EOS -- Digital AF SLR Cameras That Lead the Way
With the advent of the new millennium came groundbreaking new EOS-series digital camera products. Launched in 2000 was the EOS D30, a full-fledged AF digital SLR featuring a high-resolution CMOS sensor. In 2001, EOS-1D hit the market as a professional digital SLR targeted at sports and news photographers, while the EOS-1Ds featured an 11.1 megapixel sensor and was designed to be the perfect high-end photographic tool. Canon's efforts to enhance functionality without compromising on cost performance were crystallized in the EOS D60 in 2002 and EOS 10D in 2003. These cutting-edge products propelled Canon's digital drive as the market leader. The debut of the EOS Kiss Digital in September 2003 quickly expanded the digital SLR market to include general consumers as well as the professional and the high end of the amateur markets, which had already embraced high-end digital photography. Technologies developed by Canon, such as the EF lens series for SLR cameras, the CMOS sensor and the DIGIC image processor, powered the rapid evolution of the digital SLR space.
Digital Going Mainstream for Compact Cameras Too
Digital technology reached the mainstream consumer in the compact camera space in 2000 with the emergence of a host of new compact digital cameras designed to allow users to reap new pleasure in digital photography. Canon accelerated this trend by rolling out in 2001 the PowerShot S40/S30, which had a direct printing function, and the PowerShot G3, powered by a DIGIC processor, in 2002. Canon's compact digital camera line was further expanded with the launch in 2003 of the PowerShot A70, which proved a massive global hit, and the IXY DIGITAL L, which featured higher portability and a snazzy, cutting edge look.
Large Choice of Digital Camcorder
The continuing spread of high-performance personal computers and broadband Internet connections among the general public is improving the technological environment for editing and transmission of moving pictures shot with digital camcorder. In response to such new user needs, Canon in 2002 released two entry-level digital camcorder on the market, - the FV30 and FV200KIT. In 2003, Canon then widened the scope of its camcorder offerings by launching the FV M1, a mid-range device, and the IXY DV M2, an ultra-compact, low- to mid-range product. The lineup was further diversified in 2004 with the rollout of the XL2, a professional-use product with interchangeable lens capability.
