Canon is celebrating 20 years of the EOS system. Standing for Electro Optical System, EOS began with the EOS 650 back in 1987 (what a decade!). To help celebrate, Canon UK has launched 21 new promotional DSLR kits (13 new photo kits and eight new lens kits). Examples of the photo kits include the EOS 400D IS Double Zoom Kit, which contains the EF-S 17-85mm IS U lens and the EF 70-300mm IS U lens; the EOS 30D Macro + Ring Flash Kit, which contains the EF 100mm Macro lens and the MR-14EX Ring Flash; and the EOS 5D Photo + Speedlite Kit, containing the EF 50mm 1.4 lens and the 220EX Speedlite.

Canon UK Press Release

A milestone in photography: Canon’s EOS system turns 20

United Kingdom, 22 February, 2007: From the release of the groundbreaking EOS 650 in 1987 to the EOS-1D Mark III launched today, the EOS system – a complete range of camera bodies, lenses and accessories – has maintained full compatibility while continuing to benefit from technological innovation. This has made EOS the system of choice for millions of photographers across the globe.

The enduring popularity of the EOS system can be attributed partly to its unbeatable level of compatibility. Over 20 years – which have witnessed countless advances in photography, including the revolutionary rise of the digital camera – the ever-expanding EOS range has allowed photographers to take advantage of any new technologies while still benefiting from their existing equipment. This compatibility allows EOS users to build their own customised system of camera bodies, lenses and accessories to create the perfect shooting solution for any subject or style.

Beyond image capture, the EOS system now encompasses the complete imaging workflow chain, from Digital Photo Professional processing software to Canon’s celebrated XEED projectors and PIXMA range of photo printers.

At the same time, the EOS system has spent 20 years evolving and innovating. The name EOS is itself a reflection of this: standing not only for ‘Electro Optical System’ but also EOS, the Greek goddess of dawn. Analogue-era developments such as USM technology have been complemented by a raft of innovations in the digital age: the first consumer D-SLR under €1,000; the first 8 frames per second D-SLR; the first D-SLR to break the 16 Megapixel barrier.

That’s why the EOS system continues to expand today. With groundbreaking camera models like the EOS 300D, the EOS 1Ds Mark II and now the EOS-1D Mark III, the EOS system has already defined the digital era with the same success that saw it revolutionise analogue photography in the 80s and 90s. Through continued exploration of the possibilities offered by digital technology, the EOS system guarantees to continue innovating and growing in the years to come.

Canon UK Press Release

United Kingdom, 22 February, 2007: To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Canon’s established EOS range, Canon UK today unveiled new promotional digital SLR (D-SLR) kits, enabling customers to share in its birthday festivities. 

The 13 new photo kits and eight new lens kits have been specifically designed to deliver on consumer demand and build on the successful EOS foundation kits introduced last year.

The kits have been created for the popular EOS 400D, EOS 30D and EOS 5D models. Examples of the photo kits include the EOS 400D IS Double Zoom Kit, which contains the EF-S 17-85mm IS U lens and the EF 70-300mm IS U lens; the EOS 30D Macro + Ring Flash Kit, which contains the EF 100mm Macro lens and the MR-14EX Ring Flash; and the EOS 5D Photo + Speedlite Kit, containing the EF 50mm 1.4 lens and the 220EX Speedlite.

As leader in the D-SLR market with a 57% market share, Canon is ideally placed to continue to stimulate the market. The digital SLR arena has grown significantly in past years and has predicted growth of 33% in 2007, notably due to the high proportion of first time buyers opting for this type of camera (52%), while 14% of existing digital camera owners look to upgrade to D-SLR models. The new Canon kits have been created to provide these consumers with the perfect solution for their photographic needs. 

“The D-SLR market is at an exciting stage in its evolution and these new kits are a clear example of our investment and commitment to the market. We know that D-SLR consumers want outstanding still image quality, and these new kits will help to deliver this in one easy package, at excellent value for money. We are delighted to be able to extend our EOS anniversary celebrations to our customers and thank them for their commitment to Canon,” commented Alessandro Stanzani, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging UK & Ireland.

The Canon D-SLR kits will be available from 1st March from all good retailers, and will be packaged in a box marked with the EOS 20th anniversary logo.

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