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The History of Canon 2006 - 2015
The Excellent Global Corporation Plan-II

History of Enterprise
year
History of Products
2006
  • Canon launches Phase III of the Excellent Global Corporation Plan.
  • Canon Inc., introducing a new corporate structure, appoints CEO Fujio Mitarai as chairman and Tsuneji Uchida as president and COO.
    Fujio Mitarai

    Fujio Mitarai

    Tsuneji Uchida

    Tsuneji Uchida

  • Chairman Fujio Mitarai is appointed the second chairman of Japan Business Federation.
  • Canon Sales Co., Inc. changes its name to Canon Marketing Japan Inc.
  • Canon Inc. effects a 3-for-2 split of its common shares.
  • Canon opens the Canon Global Management Institute, a training base for the cultivation of global leaders.
  • Canon commences cooperative research and development with Kyoto University on the High-Order Biological Imaging Leading-Edge Technology Hub project.
  • Canon and Utsunomiya University agree to establish an education and research center for optics.
  • Canon ANELVA wins the Japan Vacuum Industry Association Chairman's Award for its HDD head sensor.
  • Canon Optron, Inc. delivers one of the world's largest fluorite lenses for use at a major U.S. astrophysical observatory.
2006
  • The imagePROGRAF iPF9000, which incorporates the newly developed LUCIA twelve-color ink system and supports 60-inch large format prints, is introduced.
  • The PowerShot SD800 IS DIGITAL ELPH (DIGITAL IXUS 850 IS in other regions), incorporating DIGIC III and Face Detection Technology, is introduced.
  • The HV10 HDV camcorder, which incorporates a newly developed CMOS sensor for video and supports the digital Hi-Vision format, is introduced.
  • The PIXMA MP600, equipped with an Easy-Scroll Wheel for intuitive operation of multiple functions, is introduced.
  • The SELPHY ES1 compact photo printer is introduced.
  • The imagePRESS C1, a digital color production system for commercial printing, is introduced.
2007
  • Canon supports The Japan-China Exchange Year of Culture and Sports 2007.
  • Tokki Corporation (today, Canon Tokki Corporation), which develops, designs, manufactures, and sells OLED panel manufacturing equipment, becomes a Canon consolidated subsidiary.
  • Canon Mold Co., Ltd. is established, integrating Canon’s mold die operations.
  • Canon carries out its first-ever market purchase of its own shares.
  • Canon develops a 50-megapixel CMOS sensor prototype.
  • The Kawasaki Office opens.
  • Canon Launches the Cultural Heritage Inheritance Project (also known as the Tsuzuri Project) with the Kyoto Culture Association.
  • Canon opens Takeshi Mitarai Memorial Hall at Shimomaruko Headquarters.
2007
  • Canon makes a full-scale entry into the commercial digital printer market by introducing the imagePRESS C7000VP. The printer wins the Masuda Award of the 50th Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun Best 10 New Products Awards.
  • The MPAsp-H700 LCD lithography equipment with new platform for 8th-generation substrates is introduced.
  • The EOS-1Ds Mark III digital SLR camera with 35 mm full-frame, 21.1-megapixel CMOS sensor and 5 fps maximum shooting is introduced.
  • The PIXMA Pro9500, a photo inkjet printer for professionals using 10 pigment ink, is introduced.
  • The imagePROGRAF iPF6100, the world's first large format printer with an ambient light adjustment function, is introduced.
  • The HG10 HD camcorder with built-in hard disk is introduced.
2008
  • Hita Canon Materials Inc. is established.
  • Nagasaki Canon Inc. is established.
  • The Canon Institute for Global Studies and the Canon Foundation are established.
  • A Canon ANELVA researcher receives the 6th Prime Minister's Award for contributions in Industry-Academia-Government Collaborations.
  • SLR camera production reaches 50 million units.
  • Digital compact camera production reaches 100 million units.
2008
  • The REALiS SX80 (XEED SX80 in other regions), a multimedia projector equipped with Canon’s proprietary LCOS reflective crystal panel, is introduced.
  • The EOS 5D Mark II, the first camera ever to incorporate full HD video, is introduced.
    EOS 5D Mark II

    EOS 5D Mark II

  • The PowerShot SX1 IS, Canon’s first digital compact camera equipped with its proprietary CMOS sensor, is introduced.
2009
  • All headquarters functions of Canon Europe are consolidated in London.
  • Canon and HP enter a new alliance agreement in the solutions area.
  • Canon Athlete Club Kyushu is established.
  • Poppins Nursery TAMAGAWA, a day care center authorized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, opens on the grounds of Canon’s Shimomaruko Headquarters.
  • Affiliate Canon Wind Inc. is officially recognized for meeting legal standards in promoting the employment of people with disabilities.
  • Canon Virginia opens a new plant for toner cartridge production.
  • EF lens production reaches 50 million units.
  • CXDI digital radiography system production reaches 10,000 units.
2009
  • The imageRUNNER ADVANCE series of next-generation office network MFPs with enhanced IT environment integration is introduced.
    imageRUNNER ADVANCE C5051

    imageRUNNER ADVANCE C5051

  • The VIXIA HF20 (LEGRIA HF20 in other regions) high-definition digital camcorder with DIGIC DV III is introduced.
  • The EOS 7D digital SLR camera with up to 8 fps continuous shooting and ISO 12800 is introduced.
  • The PIXMA MP640 (MP648 in other regions) inkjet MFP with A4 printing at approx. 8.1 ipm is introduced.
  • The PowerShot S90 digital compact camera with large-diameter f/2.0 and 28 mm wide-angle lens is introduced.
  • EF 100 mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens with new Hybrid IS that compensates for both angular and shift camera shake is introduced.
  • The CX-1 hybrid retinal camera that combines both mydriatic and non-mydriatic modes is introduced.
2010
  • Océ N.V. (today, Canon Production Printing Holding B.V.) of the Netherlands becomes a Canon consolidated subsidiary.
  • Canon provides support for the Japan Pavilion at Shanghai World Expo 2010.
  • Canon develops world's first APS-H-size CMOS sensor with record-high 120-megapixel resolution.
  • Canon develops the world's largest ultrasensitive CMOS sensor at 202 x 205 mm.
  • To present the vision and future directions of the Canon Group, Canon holds Canon EXPO 2010, a showcase for new products and future technologies, in New York, Paris and Tokyo.
  • Fujio Mitarai is appointed president of the Rugby World Cup 2019 Organising Committee.
  • Canon and Fujitsu agree to collaborate on managed services.
2010
  • The PowerShot SD4500 IS DIGITAL ELPH (IXUS 1000 HS), the world's slimmest digital compact camera with 10x optical zoom and Full HD video, is introduced.
  • The XF305, a professional video camcorder with a 3-CMOS-sensor system,18x optical zoom, and file based recording codec, is introduced.
  • The PIXMA MG8100/MG6100 series, inkjet MFPs featuring revised body designs and the Intelligent Touch System light-guided button-navigation system, is introduced.
  • The compact-body imageRUNNER ADVANCE C2000 series is introduced.
  • The CXDI-70C Wireless, a non-tethered digital X-ray detector, is introduced.
2011
  • Canon launches Phase IV of the Excellent Global Corporation Plan.
  • Canon holds Canon EXPO 2011 in Shanghai.
  • Canon and MEDIAN Technologies, a France-based IT solution vendor, enter into an agreement in the medical domain.
  • Canon donates portable digital radiography systems to support victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
  • Construction of the Kyoto University Advanced Medical Device Development and Clinical Research Center completed.
  • Canon Prachinburi (Thailand) Ltd. is established.
  • Canon Business Machines (Philippines), Inc. is established.
2011
  • Canon enters the motion picture production industry with the launch of the Cinema EOS System of cinema cameras and lenses.
    Cinema EOS System

    Cinema EOS System

  • The PowerShot SX230 HS, a 14x optical zoom digital compact camera with GPS, is introduced.
  • Canon launches cloud-based document services through the Canon Business Imaging Online cloud services platform.
  • A digital production printing system utilizing an Océ (today, Canon Production Printing) printer controller is developed, marking the first Canon-Océ (today, Canon Production Printing) jointly developed product.
2012
  • Fujio Mitarai is appointed president, in addition to chairman and CEO, of Canon Inc.
    Fujio Mitarai

    Fujio Mitarai

  • Canon Indústria de Manaus Ltda. is established in Brazil.
  • Canon Marketing Vietnam Co., Ltd. is established.
  • Canon technology contributes to an expanded field of view in the Subaru Telescope of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan in Hawaii.
  • Canon receives a Technology & Engineering Emmy® Award for improvements to large format CMOS imagers for use in High Definition broadcast video cameras at the 64th Annual Technology & Engineering Emmy® Awards.
  • Canon enters into collaborative research agreements with Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital.
  • Canon achieves the leading global share in interchangeable lens digital cameras for the 10th year straight.
2012
  • MREAL, a new MR (mixed reality) system that contributes to reduced development times during product design, is introduced.
    MREAL HM-A1

    MREAL HM-A1

  • The top-of-the-line EOS-1D X digital SLR camera, offering the highest levels of image quality and speed performance, is introduced.
    EOS-1D X

    EOS-1D X

  • The PIXMA PRO-1 professional inkjet printer, featuring the newly developed LUCIA 12-color ink system, is introduced.
  • The EOS M, a compact-system camera that offers digital SLR camera-level image quality in a compact and lightweight body, is introduced.
  • Canon acquires CFP (Carbon Footprint of Products) certification for nine multifunction printer models, a first in the product category.
  • Canon enters the OCT ophthalmic equipment market with the introduction of the OCT-HS100, the first Canon-branded optical coherence tomography device.
2013
  • Chairman Fujio Mitarai receives the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun from the Emperor of Japan.
  • Canon Americas completes new headquarters in Melville, N.Y.
  • Canon Solutions America, Inc. is established.
  • Canon Vietnam Co., Ltd. achieves production of 100 million inkjet printers.
  • Canon (Suzhou) Inc. achieves production of 100 million imageRUNNER ADVANCE series office network MFPs.
  • Canon develops 35 mm full-size CMOS sensor with high sensitivity and reduced noise, enabling video shooting in low light.
  • Eight models from the imageRUNNER ADVANCE series receive EPEAT Gold ratings in New Digital Imaging Equipment Category.
  • Canon Virginia Inc. becomes the first manufacturer to acquire Responsible Recycling Practices for Electronics Recyclers (R2) certification in the U.S.
  • An ultra-high-sensitivity 4K-model Cinema EOS System camera successfully captures the world's first video of the comet ISON shot from the International Space Station.
2013
  • Canon enters the 4K video production display market with the launch of the DP-V3010 30-inch 4K display for professional use.
    DP-V3010

    DP-V3010

  • Canon launches the EOS 70D digital SLR camera, featuring innovative Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology to satisfy the needs of users seeking to extend their photographic horizons.
  • Canon launches the PowerShot N digital compact camera, which opens up a new dimension of photographic expression by generating six unique images with each shot.
  • Canon launches the VIXIA mini (LEGRIA mini) digital video camcorder, which offers new shooting styles and new ways to enjoy movies.
2014
  • Fujio Mitarai is appointed Honorary President of the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
  • Canon makes U.S.-based Molecular Imprints, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary under the new company name Canon Nanotechnologies, Inc., to engage in development of next-generation semiconductor lithography equipment.
  • Canon Europe makes Milestone Systems (Denmark) a wholly owned subsidiary.
  • Canon signs global partnership with Volkswagen for managed print services.
  • Digital camera production reaches 250 million units.
  • EF lens production reaches 100 million units.
  • Canon contributes to production of the primary mirror used in TMT (Thirty Meter Telescope) extremely large telescope at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, Hawaii Observatory.
2014
  • Canon enters the industrial camera market with the launch of the M15P-CL camera for inspection devices, equipped with a low-noise, high-pixel-count CMOS sensor.
  • Canon enters the machine vision market with the launch of the RV1100 3-D Machine Vision System, which makes possible high-speed, high-precision 3-D recognition.
    RV1100

    RV1100

  • Canon launches MAXIFY series of business inkjet printers.
    MAXIFY MB5330

    MAXIFY MB5300 series

  • Canon launches EOS 7D Mark II with high-speed continuous shooting performance and new AF system.
  • Canon launches imagePRESS C800/C700 color multifunction printer for the light production market.
2015
  • Canon EXPO 2015, a showcase for Canon’s new products and future technologies, is held in New York, Paris and Tokyo.
  • Canon makes Axis Communications (Sweden) a consolidated subsidiary.
  • Canon BioMedical, Inc. is established by Canon U.S.A.
  • Canon’s Toner Cartridge Recycling Program reaches its 25th year.
2015
  • Canon launches EOS 5DS/EOS 5DS R high-resolution digital SLR camera with 50.6-megapixel CMOS sensor.
  • Canon offers a new imaging experience for photos and movies with the launch of Connect Station CS100.
  • Ultra wide-angle zoom lens EF11-24mm f/4L USM with 11mm focal length is launched.
  • Canon launches the ME20F-SH ultra high-sensitivity multipurpose camera, which enables shooting of full-color movies in extreme low light conditions.
  • The imagePRESS C10000VP production printer offering print speed of 100 pages per minute is launched.
    imagePRESS_C10000VP

    imagePRESS C10000VP