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Ryan David Francis' newfangled DSLR shape

By Rain Noe - April 9, 2010

in Object Culture

California College of the Arts ID student Ryan David Francis breaks out of the box with his radically-shaped Sony DSLR concept, above. The unusual form isn't purely aesthetic: Francis' aim was to provide a shape that allowed a variety of ways to grip the camera while shooting.

Ergonomically, the emphasis is on old-school shooters who use the viewfinder more than the LCD; Francis tilts the latter, not to make it easier to look at (which it probably doesn't) but to provide space for your nose when your eye is up to the viewfinder, which would hopefully eliminate that grease stain you get on the typical vertical LCD.

You might recognize Francis' name from last month's Home & Housewares Show in Chicago. His omnidirectional Swivel Gardening Cart concept, below, placed in the student design competition.

Check out both of these projects on Francis' Coroflot page.

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Vinny

15 years ago

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The point of a wheelbarrow is to have the weight centered over the wheel. Here, you are carrying the weight, rather than pushing it. No thanks.
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kennib

15 years ago

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coolest form,I always make grease stain on my camera LCD.good concept
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Greg

15 years ago

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That camera is extremely impressive. There needs to be an emphasis on ergonomics in that field and I'm glad to see one designer is actively pondering it.

My DSLR is shaped almost exactly the same as my 20-year old film camera and hundreds of other cameras from dozens of manufacturers and a few decades. The old saying goes "if it aint broke..." but I believe there's a lot of room for improvement.
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Callil

15 years ago

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I actually saw this in person at CCA. He was definitely one of the standout designers there at the show. Although there were some other great camera designs from other students.
One of my favorite things from the whole show was a tissue box made out of recycled paper with seeds in it so it could be composted afterwards and grow flowers. I should post my pictures up somewhere...
Overall I was really impressed with the work of that class.
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Mitch Foster

15 years ago

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What a simple idea that I am officially kicking myself for not thinking of first! Of the few times I've used wheelbarrows, I was always frustrated by the lack of maneuverability. I would try to somewhere very specific, but if I missed, I'd have to go backwards to try again, and I'd miss, and I'd have to back up even more. Very frustrating with a heavy load on uneven terrain. I think this looks like a chance to actually drive a wheelbarrow, and not have it drive you.

Is this going to be available anytime soon at Lowe's or Home Depot?
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Kyle Batson

15 years ago

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I don't get it. It looks impossible to hold. The angled LCD is nice, but it might screw things up with regards to the optical distance from the mirror box and focusing screen.

I'm all for rethinking the DSLR form factor, but I don't think this is it.
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Ed

15 years ago

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That Swivel Gardening Cart is cute but useless. I doubt he ever used a wheelbarrow. When carrying a heavy load, the swivel action will cause stability issues and make it harder to use than your normal wheelbarrow...

If the front wheel was fixed, just the size of it would be good improvement over the traditional narrow wheel while providing greater maneuverability...

--Ed

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