Canon's single-lens reflex camera turns 50

MANILA, Philippines - 2009 marks the milestone for Canon, commemorating the passing of 50 years since it sold its first single-lens reflex camera in 1959.

Incorporating advanced and groundbreaking technology, Canon’s single-lens reflex cameras have evolved with the times. Exceeding a cumulative total of 53 million, Canon has garnered extensive support from users around the world.

Henceforth, Canon will continue to develop its single-lens reflex cameras and lead image culture in the next 50 years.

Canon’s history with 35-mm single-lens reflex cameras began in May 1959, when it launched the Canon Flex.

Thereafter, it continued to introduce cameras that embodied solid technology and innovation, including the F-1, its first professional model (1971); the AE-1, the world’s first single-lens reflex camera with built-in CPU (1976); and the T-90, a state-of-the-art T Series model (1986).

In March 1987, Canon also adopted the world’s first electronic mount and launched the EOS 650, a new-generation AF single-lens reflex camera with electronic control that was originally between the lens and the body and then encompassed the entire system.

The EOS Series, which has continued to the present day, has rapidly expanded users in both the professional segment, with the top-of-the-line EOS-1 (1989), and in the entry segment, with the EOS 500 (1993), for which size and weight reductions were accomplished.

Since 2000, an era of full-fledged digitalization has been dawning, beginning with the EOS D30 (2000). With speed, ease and high image quality as its key concepts, the EOS Digital Series has constantly led the evolution of single-lens reflex cameras with Canon-developed CMOS sensors, high-performance image processor DIGIC and an EF lens group that boasts outstanding optical performance and an abundant line-up. 

Last year, Canon released four models, including the EOS 450D, which has acquired the top share in numerous areas around the world, and the EOS 5D Mark II, which is equipped with the first full high-definition movie recording functions for a single-lens reflex camera. It has thus created an even more powerful lineup.