Electronic rangefinder

A digital rangefinder camera, comprising:

• a viewfinder assembly configured to receive a first optical image from a first optical path;
• a focus ring movement detection assembly configured to detect an amount of movement associated with a focus ring of a lens attached to the digital rangefinder camera;
• a processing device configured to provide a movement signal indicative of the amount of movement associated with the focus ring to an actuator coupled to an optical element, the actuator moving the optical element and displacing a second optical image from a second optical path directed toward an optical component in the viewfinder assembly;
• and
• a display projection device configured to project a display into the viewfinder assembly, the display projection device providing a third optical path such that the optical component in the viewfinder assembly is configured to project the first optical image, the second optical image, and the display toward a common viewing position.

A method for obtaining a coincident image in a digital rangefinder camera, the method comprising:

• receiving a first optical image via a first optical path;
• receiving a second optical image via a second optical path;
• detecting an amount of movement associated with a focus ring of a lens attached to the digital rangefinder camera;
• providing a movement signal indicative of the amount of movement associated with the focus ring to an actuator coupled to an optical element;
• and
• displacing the optical element via the actuator such that the second optical image from the second optical path is displaced in a viewfinder assembly thereby causing the first optical image and the second optical image to coincide.