From Digital Camera World · · 2m
Canon's fingerprint grip could change how cameras lock down
A new patent shows Canon exploring fingerprint sensors built into camera grips, but it's unclear whether photographers actually want them.
In brief
A new patent shows Canon exploring fingerprint sensors built into camera grips, but it's unclear whether photographers actually want them. Canon is researching fingerprint sensors in camera grips for security and multi-user profiles, but the feature's real-world value remains uncertain. Originally reported by Digital…
Canon patents fingerprint grips
A US patent filed by Canon describes three designs for building fingerprint sensors directly into camera grips, positioning them where photographers' fingers naturally rest.
Three sensor placement options
The first design uses one sensor on the front grip and a thumbprint reader at the back. The second and third designs both use two front sensors, with the third orienting them differently to handle various hand sizes.
Canon's earlier biometric experiments
In 2018, Canon patented a fingerprint sensor on both the camera front and lens for security and shortcuts. In 2020, it filed a Japan patent for a screenless selfie camera using fingerprints to save user profiles.
Security like smartphones
Fingerprint sensors are standard on phones to prevent theft and protect data. Canon recently added PIN locks to cameras to comply with European regulations requiring internet-connected devices to have security features.
Faster than typing PINs
A fingerprint sensor could replace the PIN unlock process, which adds annoying delays. It could protect Wi-Fi settings, network access, or image playback without requiring users to type a code each time.
Multi-user production teams
On film and photo production sets where multiple people share one camera, a fingerprint scanner could save individual user profiles and automatically customize settings based on who's holding the camera.
Cost versus demand question
The real challenge is whether enough photographers would actually use the feature to justify the added cost, weight, and potential weather-sealing compromises required to build it in.
Patents don't always become products
Canon files thousands of patents yearly, with many never reaching actual cameras. This patent offers a rare glimpse into Canon's research, but doesn't guarantee the fingerprint grip will ever ship.
Here's the gist
Canon is researching fingerprint sensors in camera grips for security and multi-user profiles, but the feature's real-world value remains uncertain.
