Canon Marks 22nd Consecutive Year as Global Leader in Interchangeable-Lens Digital Cameras
Canon Inc. announced that the company's interchangeable-lens digital cameras (digital SLR and mirrorless cameras) continued to hold the leading share of the global market1 for the past 22 years – from 2003 to 2024.
Canon's EOS interchangeable-lens digital cameras represent imaging and processing systems based on the concept of "Speed, comfort, and high image quality," for which the company has developed proprietary key components, including CMOS image sensors, DIGIC processing processors, and interchangeable lenses. By offering a wide range of products – from high-performance flagship models highly valued by professionals to entry-level models providing users with full-fledged and easy shooting, as well as a rich selection of over 1202 RF and EF series lenses offering diverse creative expression possibilities – Canon continues to meet the diverse needs of customers.
In its 22-year history, the EOS series has led the market with a range of exceptional models. In September 2003 – at the dawn of digital SLR cameras – Canon introduced its groundbreaking EOS 300D (EOS Digital Rebel or EOS Kiss Digital in other regions) to the market. By launching this astonishing camera, distinguished by its competitive price, compact size, and light weight, Canon accelerated the growth of the digital SLR camera market, capturing the largest share of the global market and heralding the era of digital SLR cameras.
Since then, Canon has continued to launch innovative cameras, including the professional EOS-1D series and the EOS 5D series, which laid the foundation for video recording with digital SLR cameras. To further expand the boundaries of visual expression, in October 2018, the company introduced the next-generation EOS R system, which includes the full-frame mirrorless EOS R5 – the first camera to support 8K video recording3, launched in July 2020 – and the EOS R3 – a November 2021 model that offers fast subject tracking and high burst shooting rates. In addition, Canon introduced the EOS VR System in December 2021, designed for virtual reality video recording.
In 2024, Canon once again secured its leading position in the global market for the 22nd consecutive year, further expanding its range of EOS R cameras and lenses.
Canon launched the EOS R5 Mark II (August 2024) – a full-frame mirrorless camera for hybrid creators seeking a combination of premium performance and versatility, and the EOS R1 (November 2024) – the top-of-the-line model of the EOS R system. Both models are equipped with the new "Accelerated Capture" image processing system and include various video recording functions, initially developed for the CINEMA EOS system, for high-speed analysis and responsive shooting.
Regarding lenses, in 2024, Canon expanded its range of L-series large-aperture prime lenses, which provide full-fledged video production, and added 15 RF lens models4, including two types of lenses for 3D VR video recording, to meet the growing interest in video content creation and 3D imaging.
Canon will continue to enhance its proprietary imaging and processing technologies while bringing joy and excitement to people's daily lives and promoting the development of photo and video culture by providing products, services, and solutions that meet the diverse needs of customers.
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1 According to Canon research.
2 Lens types available on the market vary by country. Includes four types of extenders. Among lenses announced as of February 24, 2025.
3 Among interchangeable-lens digital cameras launched before July 8, 2020.
4 In 2024, Canon launched the following 15 RF lenses (including RF cinema lenses): RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE (June), RF 35mm F1.4 L VCM (July), RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM (September), RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM DUAL (November), RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z (November), RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM (December), RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM (December), CN-R24mm T1.5 LF (January), CN-R35mm T1.5 LF (January), CN-R50mm T1.3 LF (January), CN-R85mm T1.3 LF (January), CN-R14mm T3.1 LF (February), CN-R20mm T1.5 LF (March), CN-R135mm T2.2 LF (April), and CN7×17 KAS T／R1 (October)
