Canon is a prominent name in the world of photography and imaging technology. For as long as one can remember, Canon Inc. has been the market leader in the camera industry. The company has shown remarkable innovation since its inception. 

Canon successfully overcame industry shifts and gained technological advancement, maintaining its dominance in the highly competitive camera market. It has held a commanding global market share for more than two decades. Around 45-50% of the interchangeable lens camera market (DSLR and mirrorless) is controlled by Canon. 

Canon began its journey with some talented engineers named ‘Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory.’ Goro Yoshida and Saburo Uchida founded it in 1937 in Tokyo, Japan. The vision of this company was to create high-quality cameras and challenge companies like Leica of Germany. This ambition led to the release of Kwanon, which was developed in 1934. It was Japan’s first 35mm focal-plane shutter camera. Every company has a pivotal moment that shapes its future. The release of Kwanon was that moment for Canon.

In the following decades, Canon evolved under the leadership of Ryuzaburo Kaku and Fujio Mitarai. Kaku and Mitarai were forward-thinking leaders, and Mitarai, notably, played an instrumental role in Canon’s global expansion. 

Technical advancements were turning points in Canon’s journey, pushing the company forward. In 1987, Canon adopted the EOS (Electro-Optical System), along with the EOS 650 SLR camera. These revolutionized Canon’s autofocus technology. The EOS system established faster and more accurate communication between the lens and the camera. The EOS lineup remains a flagship product range for Canon to this day.

Then comes the development of IS technology. Canon introduced its Image Stabilization (IS) technology in 1995 with the release of the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens. The IS technology allowed photographers to capture low-light, sharp images. It also worked well with a telephoto lens. This was a game changer for wildlife and sports photography. 

Canon’s proprietary DIGIC (Digital Imaging Integrated Circuit) processors have developed constantly since their emergence. Canon’s first DIGIC processor was introduced in 2002 with the release of the PowerShot G3 camera. Each new generation of DIGIC processors improved color reproduction, reduced noise, and increased performance. DIGIC is the definition of image quality, speed, and processing capabilities.

Then comes DPAF (Dual Pixel Autofocus) for video and live-view photography. Canon debuted its Dual Pixel Autofocus technology in 2013 with the launch of the Canon EOS 70D DSLR. This technology utilizes every pixel for face detection, providing faster, smoother, and more accurate autofocus. DPAF has been the selling point for many Canon cameras, including many mirrorless range models.

Then, Canon ventured into 4K and 8K video recording. Videographers and hybrid shooters loved this. Canon’s first camera with 4K video recording capability was the EOS-1D C, released in 2012. Then, it entered the 8K video market with the launch of the Canon EOS R5 in 2020. The Canon EOS R5 gained immense popularity for its ability to shoot 8K video. All the technologies mentioned pushed the boundaries of digital imaging.

Canon’s few qualities always separate it from competing brands. One such quality is lens quality and versatility. Canon’s lineup of EF and RF lenses is extensive and known for exceptional optical quality. In a mirrorless system, an RF lens mount provides fast communication between the lens and the body and also gives better autofocus performance. 

Canon cameras are praised for their ergonomic design. They have a user-friendly interface, better grip comfort and button placement. The designs are made so that both amateurs and professionals can use them comfortably. 

Another significant reason behind Canon’s popularity is its color science. Canon’s cameras successfully deliver accurate and pleasing colors in portrait and video work, so there is less need for extensive color correction in post-processing. 

In terms of sales, Canon has historically ranked as one of the top sellers. According to the reports of 2023, Canon leads the industry, far outpacing its closest competitors, Sony and Nikon. The company reported approximately 1.5 million interchangeable lens cameras sold annually over the last decade. This number shows the significance of the cumulative impact on the market. In 2023, Canon sold over 3.348 million camera units, while Sony sold around 1.879 million units, maintaining the top position for 21 consecutive years.

Now, Canon looks forward to advancing its mirrorless technology while preserving the DSLR legacy. Canon’s ventures into VR and AR imaging and AI-enhanced autofocus show its commitment to staying ahead of industry trends. 

safrinakabir@iut-dhaka.edu