Canon Patents 42x Zoom Lens!

[Canon Rumors]

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Wow! The number of shots I’ve missed because I only have 35x zoom is staggering. It’s a good thing they’re working on something more!

That EF 1200 f/5.6L is starting to look overpriced.

4.36mm-180.0mm F2.54-5.74

Publication number Patent 2011-33868 (P2011-33868A)

Release date February 17, 2011 (2011.2.17)

Numerical Example

• F = 4.36-180.0mm focal length
• Fno = 2.54-5.74
• 38.63-1.23 ° angle
• Image height is 3.49-3.88mm
• Total lens length 94.37-134.09
• Back Focus 9.00-6.38
• 41.24 zoom ratio
• Two-sided aspheric

Optical system

• Positive lead type zoom lens
• Zooming, the object first and third groups, the group moved toward the second image
• The third lens group for image stabilization
• Expression rear focus lens group to focus on the fifth

cr

[neuroanatomist]

Great!  Now, they just need to cram 22 megapixels into a 1/2.3" CCD sensor, and they're good to go...

[bvukich]

Another fine example of "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should."

[KyleSTL]

Safely assuming that Canon will use the 1/2.3" format sensor that has been standard in almost all P&S cameras they've produced in the past few years, and with it's 5.62 (!) crop factor that would make it a 24-1012mm f/2.6-5.7.

Mega-ultra-uber-turbo zooms FTW.  I just hope it has a threaded filter so I can add my 4.5x HD Supertelephoto lens http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/749507-REG/Polaroid_PL4558T_Studio_Series_52_58mm_4_5x.html to it

And CR guy:

The number of shots I’ve missed because I only have 35x zoom is staggering.

Pure genius.  You certainly have a way with words.

[clicstudio]

I ordered the SX30 IS and returned it the next day... The zoom and IS are amazing... I love the articulating screen and ergonomics... But at only ISO 1600 and like 1FPS it just wasn't usable enough, even for the low price and great features. The FPS really make a difference. At least 3 or 4fps would have make the camera a great one.

[smeggy]

I see a marketing ploy here.

The SX30IS is 35x from 24 to 840mm (35mm equivalent).

If they retain the 24mm wide for the 'SX40':
840mm / 35 * 41.24 = 990mm which is near as dammit 1 meter

Let's hope the maximum aperture doesn't go above f5.8 otherwise the image will be as soft as warm chocolate!

[Rich]

Just curious, how long before the release of the SX30 IS was the 35x lens patented and does the patenting of the 42x point toward a September announcement of an SX40?

Maybe we'll soon see rumors of a Digic 5 with enough power to stabilize the 42x?

Thanks,
Rich

[jvkelley]

I looked up the sensor dimensions.  The sensor is 1/3" which I believe is only used on video cameras.  The SX30 IS uses 1/2.3"

The crop factor for 1/3" video cameras is 9.6 or 7.8 depending on the aspect ratio.  So this lens would be 42-1728mm in 4:3 format or 34-1404mm in 16:9.  The max f stop of 2.54 is about 1 stop slower than any of the other camcorders that use 1/3" sensors.  So maybe Canon is planning on putting a bigger sensor in one of their lower end camcorders.

[neuroanatomist]

I looked up the sensor dimensions.  The sensor is 1/3" which I believe is only used on video cameras.  The SX30 IS uses 1/2.3"

Where in the patent is the sensor size indicated?  I see a listing that "Image height is 3.49-3.88mm," but the sensor is going to be smaller than the image circle projected by the lens.

[jvkelley]

You're right, sensor size is not actually listed.  My interpretation is that "Image height" is not the same as the diameter of the image circle.  The height of a 1/3" sensor (3.6mm) falls near the middle of the 3.49-3.88mm range.  A 1/6" sensor has a diagonal of 3.0mm, but I think the wide end of the focal range makes more sense for a 1/3" sensor.

Just some comparisons: The HF G10 has a 1/3" sensor and starts at 4.25mm.  The HF R21 has a 1/4.85" sensor and starts at 3.0mm.  The FS40 has a 1/6" sensor and starts at 2.6mm.  The new lens starts at 4.36mm.

[micromirror]

Is there anything in the patent about whether or not it would be a powered zoom?