on Action Camera Rumors while surfing the web.

The patent was spotted by Egami (translated). The patent is for a 2mm f/1.4, weather-sealed lens. Such a lens could be used in surveillance cameras, or, as Action Camera Rumors suggests, for an upcoming action camera made by Canon. I think the lens in the patent will go on some surveillance camera (since Canon is already active in this domain). However, not all patents make into a market product.

Given all the hype around action cameras, who can say Canon is not planning one? Egami also mentions the possibility that such a lens would fit well on an action camera.

Machine translated patent description:

  • Patent Publication No. 2014-197128
    • Published 2014.10.16
    • Filing date 2013.3.29
  • Example
    • Focal length f = 2.03mm
    • Fno. 1.44mm
    • Half angle ω = 59.18 °
    • Image height 3.00mm
    • Overall length of the lens 32.17mm
    • BF 0.51mm
  • Canon patent of
    • Focus position of the periphery of the screen is displaced When mounting the dome cover
    • And suppress the deviation of the focus by changing the air space of the lens, depending on the presence or absence of the dome cover
[Egami via Action Camera Rumors]

Canon’s Upcoming Multi-Layer, Foveon-Like Sensor Made By Sony? (Update)

Foveon-Like Sensor

Update: Jep, here too we got an email stating that “Canon will continue to use Canon sensors”, very soon after this rumor was posted. Since no email came from a known source I would normally not post this update. But then, since this new rumor is floating around…here was the update :-)

Original post:

A very good source told me that the upcoming multi-layer, Foveon-like sensors that was mentioned in a rumor weeks ago will be made by Sony. I give the rumor of a Sony-made Foveon sensor a good possibility to be true. This sensor is said to be featured in two new pro-grade cameras that will be announced in Q1 2015.

Beside that this rumor comes from one of my best sources, I think it is plausible. It would not be the first time that Canon mounts a sensor made by Sony on their cameras. Even if there is no evidence, it is almost sure that the new Canon [shoplink 22665]Powershot G7 X[/shoplink] sports a Sony sensor.

On the other hand, it is a bit disappointing. Canon has research labs and production facilities, and I would prefer if they go on making sensors on their own instead of getting them from others. Especcially if Canon makes more excellent sensors like the one featured on the EOS 7D Mark II.

A note: during a recent interview with DPreview, when asked about the G7 X sensor, a Canon representative said:

Q: […] we’ve learned […] that the sensor in the G7X is not made by Canon. Does this represent a new philosophy at Canon?

A: We select the best sensor, whoever the manufacturer is. That’s our policy.

What do you think?

 

The Canon Lens That’s Rumoured Since Years Said To Appear In November (EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS II)

IMG_154428
This one is real, the EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS

Canon Rumors writes:

We’re told that demo versions of the upcoming replacement for the EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS have hit select photographers hands for field use.

Gosh! This lens is spitted out from the rumor mills probably since 2004 (according to a reader) and for sure since 2008. Now again a suggestion of an imminent announcement surfaces. This time the murmurings say it will look similar to the EF 70-300 f/4-5.6L IS, with a thin focus ring and a wider zoom ring close to the front element. And we should see it in November.

It’s the lens Canon will make out of sympathy, sooner or later ;-)

[via CR]

 

Canon Going To Throw 4K In Everything?

4K

Canon Rumors writes;

We’re told to expect “a bunch” of 4K products from Canon, starting in early 2015. There will be products in the EOS line, Cinema EOS line and possibly the VIXIA line.

So, after stating Canon will not deliver 4K in any product soon now it seems they have changed their mind. Even the EOS 7D Mark II is speculated to get 4K via firmware update. Some time ago here at Canon Watch we got a tip from a  good source suggesting the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV will come with 4k (and I still think this was and is a reliable rumor).

Well, Apple just introduced their amazing iMac with 5K retina display so it is at least trendy to talk about 4K. I don’t think we will see 4K in Canon’s lower EOS line-up. Currently Canon is featuring 4K on the EOS-1D C (Adorama | B&H Photo) and the C500.

[via CR]

Canon Working on Smaller DSLRs, Not Necessarily Mirrorless (?)

Canon
The Canon EOS M – a totally underestimated gem in Canon’s line-up

Thanks to the source who send the tip.

It appears Canon is investing resources in the development of smaller DSLRs, but not necessarily in mirrorless systems. Well, no one thinks Canon ever believed in MILCs. The rumour I got is saying that Canon has no plans to back up the whole mirrorless thing and prefers to invest resources in developing smaller DSLRs.

According to my source, Canon acknowledges that users want high-performing cameras that are as small as it can get. The [shoplink 11240]Rebel SL1[/shoplink] was just the beginning of a development Canon is committed to evolve further. DSLRs that are as small as possible while maintaining the EF/EF-S mount (but see this interview where Canon says they consider a new mount type for 4/3 systems).

Interesting rumour. In some way it’s backed up by a previous rumour, suggesting that the next Rebel may have an EVF (electronic viewfinder). It is no secret that Canon never really wanted to make a killer mirrorless camera. Though I still think the [shoplink 6091]EOS M[/shoplink] is a wonderful and well performing little camera (it just got a lot of bad press by people who never really used it). I have it and I love it. Guess I am among a small group of fans of this camera.

What do you think about this rumor? I think it’s rather plausible to be true.