Why Canon Shelved Its Most Ambitious Vlogging Camera
Patents reveal Canon's journey in developing a handheld vlogging camera.
1Canon's Vlogging Camera Journey
Canon filed three separate patents over five years to develop a handheld vlogging camera. Each patent aimed to solve a completely different problem than the previous one, with its most ambitious project ultimately shelved.
2The First Patent in 2020
Canon's first patent in 2020 proposed a pistol-grip camera with an interchangeable lens mount. This design aimed to offer a real sensor and lens while enabling one-handed use. However, this project never made it to production.
3Fixed-Lens Gimbal
The 2024 patent introduced a fixed-lens gimbal camera designed to compete with the Osmo Pocket 4. While practical, this design was a more modest step compared to Canon's earlier ambitious concept.
4The End of EF-M System
Canon's 2021 patent utilized the EF-M lens system, which has since been discontinued. This decision eliminated the chance for Canon's vlogging camera project to evolve with second-generation lenses.
5Practicality vs. Ambition
Over five years, Canon learned that practicality outweighs ambition. The 2024 fixed-lens gimbal design reflects this lesson, marking a shift from its earlier, more ambitious concepts.
6Future Cameras
Canon's next vlogging camera will be more reliable than the 2021 concept but will lack the ambition of its shelved project. This story serves as a reminder when evaluating Canon's future products.
Original article: Yanko Design — Canon'un En İddialı Vlog Kamerası Neden Raflarda Kaldı?