Canon celebrates 50 years of single-lens reflex camera sales
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www.canon.co.nz
MEDIA RELEASE
07th January 2009
Canon celebrates 50 years of single-lens reflex camera sales
More than 50-million units produced since 1959
Canon New Zealand celebrates the 50th anniversary of the sale of Canon’s first single-lens reflex camera in 1959. Over
the past half-century, Canon SLR cameras have evolved with the times, incorporating advanced and groundbreaking
technologies. Winning the widespread support of users worldwide, production of Canon SLR cameras have already surpassed
the 50-million* unit mark.
“Canon has a long and proud history of producing SLR cameras that both set the technology benchmark and evolve to
satisfy the needs of all users from professional shooters to entry-level users,” says Kim Conner, General Manager,
Consumer Imaging Products Group, Canon New Zealand. “With the advent of digital technology and outstanding affordability
for consumers, we’re witnessing a creative revolution as people discover the possibilities now within their grasp. Our
newly released EOS 5D Mark II is a great example, creating huge demand from people excited about taking exceptionally
high-quality stills and Full HD movies with the same camera."
The history of Canon 35 mm single-lens reflex cameras began in May 1959 with the launch of the Canon Flex, which was
followed by models reflecting Canon’s reliable technologies and innovativeness. In 1971 the company introduced the F-1,
its first professional model; in 1976 the AE-1, the world’s first SLR camera to feature a built-in CPU; and in 1986 the
T90, the top-of-the-line model of the T series line-up.
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In March 1987, Canon launched the EOS650, the world’s first AF (autofocus) SLR camera to realise electronic control for
the entire system. The EOS series, which continues to this day, has contributed significantly to the popularisation and
development of AF SLR cameras, fuelling dramatic growth among both professional users, with the introduction of the
top-of-the-line EOS-1 in 1989, as well as entry-level users, with the release of the EOS 500 in 1993.
The year 2000 marked Canon’s full-fledged entry into the digital era with the launch of the EOS D30.
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Canon’s EOS Digital series, based on the key concept “speed, ease-of-use and high image quality,” has consistently led
the digital evolution of SLR cameras with Canon-developed CMOS sensors and the high-performance DIGIC image processor,
along with the company’s EF lens line-up, boasting outstanding optical performance and an extensive selection.
In 2008, Canon further strengthened its digital SLR line-up with the introduction of four new models, including the EOS
450D and the EOS 5D Mark II, the first SLR camera to incorporate full highdefinition video recording.
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With film-based SLR camera sales of more than 39 million units and digital SLR camera sales exceeding 14 million units,
Canon is sincerely grateful to all of its users for their support and will continue pursuing the challenge of creating
cameras that deliver superior imaging performance and reliability.
* 53.68 million units as of the end of December 2008
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ENDS