Canon 2003 Annual Report Download - page 23

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Fiscal 2003 Review
In 2003, the compact digital camera market continued to show
significant growth. In this circumstance, Canon introduced six
new PowerShot series and three Digital ELPH series cameras
and has finally reached the top position in the industry. In
2004, Canon’s new products plan is even more aggressive,
aiming to establish the uncontested No. 1 position.
In the digital SLR camera segment, popular new product
offerings including the EOS 10D and EOS Digital Rebel (EOS
300D Digital) bolstered Canon’s dominant position worldwide.
Canon’s digital SLR cameras feature the company’s proprietary
CMOS imaging sensors to offer advantages like low image
noise, and low power consumption. Both the sensor technology,
and the cameras themselves, captured numerous awards in
the respective industries. With an eye on further expanding
its lead in this growing global market, Canon plans to boost
production further in 2004.
Hindered by the surging popularity of digital cameras, the
conventional film camera market continued to shrink in 2003.
The introduction of new models, however, enabled Canon to
retain its position firmly atop this market worldwide and to
record a healthy level of profitability. With a cautious eye on
market trends, Canon will continue to develop new products
and maintain a firm commitment to the film camera market.
Technological developments, including Diffractive Optical
Elements (DO), Image Stabilizer (IS) and Ultrasonic Motor
(USM), have helped Canon to maintain a technical lead over
other makers in the camera lens segment. Canon offers over
50 EF lenses. These high-quality, high-performance lenses
provide outstanding performance with digital cameras as well
as film cameras, greatly contributing to sales. The introduction
of new lenses offering optimum performance with Canon’s
digital SLR cameras is planned for 2004.
In the worldwide digital video camcorder market, our eight
new products gave Canon a 19% share (Canon estimate). Since
its introduction, the Optura 300 (MVX 10i) kept the No. 1 position
(GfK Japan) for three months from October through December
in the Japanese market for its advanced DIGIC DV digital
imaging processor, which improves both digital movie quality
and digital still quality. In 2004, we will continue to develop
and produce new camcorders with innovative technologies.
Since Canon introduced the new PictBridge-equipped CP
series Compact Photo Printers in 2003, the market has shown
very positive signs of accepting this distinctive new printer
category. In 2004, Canon will show strong leadership and
presence to establish this new printer market.
In 2003, the LCD projector market grew by volume, but
slipped on a revenue basis. In
response to this situation, Canon
is using its proven imaging
expertise to implement optical
technologies that will differentiate
Canon LCD projectors from the
competition.
Camera products achieved
sales growth of 34.5%, totaling
¥653.5 billion (U.S.$6,108 mil-
lion) in 2003. Operating profit for
the segment appreciably ad-
vanced 79.7% to ¥126.3 billion
(U.S.$1,181 million).
700,000
0
Sales results:
Cameras
(Millions of yen)
Incorporating a 2.2-megapixel CCD and Canon’s proprietary
DIGIC DV digital imaging processor, the Optura 300 digital
video camcorder captures both video and still images of
outstanding quality.
9999 0000 0101 0202 0303
273,126273,126
318,234
318,234
381,367
381,367
485,778
485,778
653,540
653,540
21