New-Generation Autofocus SLR Camera, "EOS"

In February 1985, Minolta Company introduced the "Minolta a-7000," while Nikon Corporation released "Nikon F-501" in April 1986. With the debut of these full-fledged 35mm AF SLR cameras, the world of the 35mm SLR cameras entered the autofocus age.

Under the development project called "EOS (Electro Optical System), " Canon confirmed that "a highly-refined AF SLR model deserving Canon's name should be developed with the target market release date of March 1, 1987, the year of Canon’s 50th anniversary. " The EOS development efforts bore fruit with the introduction of the "EOS 650" on March 1987 as scheduled. In developing the "EOS 650," several innovative and unique original Canon technologies were employed, which included BASIS (Base-stored Image Sensor), the highly sensitive focusing sensor and the first commercial unit in the world to adopted the high-precision Ultrasonic Motor (USM). The EOS successfully seized the top market share not only within Japan, but also in Europe. In 1989, the "EOS-1," the flagship of the EOS line SLR cameras was released.

The EF-series lenses, the development of which started simultaneously with the EOS cameras, are unique in their completely electronically controlled automatic EF mount that permits highly accurate real-time data transfer between the camera body and the lens.

Video Camcorder "LX-1" with Interchangeable Lens

In 1991, the company released the "LX-1," an 8mm video camcorder with interchangeable lenses, which was hailed as the product most deserving of the Canon's name. With the VL lens-mount standard, the "LX-1" made it possible to use not only the exclusive interchangeable lens with a built-in microcomputer, but also to use the EF lenses designed for the EOS cameras.

Realization of the Inexpensive SV Camera

Since the process of developing film was not required, the SV camera advantage over the conventional cameras was that its shots were available instantaneously. Yet, the disadvantage of the SV camera was its high price. In order to provide an affordable SV camera for general users, Canon set the price target that would not exceed 100,000 yen. The target was met by the release of the "RC-250 (Q-PIC)" in December 1988, whose price was 99,800 yen.