Canon celebrates 18th consecutive year of No. 1 share of global interchangeable-lens digital camera market

Tokyo, JAPAN – 29 March 2021: Canon Inc. announced today that the company’s interchangeable-lens digital cameras (digital SLR and mirrorless cameras) have maintained the No. 1 share of the global market for 18 consecutive yearsⁱ from 2003 to 2020.

Canon develops the key imaging system components featured in its EOS-Series of digital interchangeable-lens cameras, including CMOS image sensors, image processors, and interchangeable lenses, under the core concept of ‘Speed, Comfort and High Image Quality.’ Putting together a wide-ranging product line-up – from high-performance flagship models that are highly trusted by professionals, to entry-level models that allow users to enjoy high-image-quality shooting with easy operation - Canon continues to support the diverse needs of customers. These cameras are supported by a rich selection of 118ⁱⁱ RF and EF series lenses that make possible a wealth of creative expression for content creators.

During the dawn of digital SLR cameras, Canon introduced its breakthrough EOS Kiss Digital (EOS Digital Rebel or EOS 300D in Australia) in September 2003. This groundbreaking camera, which was competitively priced and featured a compact, lightweight design, captured the top share of the global marketⁱⁱⁱ and set the stage for growth in the digital SLR market. Since that time, Canon has continued to launch a range of groundbreaking products, including the professional-model EOS-1D series and the EOS 5D series, which paved the way for digital SLR video recording. In October 2018, Canon announced the EOS R system – including the EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera and a series of RF lenses that fully leverage Canon’s mirrorless optical technologies – that further expanded the range of imaging creativity and opened up new possibilities for visual expression. Over a long history beginning in the age of film, and with the support of loyal users, in 2019, the EOS series achieved the remarkable milestone of 100 million^iv total EOS cameras sold.

In July 2020^v, Canon launched the EOS R5 full-frame mirrorless camera, equipped with cutting-edge technology in pursuit of next-generation visual expression. In striving to further expand its line-up, Canon managed to secure the No. 1 share of the global market for the 18th consecutive year.

Canon will continue to refine its diverse imaging technologies based on its core optical technology while further strengthening and expanding the EOS series of cameras and RF/EF series of lenses, opening up new avenues of image capture to meet the needs of increasingly diverse users and to promote the spread of photo and video culture.

ⁱ Based on a Canon survey completed 29 March 2021.

ⁱⁱ Includes 30 EF Cinema lenses (EF mount/PL mount) for visual productions and 4 lens extenders, as of 29 March 2021.

ⁱⁱⁱ Based on a Canon survey completed 29 March 2021.

^iv Including cinema cameras for visual productions.

^v Also in 2020, Canon released the following digital interchangeable-lens cameras: the EOS-1D X Mark III (February), EOS 850D (April), EOS R5 (July), and EOS R6 (August).