New Canon patent hints at full-frame mirrorless camera

Canon has patented an EF-mount to EF-S mount lens adapter for mirrorless cameras with full-frame sensors, sparking rumors that the company is indeed working on an FF MILC.

There is no doubt that the Sony A7-series of full-frame mirrorless cameras is a success. The PlayStation maker is reporting that its mirrorless camera sales have increased in recent times and the growth is attributed to cameras such as the A7 and A7 II, A7R, as well as the A7S.

The Sony A7R II has been unveiled recently, but reviewers, photographers, and experts are already praising the shooter, so there is a strong chance that it will sell like hot pancakes when it becomes available this summer.

Meanwhile, other companies, such as Canon and Nikon, are only rumored to be developing a mirrorless camera with a full-frame sensor. In Canon’s case, it seems like the rumors are true, as the EOS maker has been spotted patenting an EF/EF-S adapter for full-frame mirrorless cameras.

This is the sketch of Canon’s EF/EF-S lens mount adapter designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras.

Canon patents EF/EF-S lens adapter for a full-frame mirrorless camera

Canon has patented a mount adapter that will allow users to choose between EF-mount and EF-S-mount lenses. The adapter is aimed at full-frame mirrorless cameras made by Canon and the only “problem” is that the company does not have an FF MILC, yet.

As inside sources have already said, the Japan-based manufacturer is definitely working on one or more products to rival the Sony A7-series and this latest patent proves it.

The patent implies that the future EOS full-frame mirrorless camera will use a different mount compared to EF, EF-S, and EF-M cameras. This means that the company will introduce a brand new lens mount along with its FF MILC.

Nevertheless, this EF/EF-S adapter will allow photographers to mount such optics on the mirrorless shooter, if such product were to come on the market.

Canon’s adapter will cut down flare depending on the types of lens attached to it

The patent description is revealing that the filing was made on December 18, 2013 and that the approval was granted on June 25, 2015. This is a fresh patent and it remains to be seen whether Canon will commercialize this adapter along with a full-frame mirrorless camera.

The patent says that the adapter will cut down flare depending on the image circle of the lens. It seems like the camera will function in crop mode when EF-S lenses are mounted on it, while using the full power of the sensor when EF optics are attached to it.

As stated above, this is another confirmation that the EOS company is developing a mirrorless camera with a full-frame sensor, so stay tuned for further exciting details about the product!