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Canon Inc. announced today the achievement of a new camera-manufacturing milestone as combined production of the company’s EOS-series film and digital single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras passed the 40 million mark.

Production of the EOS SLR camera first began in 1987 at Canon Inc.’s Fukushima Plant (now Fukushima Canon Inc.), and then later moved to Canon Inc., Taiwan; Oita Canon Inc.; and most recently Nagasaki Canon Inc. from March of this year. In 1997, the 10th anniversary of the series, production reached 10 million units, and in 2003 passed the 20-million mark. After the rapid spread of digital SLR cameras, Canon went on to reach the 30-million mark during the series’ 20-year anniversary in December 2007, followed by the current 40-million-unit production milestone, attained after a short two years and four months. Furthermore, the EOS Digital series also recorded a production milestone of 20 million units.

The EOS series, which stands for “Electro Optical System” and also carries the name of the Greek goddess of the dawn, was first introduced in March 1987 as a new generation of AF SLR cameras that incorporate the world’s first electronic mount system, achieving complete electronic control not only between the lens and body but throughout the entire camera system.

With the key concepts of high speed and ease-of-use, the EOS-series cameras, including the top-of-the-line EOS-1 professional model, which was first introduced in 1989, and the compact, lightweight EOS Rebel (EOS Kiss or EOS 1000 in other regions), which was released in 1990 and helped to expand Canon’s user base, actively incorporated innovative technologies and gained acceptance from a wide range of users. Following the introduction of the EOS D30 in 2000, a time when the spread of digital SLR cameras was in full swing, Canon developed such advanced technologies as its proprietary CMOS sensors and the high-performance DIGIC digital image processor, as well as an extensive lineup of EF lenses in an effort to fulfill the company’s new key concepts of high speed, ease-of-use, and high image quality.

Canon further expanded its rich product lineup with the release of the entry-level EOS Rebel T2i (EOS Kiss X4 or EOS 550D) digital SLR camera in February of this year, which features an approximately 18.0-million pixel CMOS sensor and supports an extended ISO range, bringing the total to seven cameras—two professional, three advanced-amateur, and two entry-level models—in the EOS series.

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Like pixels? Canon is certainly hoping so. The company announced it has developed a 250-megapixel (19,580 x 12,600 pixels), APS-H-size (approx. 29.2 x 20.2 mm) CMOS imaging sensor.

Canon just announced it is developing a "powerful, faster, and rugged" new flagship professional DSLR camera: the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III. The Canon 1D X Mark III is the follow-up to the Mark II version, which debuted in 2016 and quickly became one of the most popular pro DSLRs for sports and photojournalism.

Canon announced two new DSLRs for enthusiast and entry-level photographers this morning: the EOS 77D and EOS Rebel T7i cameras. The Canon EOS 77D slots just below the 80D and just above the Rebel T6s in the company’s DSLR lineup. The Canon Rebel T7i, on the other hand, is the direct successor to the T6i, the company’s entry-level DSLR.

Absolutely free support for emerging image makers: qualified college-level students 18 and older may now be eligible to enjoy many of the valuable member-exclusive benefits Canon previously reserved for full-time professional photographers via the new Student Canon Professional Services program — all at no cost. The generous initiative includes perks ranging from expedited repairs and discounted repair services to a dedicated hotline for assistance and mentorship.

Canon has introduced a host of new products at the annual PMA Show, including
a new DSLR, pro-quality lenses and pro printers. New products include:



EOS 30D Digital SLR: As a step-up from the EOS 20D model, Canon's new EOS 30D
Digital SLR incorporates features similar to the higher-priced EOS 5D model, at
a lower price. The EOS 30D Digital SLR incorporates a 2.5-inch LCD screen, claimed
shutter durability rated to 100,000 cycles; an increased burst rate (five frames-per-second
(fps) up to 30 consecutive frames in JPEG mode); an optional RGB histogram function;
and ISO adjustment in 1/3-stop increments.



Scheduled for mid-March delivery, the EOS 30D Digital SLR will be available at
estimated street prices of $1,399 for the body kit, and $1,499 for the EF-S 18-55mm
II zoom lens kit.



EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM: Canon has improved upon its original EF 85mm f/1.2L II
lens with a new model that has approximately 1.8X faster autofocusing than its
predecessor to meet the needs of demanding professionals. Available in mid-March,
the lens has an estimated street price of $2,099.



EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM: Professional photographers and advanced amateurs with
APS-C size digital SLRs now have access to the fastest Canon EF-S zoom lens yet.
Three-stop optical image stabilization along with three aspherical and two UD
elements combine. This lens is dedicated to the EOS 30D, EOS 20D, EOS Digital
Rebel XT and EOS Digital Rebel SLRs. Scheduled for delivery in mid-March, this
lens has an estimated selling price of $1,149.



imagePROGRAF iPF5000 Large Format Printer: This new printer provides a 12-color
pigment-based ink set and is designed to produce professional-style prints with
outstanding archival image quality, using Canon's new Lucia pigmented inks. The
iPF5000 device is ideal for professional photographers looking to have their work
stand out in a crowd. This next evolution in Canon's large format portfolio provides
one of the industry's largest color gamuts with a new 12-color inkset. Available
in April, the printer will carry a manufacturer's suggested list price of $1,945.



PIXMA Pro9500 model: This is the first PIXMA photo printer to use ten pigment
ink cartridges with Canon's new Lucia pigmented inks which provide Photo Black,
Matte Black, Gray, Photo Magenta, Magenta, Photo Cyan, Cyan, Yellow, Green, and
Red for true-to-life color and monochrome prints that are ready for the gallery
wall.
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Want to put a high quality Canon in your pocket? The company just announced two new “pocket rockets”: the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II and the PowerShot SX720 HS digital cameras.