Canon Celebrates 21st Consecutive Year as Global Leader in Interchangeable-Lens Digital Cameras
Sofia, Bulgaria, February 22, 2024 – Canon Inc. announced today that its interchangeable-lens digital cameras (digital SLR and mirrorless cameras) have maintained the No. 1 share of the global market1 for 21 consecutive years, from 2003 to 2023.
Canon’s EOS interchangeable-lens digital cameras comprise an imaging system with an optical input and imaging engine based on the concept of “speed, comfort and high image quality,” for which the company has developed its own key components, including CMOS image sensors, DIGIC image processors and interchangeable lenses. Offering a comprehensive lineup of products, from high-performance flagship models highly trusted by professionals to entry-level models that allow users to enjoy high-quality shooting with ease, as well as a rich selection of over 1152 RF and EF lenses that enable diverse forms of visual expression, Canon continues to meet the needs of a wide array of users.
In September 2003, at the dawn of the digital SLR camera market, Canon introduced its groundbreaking EOS 300D (EOS Digital Rebel or EOS Kiss Digital in other regions). By releasing this game-changing camera, which boasted a competitive price and compact, lightweight design, Canon spurred growth in the digital SLR market, seizing the largest share of the global market and ushering in the age of digital SLRs. Since then, Canon has continued to launch new groundbreaking products, including the professional-model EOS-1D series and the EOS 5D series, which paved the way for digital SLR video recording. To further expand the boundaries of visual expression, in October 2018, Canon introduced the next-generation EOS R System, which includes the EOS R5 full-frame mirrorless camera—the first camera to feature 8K video recording3, released in July 2020—and the EOS R3, released in November 2021, which offers excellent tracking performance for moving subjects and high-speed continuous shooting. In addition, Canon launched the EOS VR System in December 2021, designed to record video for virtual reality.
In 2023, Canon stimulated demand for mirrorless cameras and lenses by further expanding its lineup of EOS R series cameras and lenses. This expanded lineup included the EOS R50 (released in March 2023), an APS-C mirrorless model richly equipped with easy-to-use and convenient functions, the EOS R8 (released in April 2023), a full-frame camera that is both small and lightweight yet high-performing, the EOS R100 (released in June 2023), an APS-C mirrorless model that even first-time camera users can use to enjoy high-quality shooting, and 9 RF lenses4.
What’s more, Canon brand cameras dominated5 the Rugby World Cup France 2023, demonstrating that they had earned the trust of professional photographers. Thanks to support from this wide array of customers, Canon was able to secure the No. 1 share of the global market for the 21st consecutive year.
Canon will continue to refine its proprietary imaging technologies while bringing joy and excitement to people’s daily lives and contributing to the further development of photo and video culture by providing products, services and solutions that meet the diverse needs of customers.
------------------
1 According to a Canon survey.
2 Lens types available on the market vary by country. Includes 4 types of extenders. Among lenses announced as of February 19, 2024.
3 Among interchangeable-lens digital cameras released prior to July 8, 2020.
4 In 2023, Canon released the following nine RF lenses: RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM (January), RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM (March), RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM (April), RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM (May), RF 28mm F2.8 STM (July), RF 10-20mm F4 L IS STM (October), RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM (December), RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z (December), RF-S 10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM (December).
5 Average from data obtained across 4 matches—the semi-finals (2 matches), 3rd place play-off and final of the tournament. According to a Canon survey.
