Canon 2002 Annual Report Download - page 22

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20
The EOS-1Ds, incorporating the world´s first 11.1-megapixel full-frame 35mm CMOS sensor,
fortifies Canon´s position in the professional-use digital SLR camera market
T
suneji Uchida, Chief Executive of Image Communication Products Operations,
T
alks about Di
g
ital Camera Strate
gy
The global market for digital cameras is growing rapidly, especially in Asia, where the market more than
doubled in 2002. Demand for compact digital cameras centered on 2-megapixel models through
2001, but in 2002 the market shifted to cameras with more powerful sensors. To keep apace of soaring
demand, Canon fortified its lineup with nine new products covering a wide spectrum of user needs,
from affordably priced to high-end models. These efforts propelled Canon to a sales increase significantly
ahead of growth in the market itself, as we captured the top monthly market share in Japan and Europe
several times and remained among the best sellers worldwide.
In the next few years, prices of 2- to 3-megapixel compact digital cameras are likely to fall, but advances
in image resolution and features are anticipated to attract new customers. In this area, we are actively
promoting our direct print concept, which enables users to connect Canon digital cameras with our
dye-sublimation and Bubble Jet printers without a PC. With the establishment of the PictBridge industry
standard for printing directly from digital cameras, we will
introduce a lineup of compatible products to contribute to
the creation of a new digital photography culture.
Although competition escalated in the market for digital
single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras in 2002, Canon was able to
maintain its preeminent position throughout the year, while the
market itself more than doubled in size. Sales of the EOS-1D,
which received a number of awards, advanced owing to the
staging of major sports events during the year. Canon developed
the world´s first full-frame 35mm CMOS sensor with 11.1-
megapixel resolution, and adopted it in the EOS-1Ds.We continue to advance the technologies of our
highly popular ultracompact digital cameras.
In the Image Communication Products Operations, we have adopted
the business strategy of providing Canon customers with total
imaging solutions, from image input to output, in line with the
evolution of digital photography. We will draw on the know-how and
technologies Canon has amassed in its history of camera development
and production of 150 million cameras to continue enhancing
our digital camera lineup. The first step in our imaging solutions
strategy is promoting the diffusion of direct photo printing, which
lets digital camera users output their photographs without using a PC.
At the same time, we are providing products and services that allow
users to take full advantage of image communication over networks.
As a leader of the digital photography industry, Canon is actively
pursuing a new culture of photography and prosperity for the
industry as a whole.
Cameras