Canon's built-in tilting EVF could dramatically improve camera ergonomics without impacting camera size too significantly ^↺

Canon fans have long been awaiting the potential upcoming announcement of the Canon EOS R5 Mark II in Q3 2023. A recent Japanese patent filing by Canon for a built-in tilting EVF may be an indication that Canon has something bigger planned later on.

The patent in question looks to be far more than an attempt at patent trolling, though, because it is far more detailed and technical than just a design patent. While the technical drawings in the patent application provide no dimensions, the proportions of the camera suggest that Canon will have to extend the EVF hump a little higher, compared to the current crop of EOS R cameras.

As far as the mechanism of Canon's tilting EVF, it appears to be able to be slid out from the back of the body and then tilted upwards to 90° or thereabouts. The rotating mechanism has a spring between the moving and stationary parts that should smooth out the rotation and keep the EVF at the desired angle.

Canon also acknowledges in the patent that the EVF housing will be larger than a traditional EVF, although it's doubtful that photographers who want the feature would care.

The excitement around a built-in tilting EVF mostly stems from improvements in ergonomics and having to rely on small, dim articulating screens or contortionist-level flexibility for low-angle shots and macro photography. A built-in tilting EVF with switchable cups may even appeal to video enthusiasts and professional videographers for whom a standard EVF wouldn't do the trick.

While the EOS R5 is certainly a premium mirrorless camera, and many are probably hopeful that the camera maker will introduce this new EVF design in an upcoming EOS R5 Mark II, it seems far more likely that Canon would introduce a feature like this in a halo product, like a potential EOS R1 or EOS R3 Mark II, although both of those releases seem to be more than a year out. 

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