Canon 2002 Annual Report Download - page 24

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22
Canon is the world’s largest lens manufacturer, offering more than 50 kinds of interchangeable lenses
in the EF series for EOS brand SLR cameras, which we design to maximize the performance of both
digital and silver-halide SLR cameras. In addition, other major products, including lens units and optical
devices for video camcorders, digital cameras and projectors, are highly competitive and strongly evalu-
ated by our many business partners. We are further accelerating R&D to keep apace of rapid change in
the digital age and will provide unique products with state-of-the-art technologies such as Multi-Layer
Diffractive Optical Elements, which enable us to design lighter and smaller lenses.
In the compact cameras segment, Canon advanced its market share globally with the introduction of its
first 155-mm high-zoom product in the SureShot (Prima) series, and the third generation of our highly
popular ELPH (IXUS) series of Advanced Photo System compact cameras. As with our conventional
SLR cameras, we will strive to raise our market share while enhancing sales efforts in emerging markets
with high potential for future growth. The results of efforts to expand our conventional camera market
share with attractive offerings will be seen in new products introduced in 2003 and beyond.
Although the worldwide market for digital video camcorders is expanding on a unit basis, intense
price competition forced the value of the market down in 2002. On the other hand, Canon reported
excellent results for the year. In the extremely competitive entry-level market, we used powerful optical
zoom ratios to distinguish our ZR series (MV500 series) products, and offered PC connection kits as
standard accessories. In the midrange, we launched the popular Optura 200MC (MVX2i), while at
the high end we released the GL2 (XM2), further strengthening our offerings for professional users.
In this field, we are improving our lineup, studying new video recording media and enhancing the
PC connectivity of our products.
Shipments of binoculars with Canon´s image stabilizer increased in 2002, owing mainly to our launch of
the BINOCULARS 8×25 IS, the industry´s smallest and lightest image-stabilizer binoculars at the time
of its release. Our high-end strategy is to use our image stabilizer to introduce highly distinctive products.
On a unit basis, sales of our multimedia projectors outpaced overall growth in the market in 2002.
We introduced the powerful LV-7355, incorporating our industry-leading 1.5x Flex Zoom Lens, yet
compact enough for limited spaces. The market for multimedia projectors is estimated to expand with
new applications in home theater systems and educational institutions, and we will respond with
continuing technology and product innovations.
Canon’s ultracompact cameras for the Advanced
Photo System remain a long-selling hit.