DIY Photography

Hacking Photography - one Picture at a time

  • News
  • Inspiration
  • Reviews
  • Tutorials
  • DIY
  • Gear
Search

Submit A Story

Nikon mirrorless camera may have dual pixel autofocus tech according to new patent

Jan 25, 2018 by John Aldred 3 Comments

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • WhatsApp

I have to be honest here, I’m actually starting to get a little excited about the idea of a Nikon mirrorless camera. I know I probably shouldn’t. I know it’ll be lots of hype and when it finally arrives I’ll be disappointed. But, still, the more little bits of information about it come out, the closer I get to certain that I will want one. And this latest development just brings me that bit closer.

NikonEye are reporting on two new patents Nikon have published describing a new autofocus system. It combines dual pixel AF technology similar to Canon, as well as “time of flight” tech similar to new Sony sensors. The new autofocus system appears to be destined for the new mirrorless system.

There’s no link to the actual patents on NikonEye, but there is a google translated section.

There is known a time-of-flight (TOF) measurement method for measuring a distance to an object by receiving reflected light of light irradiated to the object (for example, Patent Reference 1). When measuring the distance to the object by such a method, it is difficult to obtain the image of the object at the same time.

It has a set part which sets up the range which detects a focusing state from the information about the exit pupil of the aforementioned imaging optical system, and the information about the aforementioned pixel for focus detection, and a transmission section which transmits the information about the aforementioned range set up by the aforementioned

So, essentially it seems that it uses the dual pixel data in order to build up some kind of depth map and determine just how far away the subject is. Something akin to how the iPhone’s dual cameras are able to build up a depth map in order to simulate a shallower depth of field.

Given how badly video autofocus works for Nikon’s DSLRs, it’s nice to see they’re taking it a bit more seriously with a mirrorless camera. Hopefully, eventually, this tech will translate over for those who prefer the DSLR form factor.

The only thing I need Nikon to confirm now is that it’ll have a flippy out (like the D5600) and not flippy half-up (like the D750) LCD screen and I’m sold.

[via Mirrorless Rumors]

FIND THIS INTERESTING? SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • WhatsApp

Related posts:

Nikon’s D5 will have native high ISO of 102,400, 153 autofocus points according to latest report Samsung’s new dual pixel mobile sensor wants to eliminate dual cameras in smartphones Nikon Has Acquired Samsung’s Mirrorless Tech, Says Latest Report Fujifilm may launch a new mirrorless camera by the end of May. Could it be the X-T100?

Filed Under: news Tagged With: Dual Pixel AF, Dual Pixel Autofocus, mirrorless, Nikon, rumor

About John Aldred

John Aldred is a photographer with over 20 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter - and occasional beta tester - of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.

« 5 things you need to know to get the best footage out of your gimbal
Fujifilm recalls almost 300,000 power adapters due to danger of electric shock »

Submit A Story

Get our FREE Lighting Book

DIYP lighting book cover

* download requires newsletter signup
DIYPhotography

Recent Comments

Free Resources

Advanced lighting book

Recent Posts

  • SpaceX shares unique view of Earth in latest video
  • Get ready to photograph two total solar eclipses this year
  • How I started (and succeeded) photographing space from my backyard
  • Insta360’s new teaser says they’re entering the gimbal market
  • Users report blurry photos from Samsung Galaxy S23/S23+ cameras

Alex Baker is a portrait and lifestyle driven photographer based in Valencia, Spain. She works on a range of projects from commercial to fine art and has had work featured in publications such as The Daily Mail, Conde Nast Traveller and El Mundo, and has exhibited work across Europe

Dave Williams is an accomplished travel photographer, writer, and best-selling author from the UK. He is also a photography educator and published Aurora expert. Dave has traveled extensively in recent years, capturing stunning images from around the world in a modified van. His work has been featured in various publications and he has worked with notable brands such as Skoda, EE, Boeing, Huawei, Microsoft, BMW, Conde Nast, Electronic Arts, Discovery, BBC, The Guardian, ESPN, NBC, and many others.

John Aldred is a photographer with over 20 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter - and occasional beta tester - of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.

Dunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.

Copyright © DIYPhotography 2006 - 2023 | About | Contact | Advertise | Write for DIYP | Full Disclosure | Privacy Policy