A
Ricoh-Patent on PDAF and/or CD AF describes technology that would enable a DSLR with an OVF (optical viewfinder) to alternatively support CD (contrast detect) AF without disabling the OVF.
This technology would hence support face- or eye-detect AF while simultaneously supporting framing with an OVF.
In combination with
Ricoh's switchable hybrid viewfinder patent, the described innovation could be used to offer a camera that truly offers the best of both worlds: The perfect refresh rate and eye- and battery-friendliness of OVFs combined with the utility (focusing aids, advanced AF methods) of EVF/MILCs.
EDIT: If you find the links are not working, @Mistral75 has provided
alternative sites (thanks!).
Will Ricoh find the initiative to provide a true alternative to MILCs?
AFAIC, I don't really need anything more than a classic DSLR but in order to stay relevant, i.e., competitive in the light of the MILC craze and the admittedly useful face- and eye-AF functionality of MILCs, it would be excellent if Ricoh could create a camera that doesn't force one to make a choice.
P.S: The "size"/"compactness" argument that once could be made in favour of MILCs has long evaporated due to the fact that most modern MILC lenses are behemoths and turn a small camera into an ergonomic liability and the consequence of multiple MILC models having become larger (and heavier) to a point where they become actually adequate for normal-sized hands and in combination with anything but the the smallest and lightest pancake lenses.
Last edited by Class A; 10-20-2019 at 12:41 AM.