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Since Canon released its first EOS DSLR the D30 in 2000 it has now shipped the significant number of 10 million digital reflex cameras! The EOS line first appeared in the market in 1987 and total sales up to now are 30 million cameras. This is no surprise as Canon together with Nikon completely dominate the single lens reflex segment, especially its professional top end. Here is a few facts and comments referring to the EOS DSLR part of Canon’s history:

• The 3 Mp resolution of the D30 caused laughs among film users but picture quality was a good sign of things to come.
• New product releases in the first part of the decade were major jumps in resolution. For example, in 2002 the D60 offered 6 Mp, effectively making the D30 obsolete.
• Again in 2002 Canon brought to market the first ever full frame DSLR, the 1Ds with an incredible resolution of 11 Mp. Film photography had a real challenger… Replaced by the 1Ds Mark II and later by the 1Ds Mark III, the 1Ds series has smashed the film myth and offers resolutions comparable to much more expensive medium format cameras.
• In 2003 the 10D did not offer more resolution but its picture quality became an instant hit and drew lots of amateur as well as professional photographers to the digital realm. The 20D, 30D and 40D models are direct evolutions of the 10D.
• Also in 2003 Canon decided to make a DSLR for the masses. The 300D - also known as the Digital Rebel- had a plastic body but a low enough price to boost Canon’s sales in a completely new market segment. Subsequently it evolved to the 350D and today’s 400D.
• In 2004 the 1D Mark II replaced the 1D to become the first DSLR specifically for sports photographers with a high resolution of 8 Mp and speed of 8 frames/sec. These features made it legendary among action photographers. The 1D Mark III is the successor of the 1D Mark II.
• 2005 saw the arrival of the significant 5D, a full frame camera that was at last relatively affordable and easily portable for travel or action shoots.
• Canon has pioneered CMOS sensors now used by all its competitors.
• In order to circumvent the high cost of full frame sensors, Canon had to come up with a smaller APS-C sensor. This unfortunately led to the emergence of the EF-S lens mount. Unlike EF lens which can be fitted to EF-S mount cameras, EF-S lens cannot be used with EF mount cameras. This division is creating confusion to consumers even today…
• To keep its film customer base, Canon built its DSLR systems with complete older lens compatibility. Its success is based on the fact that it has a very rich lens model line that is enriched continuously.

Canon DSLR cameras have become dominant among amateurs and more importantly among enthousiasts and professionals. Every single model is the benchmark of its market segment. Watch a football match or go to the 2008 Olympic games and you will most likely encounter a sea of trademark white Canon lens. Canon is incredibly equipped for the challenges of the future and we wish it good luck. The challenges are not only external competition but the format used which is a direct descendant of film cameras. The later will be the subject of future post.

Link 1: Engadget

Link 2: Canon