Nikon has filed for a patent in Japan on for a new lens that can both zoom either manually or electronically. The functions would be controlled by a zoom button on the camera body. The intention of the lens to solve the problem faced by users of DSLR cameras when recording video footage and trying to zoom manually at the same time.
The motorized zoom would function when in movie mode allowing a smoother and more controlled transition. The manual zoom function can then be retained for still photography. It is possible that this technology could make its way into Nikon’s mirrorless camera range.
The patent was filed on June 3, 2009 and was published on December 16, 2010.
