Category Archives: Nikon Patents

Nikon files patents for hybrid viewfinder

Few weeks ago I reported on a Nikon patent about a light meter built into the prism. Nikon has filed a series of related patents. One of them is 7876373 which describes a camera with a hybrid viewfinder: “One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a means capable of confirming the state of field and the […]

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Nikon patents update #2 (light meter, phase detect sensor, collapsible lens, fuel cell, 3D)

Patent 2010-224290 is for a light meter built into the prism (for use during video recording?): “This invention relates to the camera which has a photometry sensor which measures the strength of the light with the light led to the optical finder and the optical finder. Problem to be solved: to make effective use of a […]

Also posted in Nikon D4 | 74 Comments

Nikon patents update (half-mirror, flash with built-in bounce system)

Time for another Nikon patents update. The first patent 2011-28177 is for a Nikon’s own “half mirror” with a mirror-up function: This technology is similar to Sony’s translucent mirror. Here is a quick comparison between both technologies:

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Nikon patents a projector built in a DSLR camera

Nikon filed a patent in Japan for a projector built in a DSLR. We already have the Coolpix S1100pj point and shoot camera with a built-in projector and Nikon is at least thinking of bringing that technology into a DSLR camera. The cool part is that the projection will happen through the electronic viewfinder (the […]

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Nikon patents a 200-500mm f/4-5.6 lens

Nikon patent application 20110007403 is for a new full frame 200-500mm f/4-5.6 lens: “The present invention is made in view of the above described problem, and has an object to provide a zoom optical system capable of coping with the problem of variation in aberrations upon zooming and obtaining excellent optical performance, an optical apparatus […]

Also posted in Nikon Lenses | Tagged | 112 Comments

Nikon’s solution to prevent condensation in underwater camera housings

Nikon currently doesn’t have any underwater housings in their product line. Here a is a patent* (2010-197939) for an underwater housing that can connect to an external tank of compressed air in order to prevent condensation inside the camera housing:

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Nikon files a patent for optical communication between lens and body

Japanese patent application 2010-282101 is for an optical communication between lens and camera body. The optical link will be added on the mount in addition to the regular electrical contacts (all Google translations): “It is a camera accessory with which a camera body provided with the 1st communications department which communicates by contact, the 2nd communications department which communicates […]

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