Canon Celebrates 17th Consecutive Year With No. 1 Share of Global Interchangeable-lens Digital Camera Market
TOKYO, March 26, 2020—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 17 consecutive years* from 2003 to 2019.
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.
During the dawn of digital SLR cameras, Canon introduced its breakthrough EOS Kiss Digital (EOS Digital Rebel or EOS 300D in other regions) in September 2003. 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.
Canon introduced new possibilities for photographic expression with the launch of the EOS R System in October 2018. Including such products as the EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera and RF lenses that fully leverage the company’s optical technologies, the new products helped further expand the Canon EOS System.
In 2019, Canon launched a wide range of attractive products** including the EOS RP full-frame mirrorless camera (March) and EOS 90D DSLR (September). In striving to further expand its lineup, Canon managed to secure the No. 1 share of the global market for the 17th consecutive year.
Canon is also currently developing the EOS R5 full-frame mirrorless camera, equipped with a newly developed full-frame CMOS sensor and featuring high-speed continuous shooting for still images and 8K video recording. What’s more, the company is currently developing 9 RF lens models, including the RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM, and plans to release them throughout the course of 2020.
Canon will continue to refine its diverse imaging technologies based on its core optical technology, to expand and create an even stronger EOS System for both DSLR and mirrorless cameras 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.
** Canon released six interchangeable-lens camera models in 2019: EOS RP (March), EOS Kiss X10 (April), EOS 90D (September), EOS M6 Mark II (September), EOS M200 (October), EOS Ra (December).