30-million EOS camera units produced

23 January 2008

Canon celebrates the production of 30-million EOS camera units

Canon has achieved a new camera-manufacturing milestone as combined production of the company’s EOS-series film and digital single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras passed the 30-million mark. Additionally, production of EOS Digital-series SLR cameras has passed the 10-million unit threshold.

EOS production reached 10 million units in 1997 to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the series, and in 2003 it passed the 20-million mark. A mere four years later, at the end of 2007, Canon reached the 30-million mark.

Rochelle Mora, Product Manager – Photographic, Canon New Zealand said this was a major milestone for the popular range. “Canon has spent over 70 years in optics technology, and 20 of these perfecting the Canon EOS range,” she said. “We remain committed to technological innovation within the EOS series to deliver an even more attractive product line-up into the future.”

Canon introduced the first model in the EOS series – the EOS 650 AF SLR camera – in March of 1987 to coincide with its 50th anniversary. The EOS 650 represented a new generation of AF SLR cameras, and incorporated the world’s first fully electronic mount system to achieve complete electronic control not only between the lens and body but throughout the entire camera system.

EOS stands for “Electro Optical System” and also carries the name of the Greek goddess of the dawn, with the series marking the dawn of an impressive range of innovative technologies.

EOS cameras garnered high acclaim from a wide range of users and have always been designed to realize Canon’s key concepts of high speed and ease-of-use.

In 1989 the company introduced the top-of-the-line EOS-1 professional model, and in 1992 the EOS 5 (also known as the EOS A2/EOS A2E or EOS 5QD). The groundbreaking camera was equipped with Eye-Controlled Focus, and a revolutionary auto focus function that allowed users to select a desired focusing point just by looking at it.

Canon succeeded in expanding the company’s user base with the compact, lightweight EOS 500 (also sold as the EOS Rebel XS or EOS Kiss) the following year.

Canon formally ushered in the age of the digital SLR camera in 2000 with the introduction of the EOS D30, equipped with the company’s proprietary CMOS sensor. In addition to developing in-house such key components as CMOS sensors and the high-performance DIGIC digital image processor, Canon offers an extensive line-up of EF lenses and has launched cameras aiming to fulfil the company’s new key concepts of high speed, ease-of-use, and high image quality.

Canon has further bolstered its digital SLR camera line-up with the launch of the top-of-the-line EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III in 2007, to commemorate the 20th year of the EOS series. The cutting-edge EOS-1D Mark III models comprise advanced optical technologies and feature a fully revamped camera system. Canon has also launched the EOS 40D, which has won praise from a wide range of users, from first-time SLR camera owners to advanced amateurs.

Canon is committed to continued technological innovation with the EOS series and contributing to the future of photographic expression with enhanced product quality and services. For more information customers can contact Canon on 0800 222 666, or visit the website at canon.co.nz.

-ENDS-

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