Remember when Huawei released the P9 and everybody got excited over its cameras because they had Leica written on them? And then there was the whole controversy over exactly how much involvement Leica had with their development? Well, it seems here we have another item bearing the Leica name with questionable origins. According to a patent recently filed by Konica Minolta, the $5,500 Leica Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 16-35mm f/3.5-4.5 ASPH lens is actually their design. Not Leicas.
Patent shows new Canon full frame mirrorless lens mount may be compatible with EF lenses
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A new patent spotted by Canon News shows a lens mount that looks similar to both Canon’s EF and EF-M mounts but is actually neither. The web translation of the patent is a little confusing. The patent seems to suggest, though, that this mount could be some kind of hybrid compatible with both full frame EF and EF-M mirrorless lenses.
iPhone’s digital viewfinder might let you see separate views from its dual cameras in the future.
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Apple has just been awarded a new patent that depicts views from the iPhone’s dual cameras showing up on the screen at the same time. Called the “Digital Viewfinder User Interface for Multiple Cameras,” it would allow the user to control the two cameras individually.
Patent suggests wireless charging is coming to Canon cameras
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Wireless charging seems to be the big thing with portable devices right now. There are various phones and tablets out there that support it, and as the technology evolves, companies are looking to see what other items can utilise it. Canon seems to think that cameras are one such possible device. At least if this new patent application being reported by Canon Watch is anything to go by.
Wireless charging certainly has its advantages, but it has some disadvantages, too. I just don’t know if it’s really going to be all that practical except in the most consumer level of devices that only see occasional use.
Canon patents fingerprint ID for their cameras and lenses
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Canon has recently admitted that they are lagging in innovation behind other companies. Judging from that interview, there was no word about their plans related to photography. However, the company has recently filed a patent that lets you control your cameras and lenses using fingerprint detection.
Sigma is working on a Foveon sensor for video use
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Well, this is a surprise and not an unwelcome one. Few people seem to realise that as well as being a leading 3rd party lens manufacturer, Sigma also make cameras. I have actually had the pleasure of playing with a Sigma sd Quattro for the past few weeks, and it’s pretty impressive if a little on the slow side. The Foveon sensor does produce some truly beautiful results.
That lack of speed, though, has put off many potential Sigma camera owners. Now, a new patent has been filed showing that Sigma looks to be doing something about it. The patent seems to aim more toward the video side of things but no doubt it will speed up its stills capturing capabilities, too. Perhaps this is why Sigma semed a little evasive about camera questions recently at PPE.
Patent shows the Canon 7D Mark III may get illuminated buttons
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A new Canon patent has recently been published which highlights a long-awaited feature. It shows what looks like a Canon 7D or 5D style body, with technology for illuminated buttons. It’s taken quite some time for Canon to catch up on this minor but important feature. Nikon have had it for years, and even Pentax have figured it out.
Canon patent shows giant new LCD flip screen for DSLRs
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People have been begging Canon for years to put flippy out (or up) articulated LCDs on their higher end bodies for years. Now it looks like they may have listened. This patent from Canon Japan shows a new rear screen design that looks quite intriguing. As well as the size of the screen, it also shows new mechanisms to attach it to different types of camera body.
One thing strikes me as a little odd, though. The dial normally found on the back of a Canon DSLR sits underneath the LCD. So, it looks like it forces people to flip their LCD out if they wanted to actually use the camera. Still, it’s an interesting concept.
Nikon patents 35mm f/2 full frame lens for curved sensors
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This could be the biggest indicator so far that Nikon are actually starting to take mirrorless seriously. Yes, they did mention recently that they plan to launch a mirrorless camera that can complete with medium-to-high end DSLRS. But talk is cheap. This new patent, though, makes things rather interesting. It also suggests that Nikon’s re-entry into the world of mirrorless may even be full frame.
Nikon’s new patent describes a 35mm f/2 full frame lens designed for cameras with curved sensors. While a curved sensor doesn’t preclude a new DSLR, mirrorless is the more likely outcome. Could this be the future of Nikon mirrorless?
Facebook’s creepy patent wants to “read emotions” through your smartphone’s camera
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A patent recently approved by the US Patent and Trademark Office details how Facebook wants to read your emotions. And it wants to do it using your on-screen keyboard. It’ll look at what and how you type to try to determine how you feel about a piece of content. The goal is to be able to bring you more suitable content that you might like to see.
Still pending, though, is another patent application, also dealing with “reading emotions”. Although, this one, is far more creepy. It actually wants to use your camera to watch you while you use Facebook to see how you respond to content. Again, Facebook’s claimed goal is to provide you with better suited content. But it does feel like they’re trying to turn your phone into your own personal stalker.
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