Canon Celebrates 25 years of the EOS camera

June 17, 2012 - PRLog -- To commemorate the 25 year milestone, Canon gave consumers a chance to win one of 25 cameras from the EOS DSLR range, with over 20,000 new fans entering the competition.

Rochelle Mora, Brand Manager – Imaging at Canon New Zealand says, “The EOS brand is one which enjoys a rich legacy and has been a favourite of New Zealanders who are passionate about photography since the first EOS 650 launched in 1987.”

“Canon’s celebration of EOS through the Facebook page is really more a celebration of love of creativity and expression through photography. We are thrilled that we can provide a hub for photography and cinematography conversations.”

Entrants of the popular competition were asked to submit a favourite photograph taken from the last 25 years. Winners were drawn randomly, opposed to being selected on skill or technique, as a way of celebrating all images from all skill levels. Visit www.facebook.com/CanonNewZealand to see the 25 lucky winners.

The EOS 650 was, at the time, a game breaker as the world’s first AF (autofocus) SLR camera to realise electronic control for the entire system. Twenty-five years on, to coincide with the hallmark commemoration, Canon has released the widely anticipated EOS 5D MKIII http://www.canon.co.nz/en-NZ/For-You/EOS-Digital-SLR-Came..., an upgrade to one of Canon’s most highly regarded DSLR cameras, the 5D MKII.

“High speed, ease of use and outstanding image quality are the characteristics that continue to make Canon EOS the choice of enthusiasts, amateurs and professionals alike. Together with our great retail partnerships, these are the reasons Canon New Zealand continues as the dominant player, with a strong number one share in digital SLR[1],” says Mora.

25 years in the making

In 1987, the launch of EOS and the EOS 650 contributed significantly to the popularisation and development of AF SLR cameras. It fuelled the dramatic growth among both professional users, with the introduction of the top-of-the-line EOS-1 in 1989, as well as entry-level users, with the release of the EOS 500 in 1993.

The year 2000 marked Canon’s full-fledged entry into the digital era with the launch of the EOS D30. Canon’s EOS Digital series has consistently led the digital evolution of SLR cameras with Canon-developed CMOS sensors and the high-performance DIG!C image processor, along with the company’s EF lens line-up, boasting outstanding optical performance and an extensive selection.

In 2008, Canon further strengthened its digital SLR line-up with the introduction of four new models, including the EOS 5D Mark II, the first DSLR camera to incorporate full high-definition video recording.

The year 2010 saw Canon reinforce its market-leading EOS digital SLR range with the introduction of the EOS 60D. Replacing the popular EOS 50D camera, the EOS 60D sits between the EOS 600D and EOS 7D and is perfect for users stepping up from an entry-level DSLR.

In October 2011, Canon released the new flagship model of the renowned EOS 1-series of digital SLR cameras for professional photographers – the Canon EOS-1D X. Superseding the EOS-1D Mark IV and the EOS-1Ds Mark III, the EOS-1D X is the ultimate tool for all professionals offering both exceptional image quality and unparalleled speed in one camera.

To view the full list of winners and their submissions visit,
www.facebook.com/canonnewzealand

About EOS-series SLR cameras

The EOS series, which stands for “Electro Optical System” and also carries the name of the Greek goddess of the dawn, was first introduced in March 1987 as a new generation of AF SLR cameras that incorporate the world’s first electronic mount system, achieving complete electronic control not only between the lens and body but throughout the entire camera system.

Production of the Canon EOS-series AF (autofocus) single-lens reflex cameras and interchangeable EF lenses began with film cameras in 1987. The uptake of digital SLR photography has seen the 10-million production milestone intervals for each rapidly shortening:

Canon EOS-series cameras

-1997 10-millionth EOS (10 million units in 10 years)
-2003 20-millionth EOS
-Dec 2007 30-millionth EOS
-May 2010 40-millionth EOS
-Sept 2011 50-millionth EOS (10 million units in 16 months)