Canon Patent Application: High Speed Mirror Control

Canon Patent Application
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Canon patent application 20190310458 (US) discusses technology and methods for a high speed mirror mechanism.

From the patent application literature:

In view of improvement of continuous photographing performance, a technique for stably keeping the main mirror and sub mirror in the mirror-down state promptly by reducing bounds of the mirrors that occur when the mirror unit that is rapidly driven toward the mirror-down state contacts the stopper is continuously required. A conventional mirror drive device drives the mirror unit between the mirror-down state and the mirror-up state by transmitting power to the main mirror and by making the sub mirror follow a motion of the main mirror using a combination of a toggle spring and a reversal cam or a linkage mechanism. 

[…] A quick return mirror mechanism of a single-lens reflex camera moves a mirror unit that has a main mirror and a sub mirror at a high speed between a mirror-down state in which the mirror unit enters into a photographing light path and a mirror-up state in which the mirror unit is retracted from the photographing light path.

[…] A mirror drive device that is capable of achieving high speed drive of a mirror unit and of reducing generation of bounds of mirrors. A first mirror unit is rotatably attached to a mirror box and is movable between a fast position within a photographing light path and a second position outside the path. A second mirror unit is rotatably attached to the first mirror unit and is movable between a third position within the path and a fourth position outside the path. A drive member moves the first mirror unit to the second position from the first position and moves the second mirror unit to the fourth position from the third position when, the drive member is driven by an actuator to a sixth position from a fifth position.

We think this Canon patent application might get into production. High fps cameras like the EOS-1D X series in the future may well get the improvements discussed in the patent literature.

More Canon patent applications are listed here. Some particularly interesting patent applications we think might get into production are these:

Interview With The Mastermind Behind The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III

Canon EOS-1D X Mark III Rumor
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DPReview interviewed two senior executives at Canon about the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III, Mr. Toshio Matsumoto, Senior Principle Engineer, and Mr. Kazuyuki Suzuki, Chief of Operations, from Canon’s Image Communication Business group.

Of the two, Mr. Toshio Matsumoto is known as the ‘father of the EOS-1‘. Here are some excerpts from the interview:

How did you decide which features to update compared to the EOS-1D X Mark II?

There were a variety of factors. We get a lot of requests from our professional users, and we’re always listening to what they need. Their demands are sometimes very detailed! But we have to listen to their requests. In addition, we have to look at our technology – what kind of technology can meet those demands.

[…]

This is the first high-end camera Canon has released since the EOS R. Are your high-end and professional customers asking for a mirrorless solution?

Of course some professional photographers are asking for a mirrorless solution. But as of now, we also see a lot of demand from photographers asking for DSLRs, specifically [because of] the benefits of an OVF. So this time around we decided to go for a DSLR. Of course we understand that there are huge benefits to mirrorless, and we implemented, or combined as much of that [technology] as we could into the [EOS-1D X Mark III].

[…]

As a camera manufacturer making products for a professional customer, what does a DSLR allow you to provide that a mirrorless camera does not?

At this point in time the biggest difference is the finder. The fact that you can see everything in real time, without any layers in the way. That’s really big for a lot of professional sports photographers. On the other hand, we do see a lot of the younger generation of professionals favoring EVFs, because what you see is what you get. We understand that there is a demand for that benefit of mirrorless cameras. So what we always do is we strive to make a perfect solution out of these different demands.

Read the interview at DPReview

Although Canon announced the development of the Canon EOS-1D X MArk III, we still do not know about all the features. This is what we know for sure so far about the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III (all rumors):

  • All-new CMOS sensor
  • Dual-pixel 525-point CMOS AF with 90/100% coverage horizontally and vertically
  • New Digic Processor
  • 10-bit HEIF file capture (in addition to JPEG and Raw)
  • Max 16fps capture via viewfinder, and 20fps in live view (with AF)
  • Dual CF Express card slots
  • 10-bit, 4:2:2 4K/60 video with C-Log
  • Backlit buttons

No reliable intel about the resolution but 24MP is likely.

Stay tuned.

Canon EOS-1D X Mark III Rumor, 24MP Sensor Suggested

Canon EOS 1D X Mark III Rumor Canon Cameras Big Game
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Canon announced the development of the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III a few weeks ago. Since they did not disclose all the specifications there is always room for a new Canon EOS-1D X Mark III rumor.

It suggested the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III might sport a 24MP image sensor. It seems the people that is testing the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III is not allowed to use a memory card in the camera, so for the time being there is no reliable intel available about the image sensor. This might change in the future. However, a 24MP is considered likely.

We expect the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III to get announced to the masses at the beginning of February 2020. An early 2020 announcement has been confirmed by an authoritative source In the meantime I’m sure we will see more Canon EOS-1D X Mark III rumor surface.

All Canon EOS-1D X Mark III rumors are listed here.

Stay tuned, there is more to come soon.

Source: Canon Rumors

More Canon EOS-1D X Mark III Rumors Surface After Development Announcement

Canon EOS 1D X Mark III Rumor Canon Cameras Big Game
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Some new Canon EOS-1D X Mark III rumors surfaced on the web after Canon’s development announcement.

So far some of the previously rumored features have proven to be unreliable (6K video, 30fps, IBIS). Some people in the industry thinks Canon did the development announcement for the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III to counter the speculations of the rumor mills.

The latest rumored specifications for the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III are of the vague nature, and for that reason might be even correct:

  • The battery life is nothing short of amazing, much better than the EOS-1D X Mark II
  • The silent shutter mode in liveview is absolutely silent
  • The eye AF works incredibly well (via liveview we are assuming)
  • The AF-ON trackpad is so innovative, works fast and it very precise. In the source’s words, “it’s a real revolution. Nobody will be using the old joystick”

It’s plausible that Canon might introduce these features on their next full frame flagship.

We now know for sure that the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III will be released early 2020, most likely in February.

More Canon EOS-1D X Mark III rumors are listed here.

Source: Canon Rumors

Canon EOS-1D X Mark III To Be Released Early 2020, Authoritative Source States

Canon EOS-1D X Mark III Rumor
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A Canon EOS-1D X Mark III release date was already rumored, now it is as good as confirmed.

According to Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, a highly respected Japanese newspaper, Canon will announce the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III in early 2020. This fits perfectly with the rumored announcement month of February. Availability should start soon after.

There are no specifications to add to what Canon already disclosed in their development announcement. A short interview with a Canon marketing person is here.

Stay tuned.

[via Digicame Info]