MELVILLE, N.Y., June 10, 2014 - Canon U.S.A, a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced that its parent company, Canon Inc., is commemorating the 25th anniversary of the EOS-1 series, the flagship model lineup of the Company's EOS series of interchangeable-lens cameras that debuted in 1989.
In 1987, Canon launched EOS, the world's first autofocus (AF) single-lens reflex camera to feature a fully electronic mount system, using electrical signals to control such functions as autofocusing and aperture adjustment. Two years later, in 1989, the Company introduced its top-of-the-line professional model EOS-1. Created to satisfy the advanced demands of professional photographers, the camera marked the inaugural model of Canon's EOS-1 series. Based on the EOS concept of delivering automated performance to meet the user's needs, the EOS-1 camera featured cutting-edge technologies, class-leading levels of performance, high durability, robustness and reliability.
Canon has consistently launched SLR cameras designed to satisfy the demands of professionals in step with the changing times. First, in 1994, as a growing number of professional photographers were making use of the autofocusing capabilities offered by EOS cameras and EF lenses, Canon launched the EOS-1N camera which featured an increased number of focusing points and enhanced predictive focusing capabilities when tracking moving subjects. Then, in 2000, the Company introduced the EOS-1V camera, equipped with 45-point high-density area AF, which contributed to accurate and precise high-speed predictive AF up to nine frames-per-second.
Upon entering the digital era, in 2001 Canon launched its first flagship-model, professional digital SLR camera the EOS-1D, followed in 2002 by the EOS-1Ds camera, equipped with a full-frame 35mm sensor. Since then, the Company has reinforced its product lineup through efforts targeting enhanced image quality, continuous shooting performance and rugged reliability even when shooting in adverse weather conditions such as rain or snow.
In June 2012, Canon released the EOS-1D X, its latest flagship pro-model digital SLR camera, marking the EOS-1 camera series' 13th* model since the launch of the original EOS-1 camera. The EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera has garnered strong acclaim from professionals working in a wide range of fields, from photojournalism and sports coverage to commercial and nature photography.
Through the introduction of its powerful flagship model EOS-1 series, Canon continues to enhance the value of its product lineup by incorporating cutting-edge technologies, and the expansion of these technologies, even to entry-level models. In addition to its robust camera lineup, Canon contributes to developing the culture of photographic and video imaging through its efforts to fulfill the diverse needs of its users.