TOKYO, March 27, 2019—Canon Inc. announced today that the company’s interchangeable-lens digital cameras (digital SLR and mirrorless cameras) have maintained the No. 1 share of the global market for 16 consecutive years* from 2003 to 2018.

Canon develops the key imaging system components featured in its EOS series of interchangeable-lens cameras—CMOS image sensors, image processors and interchangeable lenses—under the core concept of, “Speed, Comfort and High Image Quality.” Putting together a wide-ranging product lineup—from high-performance flagship models that are highly trusted by professionals to entry-level models that allow users to enjoy high-image-quality shooting with easy operation—Canon continues to support the diverse needs of customers.

In 2003, the dawn of digital SLR cameras, Canon introduced its breakthrough EOS 300D. This groundbreaking camera, which was competitively priced and featured a compact, lightweight design, captured the top share of the global market and set the stage for growth in the digital SLR market. Since that time, Canon has continued to launch a range of groundbreaking products, including the professional-model EOS-1D series and the EOS 5D series, which paved the way for digital SLR video recording.

In March 2018, Canon launched such products as the EOS M50 mirrorless camera and EOS 1500D DSLR, which allow even entry-level users to effortlessly enjoy capturing professional looking images. In striving to further expand its lineup, Canon managed to once again secure the No. 1 share of the global market in 2018.

In October 2018, in pursuit of further expanding the boundaries of image capture and new possibilities in visual expression, Canon launched the EOS R mirrorless camera, equipped with a full-frame sensor, as the part of the EOS R System, a new imaging system with lenses at its core. What’s more, in March 2019, Canon launched the EOS RP—a mirrorless camera that realizes a compact, lightweight body design as well as high image quality afforded by its full-frame sensor—and announced six new RF lenses currently under development as part of its plan to expand the EOS R System.

Canon will continue to refine its diverse imaging technologies based on its core optical technology, to expand and create an even stronger EOS System that opens up new avenues of image capture to meet the needs of increasingly diverse users and to promote the spread of photo and video culture.

* Based on a Canon survey.