Patent: A sensor protection assembly for a small form factor RF mount ILC

Because a lot of people like to use flash.
But would users of this entry level RF camera use flash? Would this model be a backup for R5/R6 vs RP for instance?
Flash sync speed would be based on the sensor readout speed and not likely to be great being full frame and entry level.
Then again, the Sigma fp L doesn't have a hotshoe and I don't think that it could control an external flash
 
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I got the 90EX in an original M kit and love that silly little thing. I often use it to trigger studio lights optically.
but would you be the average target user for such a camera body? ie using a base level RF body in a studio lighting environment?
I am not saying that a hotshoe wouldn't be used but used rarely and would restrict the form factor options.
 
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I actually think they are running with the Siggy FP design here. Maybe it's an a7c killer? Stabs in the dark
I concur that the Sigma fp /L are the best examples in the market for us to see what is possible for a full frame minuscule body with no hotshoe/built-inEVF but they are $1900/$2500 price respectively and $1800 for the a7C. They would be in a completely different market segment from the $800 rumour.
L mount is close in size with 51.6mm vs 54mm inner diameter with the sama 20mm flange distance.

A mechanical shutter adds cost but provides protection for the sensor, flash sync, banding under certain lights and rolling shutter reduction in stills/video. Only the R5/R6 have sensor protection when changing lenses but now seems so basic a feature for mirrorless bodies. If no hotshoe then you don't have to worry about flash sync.
Banding and stills rolling shutter would be the remaining issues but that might be acceptable at a $800 price point.

I'm not convinced that a mechanical shutter would be mandatory for a $800 body but would certainly be nice.
 
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Jan 29, 2011
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but would you be the average target user for such a camera body? ie using a base level RF body in a studio lighting environment?
I am not saying that a hotshoe wouldn't be used but used rarely and would restrict the form factor options.
Oh no, I wasn't contradicting the comments. Just pointing out a silly use I have for that tiny little 90EX.

I really like the M series, and got the original during the blowout sale. Ended up selling it and getting an M5, stupidly sold that (but not the 22mm/adapter/90EX etc) in anticipation of the much hyped and rumored M5 II. But that M5 II never came and I held off on the M6 II because of the choice between a viewfinder or a flash. I might not be the target market for the entry level M's but I'd think I'd be included in the higher range M's target, though obviously not enough for Canon to bring out that M5 II...
 
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Oct 22, 2014
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Not true. They do that in some cameras but they didn't in the RP they said they did it because they didn't want people sticking their finger in the shutter and harming it. Canon saying if you can't afford a $5000 camera you must be stupid.
A lot, if not most of the people who buy the rebel series DSLRs are usually beginners or are gifting them to beginners and children. I've taught many people who to use a DSLR and it's amazing how many of them want to touch the mirror or sensor.
They're not stupid, they just aren't aware of how delicate those systems can be if bumped the wrong way.
 
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Dec 25, 2012
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But would users of this entry level RF camera use flash? Would this model be a backup for R5/R6 vs RP for instance?
Flash sync speed would be based on the sensor readout speed and not likely to be great being full frame and entry level.
Then again, the Sigma fp L doesn't have a hotshoe and I don't think that it could control an external flash
On camera flash is the mainstay of the casual photographer. Note the pop up flashes on so many Rebels and lower end models. It is only on the "pro" models that the built in flash is dropped on the understanding that an advanced user would buy a flash or use OCF.
 
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Dec 25, 2012
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There are plenty of options for those who want flash, and who worry about electronic shutter effects and everything else.

This would seem to be an entry level camera for low cost and small size.

that’s a market segment that is probably large but virtually unrepresented by those who participate here.
Except for people like me looking for a compact alternative to their R5 for pocketing occasionally, travel, while having the ability to share any lens.
It might make a decent back up if you don't want flash. Entry level and low cost mean the absence of a lot of features. Flash on E shutter is possible but a huge compromise. Particularly if one is using a pop up type.
 
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On camera flash is the mainstay of the casual photographer. Note the pop up flashes on so many Rebels and lower end models. It is only on the "pro" models that the built in flash is dropped on the understanding that an advanced user would buy a flash or use OCF.
Pop up flash was a simple solution that fitted around the OVF hump (and probably a box tick in the spec sheet) and would not have cost much to produce. It has always produced pretty poor light quality and was needed as the low light capabilities of the sensor were limited.

Camera phones show how small LED flashes can be but I haven't seen an implementation on a ILC before.

Going back to the Sigma (for size not price), it also doesn't have a built-in flash or hotshoe. It is certainly priced for high end.

If there is no central EVF then built-in flash would go back to the IXUS style flashes and be very limited being close to lenses. Maybe there could be 2 LED flashes (on each corner) although harder to get your fingers out of the way.
If Canon goes a little larger - as suggested in the OP - then the options expand of course but it is interesting to see what can be excluded and still have a good body with RF mount
 
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Most first time camera users have loaded film. Remember, people are living longer than ever ;)
An interesting question! If all the people taking photos now were the same number (or %) when film was used then I would agree with you but...

FILM
From box brownie in 1900 that sold millions to 35mm in ~1910 to now (Canon started in 1936) to Polaroid in 1948. Even if 10s (100s?) of millions of cameras were sold it still pales compared the world population numbers:
1900 1.7b
2000 6.1b
2020 7.7b (adding almost all population in 1900 since 2000)

DIGITAL
First camera phone in 2000 in Japan. First one in US in 2002. By end of 2003 there were 80m camera phones so lets say we have had 15 years of camera phone experience. Digital cameras followed the same timeline as phones. Mirrorless ILCs started in 2008. P&S compacts declined from 2010 and Kodak filed for chapter 11 in 2012.
Phone sales (almost 100% with a camera). A lot of the sales will be repeat customers but older and second hand phones moving into developing countries.
2018 1.5b
2019 1.5b
2020 1.3b
2021Q1 355m

Estimated that 85% of all photos taken in 2017 were on camera phones. It would be fair to claim that the % is even higher now. I would suggest that the majority of these users (of all age groups from age 3-95) used camera phones before film. This is especially in developing countries where film processing is relatively expensive. So everyone with a phone is a photographer now but only a limited number before year 2000.
 
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