TOKYO, Japan, March 27, 2014—Canon Inc. today announced that the Company's interchangeable-lens digital cameras (digital SLR and compact-system cameras) have maintained the No. 1 share worldwide in terms of volume within the interchangeable-lens digital camera market for the 11-year period from 2003 to 2013.
In addition to the interchangeable lenses, Canon also develops the key components—the CMOS image sensors and image processors—employed in its interchangeable-lens cameras. The most advanced of these technologies are incorporated in the Company's flagship EOS-1D series. By applying these technologies to other models as well, Canon has successfully created a powerful product lineup that effectively responds to the needs of a wide range of users, from professionals to entry-level users, which has enabled Canon to maintain the top global share.
In 2003, the dawn of digital SLR cameras, Canon introduced its breakthrough EOS Kiss Digital (EOS Digital Rebel or EOS 300D Digital in other regions). This compact and lightweight user-friendly camera set the stage for growth in the digital SLR market and captured the top share of the global market. Since that time, Canon, in its ongoing pursuit of high image quality, has launched a number of models for advanced-amateur users that offer among the highest levels of performance for their class, including the EOS 5D series, which paved the way for digital SLR video recording.
In 2013, targeting entry-level users, Canon launched the EOS Kiss X7 (EOS Rebel SL1 or EOS 100D), which combines the world’s smallest and lightest digital SLR camera body with exceptional basic performance, and the EOS M2 compact-system camera, featuring significantly enhanced autofocusing performance. Also, within the advanced-amateur user segment, the Company introduced the EOS 70D, equipped with innovative Dual Pixel CMOS AF autofocus technology, which has earned high praise from the market. These robust products provided the driving force enabling Canon to achieve its 11th straight year as the world’s market leader.
Additionally, in February 2014, Canon realized another industry milestone as cumulative production of EOS-series film and digital cameras surpassed the 70-million unit mark. Furthermore, during the first half of 2014, cumulative production of Canon EF-series interchangeable lenses for EOS cameras is on track to reach 100 million units. Underpinning these achievements is the high market share that Canon has maintained, made possible through the long-standing support dating back to the film camera era that the Company has received from its wide user base.
With a history of producing cameras that dates back to the Company's founding in 1937, Canon will continue refining its diverse imaging technologies based on its core optical technologies, striving to produce exceptional and reliable lenses and cameras that cater to the varying needs of photographers—from first-time users to advanced amateurs and professionals—while contributing to expanding the photographic and video imaging culture.
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