Canon to own 25% of the compact digital cameras market in 2004

According to our sources, Canon plans to sell at least 12.5 million compact digital cameras in 2004 that is about 50% more than 8.5 million of this year. This doesn´t include 500,000 SLR cameras that the company is going to sell this year.

According to the company itself, in 2004 Canon will own 25% of the compact digital cameras market indicating the stable 5% growth comparing to this year (about 20%) and 15% of 2002.

These plans are rather ambitious: according to the director of the digital solutions business group, 25% will be achieved independently to the market growth. If it makes 50 million cameras, they´ll provide 12.5 million. If it makes 55 million, they´ll going to provide a quarter of it anyway.

Provisional information indicate that in 2003 Japanese makers are to ship about 40-44 million digital cameras. According to Japanese Camera and Imaging Products Association (CIPA), last year they shipped 25 million units. Speaking of Canon plans for the next year, in 2004 it plans to introduce 18 new compact digital cameras (vs. 9 models unveiled this year). Besides, in 2003 the company announced 2 DSLR modules, including EOS Kiss Digital.

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