Canon, one of the leading camera manufacturers in the world, has recently filed a patent in Japan that reveals a possible new feature for its EOS R series of mirrorless cameras: a tilting viewfinder. This innovative design would allow users to adjust the angle of the electronic viewfinder (EVF) according to their shooting posture, making it easier and more comfortable to capture images from different perspectives.
A tilting viewfinder is a type of viewfinder that can be slid out from the main body of the camera and tilted and rotated upward, giving the user more flexibility in framing the shot. Unlike a fixed viewfinder that is attached to the back of the camera, a tilting viewfinder can be adjusted to suit the user’s eye level and preference, especially when shooting from low or high angles.
A tilting viewfinder is not a new concept, as some cameras from other brands, such as Leica, Fujifilm, and Sony, have already implemented this feature in their models. However, Canon’s patent suggests that its tilting viewfinder would have a more compact and efficient mechanism that would take up less space and ensure a large rotation angle of the viewfinder.
How Does Canon’s Tilting Viewfinder Work?
According to the patent document, Canon’s tilting viewfinder would consist of a finder unit, a holder, a base plate, a pair of leaf springs, and a cable. The finder unit would be the part that contains the EVF and the eyepiece, and it would be attached to the holder, which would be connected to the base plate by a hinge. The base plate would be fixed to the camera body, and the pair of leaf springs would be attached to the base plate and the holder, providing tension and stability to the viewfinder. The cable would be the part that connects the finder unit to the camera body, transmitting the image data and the power supply.
The patent document also describes how the user would be able to slide out the viewfinder from the camera body and tilt it upward by rotating the holder around the hinge. The leaf springs would allow the viewfinder to maintain its position and prevent it from falling off the base plate, while the cable would be flexible enough to accommodate the movement of the viewfinder without being damaged or disconnected.
What are the Benefits of Canon’s Tilting Viewfinder?
Canon’s tilting viewfinder would offer several advantages to the users of its EOS R series of mirrorless cameras, such as:
- Enhanced ergonomics: The tilting viewfinder would enable the user to adjust the viewfinder to their eye level and shooting posture, reducing the strain on their neck and back and improving their comfort and convenience.
- Improved creativity: The tilting viewfinder would allow the user to explore different angles and perspectives, expanding their creative possibilities and enhancing their photographic expression.
- Increased versatility: The tilting viewfinder would be compatible with various shooting scenarios and environments, such as macro photography, wildlife photography, street photography, and low-light
