Selangor (27 March 2014) — Canon Marketing Malaysia announced today that the Company’s interchangeable-lens for digital cameras (digital SLR and compact-system cameras) have maintained, in terms of volume, the No. 1 market share worldwide, for the 11th year in a row from 2003 to 20131. During this period, the unit sales volume within the digital camera market for interchangeable-lens has also steadily increased, from 0.6 million units in 2003 to 7.65 million units in 2013, marking Canon’s strong presence in the industry which has come a long way since the sale of its first three EF lens models in March 1987.
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 also applying these technologies to other models, Canon has successfully created a powerful product line-up that effectively caters to a wider range of users, from professionals to entry-level users, which has enabled Canon to maintain its position at the top in global share.
In 2003, at the dawn of digital SLR cameras, Canon introduced its breakthrough EOS 300D to the Malaysian market. 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 then, Canon, in its ongoing pursuit of high image quality, has launched a number of models for advanced-amateur users. These models offer one of 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 100D which combined the world’s smallest and lightest2 digital SLR camera body with exceptional basic performance. Also, within the advanced-amateur user segment, Canon has also 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 realised 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.
1 Based on a survey by Canon.
2 Among digital SLR cameras equipped with an APS-C size equivalent sensor. As of March 1, 2014, based on a survey by Canon.
