Canon eyes bigger share

MANILA, Philippines - Canon Marketing Philippines Inc. wants to expand its market share in digital imaging products this year to 60 percent from 57 percent last year by offering a wider range of digital cameras and printers with specialized functions.

“We expect the market to expand 35 to 40 percent and we’d like to grow faster than the market,” said Bong Serevo, Canon Philippines vice president for Imaging Communications and Products Division.

He said sales of digital SLR cameras are particularly strong, making it possible for Canon Philippines to corner 50 percent of the market in the category this year.

“With the great tourist spots that we have, Filipinos are really inclined towards good photography,” he said.

Canon Philippines on Thursday launched 19 new models of digital cameras and as well as new printer models.

These includes a series of WiFi-enabled digital cameras and camcorders.

The Ixus series now includes the Digital Ixus 510 HS and the Ixus 240 HS which allow users to transfer images and videos directly from camera to any portable Android- and iOS-run device.

The PowerShot range introduces seven new models into its line-up: the traveller-friendly PowerShot SX260 HS and the Powershot SX240 HS ideal for taking long-range zoom shots of distant subjects; and the entry-level PowerShot A series featuring super slim, 16.1 megapixel compact cameras: PowerShot A4000 IS, PowerShot A3400 IS, PowerShot A2400 IS, PowerShot A2300 and PowerShot A810.

The new batch of Vixia camcorders also features WiFi capability in addition to improved video recording technology for clearer and sharper video quality. With the exception of the Vixia HF R300 AVCHD, all new models in the Vixia series – Vixia HF R30 and the Vixia HF M50 AVCHD – feature wireless connectivity functions.

For small and medium enterprise (SME) customers, Canon also launched a series of printers for small businesses.

Most of the new models are equipped with a WiFi feature that allows users to print photos and documents wirelessly using smartphones and tablet computers.