Background and
Canon Inc. is a Japanese corporation that produces imaging and optical products. Canon’s products include cameras, camcorders, photocopiers, steppers, computer printers, and medical equipment.
The forerunner of Canon was the Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory founded by Takeshi Mitarai. In its early years, the company did not have the amenities to create its own optical glass leading to the use of Nikkor lenses from Nippon Kogaku K.K. (which later became the Nikon Corporation).
In 1934, the Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory produced its first camera, the “Kwanon.” The Kwanon was a prototype for Japan’s first 35mm camera with a focal-plane-based shutter. Then in 1940, the company developed the first X-Ray camera in Japan. The company name was officially changed to Canon Camera Co., Inc. in 1947, and then later shortened to Canon Inc. in 1969.
Canon is popular for its digital and film cameras. Film cameras have been made by Canon since 1933. However, digital cameras were not manufactured and distributed until 1984, beginning with the RC-701.
Identification
Along with the RC series, Canon created several other series of cameras including the PowerShot, the Digital IXUS, and the EOS. The EOS series is a series of digital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLRs), which includes higher-end professional models as well as lower-end beginner models. While still available, Canon cameras using photographic film are not as common as they were before the advent of digital cameras.
To identify a camera, find the product name which is generally printed on the front of the camera. Then, the serial number can be found on the underside of the camera, or in the battery compartment.