# 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.
- Title: Canon's fingerprint grip could change how cameras lock down
- Summary: A new patent shows Canon exploring fingerprint sensors built into camera grips, but it's unclear whether photographers actually want them. Canon is…
- Keywords: canon, fingerprint sensor, camera grip, patent, biometric authentication, camera security, mirrorless cameras, user profiles, wi-fi security, multi-user cameras, Canon's, fingerprint
- Source: Digital Camera World — https://digitalcameraworld.com/cameras/mirrorless-cameras/canon-wants-to-build-fingerprint-sensors-right-into-camera-grips-the-question-is-why
- Published: 2026-09-21T14:32:16+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: canon, fingerprint sensor, camera grip, patent, biometric authentication, camera security, mirrorless cameras, user profiles, wi-fi security, multi-user cameras
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Canon is researching fingerprint sensors in camera grips for security and multi-user profiles, but the feature's real-world value remains uncertain.