A Lens Patent Could Be the First Hint of a New Canon Fixed Lens Camera
It has been a long minute since Canon released a fixed lens camera; we’re hoping it’s a new G1 X.
Over the last few years, fixed lens cameras have become one of the hottest camera segments once again. Spurred on by cameras like the Fujifilm X100F, X100V, and even cameras like the Leica Q2, sales have been excellent. Canon produces excellent fixed lens cameras. However, as the title suggests, it has been a while (three years) since their last one. However, that might be about to change. A patent for a zoom lens that will pair up with a fixed lens camera has just been filed by Canon. This is incredibly exciting to us. What could it be, though? Let’s talk about this after the break.
Japanese patent website Hi-Low recently shared a patent that Canon has filed. The patent shows a 15-45mm lens with an aperture range of f4.6-8 for a fixed lens camera. The really intriguing bit, though, is that this lens is for a fixed lens camera with a Full-Frame sensor. Nice!
Could This Lens Be For A New G1 X?
Historically, the Canon G1 X series of cameras have used 14-45mm or similar lenses. So, this is what leads us to believe a new version may be inbound. However, the G1 X cameras in the past have used 1.5-inch sensors and APS-C sensors too. This could still very well be the case. Canon has a fantastic APS-C sensor that they use in their EOS M6 II. The 32.5 Megapixel sensor would be a nice inclusion in a new G1 X body. However, think how amazing a new G1 X with a Full-Frame sensor would be. Canon could easily use the 20 Megapixel sensor that’s found in the EOS R6.
Of course, this lens could be destined for an entirely new fixed lens camera. While we have not seen or heard of any patents for such a camera, this does not mean it’s not possible. Canon has done an outstanding job of repositioning themselves in the market over the last few years. So, it would not surprise us to see Canon expanding their lineup for enthusiasts and hobbyists. Especially now that they have professional photographers squared away with the Canon EOS R6 and the EOS R5.
A Canon Fixed Lens Camera Could Do Well
As we mentioned above, even though camera sales are declining, some gems go against the grain. Higher spec’d fixed lens cameras like those from Fujifilm are doing incredibly well. If there’s a market for these cameras over much lower spec’d point and shoots, it makes sense that Canon would want to have a piece of that pie. If Canon releases a Full-Frame fixed lens camera just like Leica has, we’re sure many photographers would be eager to get their hands on one. Especially if it has stellar autofocus performance and if the price is right. What do you think about the patent that describes a lens for a new fixed lens camera from Canon? Would you be interested in such a camera? Let us know in the comment section below.