Canon commemorates 50 years since their first SLR Camera

By Robert • Jan. 8, 2009

Canon 50 Year Logo Canon USA issued a press release yesterday stating that: 2009 is a milestone year for Canon, commemorating the passing of 50 years since they sold their first single-lens reflex camera. Canon’s history with 35mm single-lens reflex cameras began in May 1959, when Canon Inc. launched the Canonflex (see photo below). Thereafter, the Company 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 T90, a state-of-the-art T Series model (1986).

Additionally, in March 1987, Canon 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 Rebel (1993), for which size and weight reductions were accomplished.

Canonflex Camera Since the year 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 been a leader in the evolution of single-lens reflex cameras with Canon-developed CMOS sensors, the high-performance image processor DIGIC and an EF lens group that boasts outstanding optical performance and an abundant line-up.

Last year (2008), Canon released four models, including the EOS Rebel XSi, which has acquired the top market share in numerous countries 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.
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Here at RobertsPhotoBlog, we wish Canon another half a century of success in industry-leading innovation.

Classic Camera magazine, vol. 10 – Leica copies, Canonflex