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| Canon headquarter building in Tokyo, Japan |
Canon is the largest photographic equipment manufacturer in the world. They have been ranked 40 out of 100 in a survey of the world's most valuable brands and have celebrated EF lens and EOS camera production of 110th and 80th million unit recently. However, their profits have dropped in the most recent quarter because camera sales have been down in the last few years, primarily due to changes in consumers' taste and the advancement in the cameras of many smartphones.
No camera manufacturer has not been affected by the recent downturn and Canon remains a blue chip, profitable company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Samsung has already shut down its camera sales operations in Germany and the United Kingdom, two of the largest economies in Europe. Sony is in the process of acquiring Toshiba's sensor manufacturing business. Lately, there are rumors Canon tried to acquire Sigma Corporation, a family owned business specializing in after market lens for other brands of cameras. This is hardly earth-shattering news in the business world. Businesses merge or get bought out all the time and the camera business is no different.
Canon is a conservative company and although they have 'kicked the tires' in checking out other companies, including Hasselblad, they rarely overpay and prefer to buy on the cheap. Although the photography market is not expected to experience sales like it did 5 or 6 years ago, it is not expected to collapse either.
Recently, at the 2015 Expo Show, Canon showed off a few prototype products with great potential, among them, a 120MP APS-C sensor, 250MP APS-H sensor, EF 600mm f/4 DO BR lens and the ME-20F-SH camera that 'sees in the dark'. In addition, Canon is expected to announce the EOS-1D X Mark II and EOS-5D Mark IV cameras in the first half of 2016. There are many things on Canon management's plate in the next few months, but they are also actively pursuing possible deals in the areas of sensor and lens manufacturing. It could end up in an outright purchase or joint venture with another company. More to come when I receive additional information.
I have been a wildlife photographer for 25 years using Canon equipment, As an user and observer of the company over the years, I have seen many changes and expect to see much more as they adapt to new challenges and technology. You can see my works on MichaelDanielHo.com
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