In a recent earnings call, Canon mentioned an upcoming camera announcement that will approach SLR image quality. Smells like a true mirrorless camera may be in the works for Canon – unlike the big-sensored G1 X.
Next, I will discuss our full year projection for the camera segment. We expect a strong global demand for SLR cameras to continue driven by such factors as an expanding user base and replacement demand.
Regarding our product portfolio, Canon offers a broad lineup of SLR cameras to meet the wide range of market need. This year, we are updating our lineup with a particular focus on higher-end segment. We have already announced new advanced amateur and professional level cameras. We will use our rich lineup to expand sales 27% to 9.2 million unit. At the same time, we will also work to increase sales of interchangeable lenses. As for compact cameras, we are aiming to boost sales by 17% to 22 million units.
To achieve this, we will further differentiate and enhance our lineup by launching new cameras offering the image qualities that approaches SLR cameras; furthering the improvement in design and qualities, and by incorporating features such as network, connectivity capabilities.
In addition to the launch of differentiated new products, this high growth rate also reflects last year’s supply constraint due to the earthquakes and Thai flood. As for our cinema use systems, which targets motion pictures on television production industry, we also expand sales by enhancing our product lineup. In total, we expect net sales for the camera segment to increase 23.1%.
[via Seeking Alpha & Canon Rumors]
Duh Canon! You are now deciding the the world just might be ready for a mirrorless camera now that you have said so… Therefore you will lead the world into a ‘near-like DSLR quality’ camera… Innovation!?!
…Guess what? Olympus, Sony, Panasonic and others are already making DSLR quality mirrorless cameras… Perhaps when you notice they are getting even more attention than the glorious new 5D Mark III this is a hint to consider making one… Genius!
I recently read a good analogy between Canon and Toyota: both make competent, quality products, but neither are particularly innovative. The “instant hit” of the G1-X and all the Canon promotions lead one to believe their sales figures are tanking and no wonder with the half-hearted effort of satisfying the customers desire for small, high-performance designs by trying to make us pay $750 for a G1-X! Stodgy and non-innovative may be a better description. Let’s hope this is a phase and they will get the picture…….soon.
Dear Canon,
Welcome to the new millennium!
Love,
Sony, Panny, Oly…