CANON SHIPS 100 MILLIONTH COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERA 

Canon has rolled out its 100 millionth digital compact camera, the first being the PowerShot 600 which was launched in 1996.

'We are delighted to reach such a landmark number in camera production,' said Canon's European head of Consumer Imaging Mogens Jensen.

To mark the milestone, Canon plans to launch a 'special colour variation model' in the near future.

Press Release

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 19, 2008 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced that Canon Inc. has reached an important milestone with the shipping of its 100 millionth compact digital camera.

Compact Cameras - A Historical Look Back
Beginning in May 2000, Canon launched the breakthrough PowerShot Digital model, which featured a compact body with a stylish design. This model spearheaded the digital camera market's later massive growth with its easy portability and simple operation, which won over millions of users worldwide. Following the introduction, Canon released a string of revolutionary products that drove market expansion while addressing the diversifying needs of users: the PowerShot A70 digital camera (2003), which sold more units worldwide than any other model that year due to its superb operability and cost performance; the smooth and chic PowerShot Digital SD10 Digital ELPH camera (2003); the PowerShot G7 digital camera (2006), which carved out a position for high-end models in the compact digital camera market; and the PowerShot S5 IS digital camera (2007), which combined a high-power zoom lens with precise image stabilization.

Canon began producing compact digital cameras in 1996 at Oita Canon, which continues to be the prime production site. Canon also has manufactured compact digital cameras at a number of locations, including Canon Opto (Malaysia) and Canon Zhuhai (China).

On the technology front, Canon has been a leader in pushing the evolution of compact digital cameras. Some notable contributions have been the DIGIC high-performance imaging processor, which processes richly detailed image data at very high speeds; Canon's ultra-compact lens with built-in image stabilizers; and iSAPS technology, which controls exposures with high accuracy based on shooting condition predictions.

As a leading digital camera company, Canon is committed to delivering attractive products that satisfy every user by pursuing new technical breakthroughs to better capture those important moments, by elevating the Company's renowned product quality, and by strengthening its sales and service platforms.