Canon patents gimbal system for small drones

It seems that camera maker Canon has plans to enter the drone market. The company has applied for a patent for a gimbal system for small drones.

The question is, however, whether Canon focuses on consumer applications with the patent: the gimbal module looks more like a security camera than a regular three-axis gimbal system.

Canon Patents Gimbal System For Small Drones

Reduced version for small drones

The patent application was reported by CanonRumors. According to that website, the patent appears to build on an earlier patent application by Canon. At the time, it was a camera system for a $ 20,000 drone for the security sector, marketed in 2017 by Prodrone. According to the new patent, the camera system should be a lot smaller. The patent application even specifically mentions miniaturization.

As can be seen from images in the patent application, the construction of the gimbal system resembles that of a movable security camera. By rotating and tilting the camera, the entire environment can be viewed without the drone having to change position.

To avoid obstructing the view, the landing gear of the drone can be retracted. Another feature concerns the ability to exchange the camera module. It is not clear from the patent whether the gimbal is also capable of stabilizing the image, or whether digital image stabilization is used for this.

Enter the market (again)

The future will show whether Canon indeed has plans to (re-)enter the drone market, and if so, whether it concerns a complete system or just camera modules. It also remains to be seen which segment Canon would then focus on.

Canon Patents Gimbal System For Small Drones
Canon Patents Gimbal System For Small Drones 1

This article first appeared on Dronewatch and is written by Wiebe de Jager who is also a DroneXL contributor.

Get your Part 107 Certificate

Pass the test and take to the skies with the Pilot Institute. We have helped thousands of people become airplane and commercial drone pilots. Our courses are designed by industry experts to help you pass FAA tests and achieve your dreams.

FTC: DroneXL.co uses affiliate links that generate income.* We do not sell, share, rent out or spam your email, ever. Our email goes out on weekdays around 5:30 p.m.

Stay in touch!

If you'd like to stay up to date with all the latest drone , scoops, rumors, and reviews follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, or… Subscribe to our Daily Drone News email.*

Follow DroneXL.co on your Google News feed.

Get your Part 107 Certificate

Pass the test and take to the skies with the Pilot Institute. We have helped thousands of people become airplane and commercial drone pilots. Our courses are designed by industry experts to help you pass FAA tests and achieve your dreams.

pilot institute dronexl

Copyright © DroneXL.co 2023. All rights reserved. The content, images, and intellectual property on this website are protected by copyright law. Reproduction or distribution of any material without prior written permission from DroneXL.co is strictly prohibited. For permissions and inquiries, please contact us here.

FTC: DroneXL.co is an Amazon Associate and uses affiliate links that can generate income from qualifying purchases. We do not sell, share, rent out, or spam your email.

Wiebe de Jager
Wiebe de Jager

Wiebe de Jager is the founder of Dronewatch and author of several bestselling books about drone photography. Wiebe is a certified drone pilot and has a full ROC license.

Articles: 312

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap
%d