Canon announced yesterday that on January 31 2014 the world’s first camera maker surpassed production of 250 million camera units. This includes both compact, digital and interchangeable lens cameras, and at least 70 million of those units are EOS models. Having made cameras from 1937 Canon enjoys its position as one of the leading camera brands. Despite their long history it is only recently in 2008 that they surpassed the 100 million units mark, the fact they have now got to 1/4 of a billion camera productions signals the phenomenal pace of technology and perhaps the short-shelf-life shopping habits of the 21st century. In stats released alongside their celebration for surpassing another camera milestone the company claim that on worldwide volume last year Canon was No.1 for market share, the 11th consecutive time Canon have claimed the top spot in this category.
No showing any sign of complacency the company says.
With a history of producing cameras that dates back to the Company’s founding in 1937, Canon will continue refining its diverse imaging technologies based on its core optical technologies, striving to produce exceptional and reliable lenses and cameras that cater to the varying needs of photographers—from first-time users to advanced amateurs and professionals—while contributing to expanding the photographic and video imaging culture.
What do you make of Canon having made 250 million units? Is this a sign of technological success? Do you own one of their models?
Canon are to be congratulated on reaching this significant milestone. It’s also good that they see their position going forward based on innovation and technology. However, I think they may have missed a trick.
Many professional photographers are ditching their traditional DSLRs in favour of the Fuji X pro. The traditional layout and ergonomics of this camera coupled with its quality, sophistication, and lack of bulk really appeals to this market. Basically, it’s Leica revisited. How ironic then to see Canons offering in this market being rather woefully ignored. If you search online, you will find that in 1946 Canon were producing cameras which were effectively cloned Leicas.
In their rush to the future, have they failed to learn the lessons of the past?