Connect with us

Business

Canon celebrates significant milestones with production of 110 million Electro Optical System (EOS) series cameras

Published

on

Canon

Canon’s EOS system debuted alongside the EF series of interchangeable lenses in March 1987 as the world’s first fully-electronic mount system for silver halide film AF SLR cameras

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 17, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Canon Inc. (www.Canon-CNA.com) announced that the company has reached two major production milestones – a cumulative total of 110 million[1] EOS Series interchangeable-lens cameras in March and 160 million[2] RF/EF series interchangeable lenses in May. An EOS R6 Mark II (released in December 2022) was the 110 millionth EOS series camera produced, while an RF 100mm F2.8 L MACRO IS USM (released in July 2021) became the Company’s 160 millionth interchangeable lens.

Production of EOS Series cameras reaches 110 million mark through Canon’s pursuit of “Speed, Comfort and High Image Quality”

EOS, or Electro Optical System, is also the name of the Greek goddess of the dawn. Canon’s EOS system debuted alongside the EF series of interchangeable lenses in March 1987 as the world’s first fully-electronic mount system for silver halide film AF SLR cameras. During the dawn of digital SLR cameras, Canon introduced its breakthrough EOS 300D (EOS Digital Rebel or EOS Kiss Digital in other regions) in September 2003. Since that time, Canon has continued to launch a range of groundbreaking products, including the professional-model EOS-1D series and the EOS 5D series, which paved the way for digital SLR video recording. Canon’s desire to further expand the boundaries of visual expression led to its next-generation EOS R System, launched in October 2018. By striving to expand its lineup of attractive products to meet a diverse range of needs, Canon’s EOS series has gained and maintained the support of many users over the years. As a result, the company has maintained the world’s No. 1 share[3] of digital SLR cameras over 20 years, from 2003 to 2022. In March 2023, Canon produced its 110 millionth EOS series camera.

Production of Canon RF/EF lenses reaches 160 million unit production milestone on the strength of advanced imaging technology

Canon’s proprietary EF lenses, launched in March 1987 along with the EOS SLR camera system, have continued to evolve since their introduction, leading the industry through the incorporation of a wide range of innovative technologies, including such world firsts[4] as the Ultrasonic Motor (USM), Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, and a multilayered diffractive optical (DO) element.

With the addition of the RF Lens – which achieves unprecedented high image quality by leveraging a large aperture and short-back focus, along with a high-speed signal transmission system, that are the hallmarks of the EOS R System launched in 2018 – the entire range of lenses has been expanded to include a total of 115 models[5], expanding the possibilities of image capture. In May 2023, the Company celebrated the production of 160 million EOS series interchangeable lenses.

Refining its proprietary imaging technologies, Canon will continue to strengthen and expand the EOS series along with its RF and EF lens lineup, striving to push the frontier of imaging forward and to contribute to the further development of photographic and video imaging culture.

The EOS Series

The EOS series, a new generation of AF SLR cameras that adopt the world’s first electronic mount system achieving full electronic control of the entire system, was launched with the EOS 650, released in March 1987.

As silver halide cameras boomed, Canon launched several models covering a wide range of user needs, including the EOS-1 in Japan in 1989, aimed at professionals, and the EOS 500 (EOS Rebel XS or EOS Kiss in other regions) in Japan in 1993, which achieved a compact, lightweight design and greatly expanded Canon’s user base. Then in 2003, during the early years of the digital camera age, the Company released in Japan the groundbreaking EOS 300D Digital (EOS Digital Rebel or EOS Kiss Digital in other regions), an entry-level digital SLR camera that realized a compact, lightweight body at an affordable price. This move would trigger a massive expansion of the camera market, with Canon claiming the overwhelming lead in market share that same year. With the later release of the EOS-1D Series for professionals and the EOS 5D series, which helped popularize video capture using SLR cameras, Canon has continued to release epoch-making products.

In October 2018 Canon launched the EOS R System, which includes the inaugural EOS R and the EOS R5 – the first camera to feature 8K video recording – released in July 2020 along with the EOS R3 in November 2021, which features tracking of fast-moving subjects and continuous shooting performance, and the compact, light-weight EOS R100, thus expanding the company’s product lineup. In addition, Canon launched the EOS VR System, designed to record video for virtual reality content, in December 2021. With the launch of these products and technologies, Canon is tirelessly pursuing new possibilities for visual expression.

Canon’s RF and EF Lenses

Since the release of the first EF lens, launched alongside the EOS series in March 1987, Canon has produced such EF lenses featuring world-first technologies as the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM with image stabilization in Japan in 1995, the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM with a DO lens in Japan in 2001 and the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM, treated with highly antireflective Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC[6]) in Japan in 2008. In 2018, Canon released the RF 28-70mm F2 L USM – a standard zoom lens to achieve the world’s first fast f/2 aperture across the entire zoom range[7] – and in May 2023, the company released the RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM large-diameter telephoto zoom lens that realizes both high image quality and portability.

Today, Canon boasts 115 lenses in its rich RF and EF lens lineup that comprises such lenses as an ultra-wide-angle 5.2 mm focal length lens, a 1200 mm focal length super-telephoto lens and EF Cinema Series lenses for video production. With a wide selection of lenses for every purpose including zoom lenses, IS-equipped lenses, fast-aperture lenses, macro lenses, VR lenses and even the TS-E tilt-shift lenses, Canon is well-positioned to meet the needs of various users.


[1]Total unit sales of both silver halide (film) and digital cameras. Includes cinema cameras for video production.

[2] Includes EF, EF-S, RF, RF-S, EF-M and EF Cinema lenses and lens extenders.

[3] In terms of market share by number of units sold. Based on Canon research.

[4] Among interchangeable SLR camera lenses. Based on Canon research.

[5] The number of types of lenses available for sale may differ depending on regional markets. Includes four lens extenders. As of June 28, 2023.

[6] Subwavelength Structure Coating: a specialized lens coating that offers strong anti-reflection properties.

[7] Among interchangeable lenses supporting autofocus across the entire standard zoom range and compatible with 35mm equivalent full-frame sensor cameras. Based on Canon research.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Business

International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Engages Stakeholders During the World Trade Organization Aid for Trade Review 2024 Event

Published

on

ITFC

African Finance Corporation, International Trade Centre, ITFC, WTO, Afreximbank, and UNIDO Sign Joint Declaration to Promote Cooperation in Support of the Cotton Sector

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, July 4, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-idb.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group is pleased to announce the Corporation’s active participation at the 9th World Global Review for Trade. This event, themed ‘Mainstreaming Trade’, was held at the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) headquarters, in Geneva from June 26 to 28, 2024.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) Aid for Trade Review is a significant global platform that brings together policymakers, development agencies, and trade experts to discuss strategies and initiatives to promote trade as a means of development. This year’s theme highlighted the importance of integrating trade into national development strategies for sustainable economic growth.

ITFC remains committed to strengthening existing partnerships and leveraging new synergies to provide our member countries with trade solutions best suited to global dynamics

The event was an occasion for ITFC to cement its strategic partnerships with the international trade community, explore new areas of cooperation, and present IsDB Group’s achievement with the publication of the IsDB Aid for Trade Report.

A joint declaration was signed between Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO of ITFC; H.E. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the WTO, Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank); Gerd Müller, Director General of UNIDO; Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), and Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC).  The joint declaration will strengthen cooperation in areas of common interest under the coalition ‘Partenariat pour le coton’ by establishing sustainable textile hubs, supporting private sector investments, and encouraging collaboration and advocacy in Africa and beyond.

 The signature ceremony was followed by a high-level panel session titled “Cotton to Clothing: Charting Pathways to Create Sustainable Jobs for Women and Youth in West and Central Africa”. Mr. Sonbol underscored the long-lasting involvement of ITFC in cotton production in the past 15 years: US$2 billion financed to connect firms and millions of smallholders’ cotton farmers to global value chains. He also presented ITFC’s solutions programs as solutions to support investment promotion, market access, and capacity building to enable the environment for a regional textile value chain in Africa.  

In addition, Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol participated in a panel session on “Financing Aid for Trade—Regional Perspectives,” highlighting the potential for economic transformation of OIC member countries through regional integration and showcasing IsDB Group synergy that allows to offer robust regional programs to OIC member countries in different continents. 

Commenting on ITFC’s participation during the WTO Aid for Trade Review 2024, Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, ITFC CEO, said: “ITFC’s participation at the 9th World Global Review for Trade is a clear testament to our good relations with the World Trade Organization and our support for their mission of leveraging trade to generate employment opportunities and improve livelihoods. ITFC remains committed to strengthening existing partnerships and leveraging new synergies to provide our member countries with trade solutions best suited to global dynamics. We look forward to further supporting sustainable trade, trade finance, and value creation through these strategic partnerships.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

Continue Reading

Business

Republic of Congo Hydrocarbons Minister to Discuss Gas Monetization at Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2024

Published

on

Hydrocarbons

Both the Republic of Congo and Angola have outlined ambitious oil and gas production targets, representing strategic areas for bilateral investment and cooperation

LUANDA, Angola, July 4, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons of the Republic of Congo (ROC), has joined the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference as a speaker. During the conference – scheduled for October 2-3 in Luanda – Minister Itoua will provide insight into emerging opportunities in oil exploration, gas monetization and LNG development, as well as potential areas for collaboration between the two countries.

Both ROC and Angola have set bold production targets, aiming to increase oil output to 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) and 1.1 million bpd, respectively. Both countries’ favorable investment climates have sparked the interest of a strong slate of E&P firms, with AOG 2024 set to not only support national oil and gas objectives, but also offer a platform for engagement in emerging cross-border projects.  

AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; national oil company Sonangol; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the African Energy Chamber; and the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute, the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

To support oil production, ROC is promoting investment in frontier exploration alongside incremental production from existing assets. The Central African country – with 1.8 billion barrels of proven oil reserves – has several upstream campaigns underway that aim to unlock new discoveries. Independent energy company Perenco, for example, completed 3D seismic surveys at the Tchibouela II, Tchendo II, Marine XXVIII and Emeraude permits in November 2023. Energy major TotalEnergies has announced plans to invest $600 million to drive exploration and production activities in the country, specifically through the development of the Moho Nord field. The field currently accounts for nearly half of total Congolese oil production, producing an estimated 140,000 bpd. The investment will support drilling operations in line with national targets to bolster output.

Meanwhile, ROC is committed to monetizing its gas resources through both associated and non-associated projects. The country reached a milestone in March 2024 with the delivery of its first LNG cargo to Italy from the Congo LNG development. As the country’s inaugural LNG facility, the project employed a fast-tracked approach whereby LNG was produced just 12 months after FID. By 2025, the Congo LNG project is expected to produce 2.4 million tons per annum, with ROC joining the likes of Angola as a major African LNG exporter.

Further supporting its gas monetization drive, ROC is making progress with the development of the Bango Kayo project. Set to reach peak oil production of 50,000 bpd, project developer Wing Wah is deploying an integrated approach to expand the project through multiple phases. The project will begin monetizing previously-flared gas to support the country’s industrial sector, serving as a model for other African oil producers including Angola, which is striving to maximize production from mature assets.

Minister Itoua’s participation at AOG 2024 not only speaks to the caliber of the event as the premier oil and gas conference in Angola, but creates new opportunities for bilateral collaboration in the fields of LNG production and oilfield development. Angola and ROC – both offering promising opportunities in offshore exploration and tie-ins to existing onshore infrastructure – represent highly attractive hydrocarbons markets, with the AOG 2024 conference set to connect global investors with prospective opportunities.

Minister Itoua will be joined by Maixent Raoul Ominga, Managing Director of the Congo’s national oil company Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo at AOG 2024. For more information, visit www.AngolaOilAndGas.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Continue Reading

Business

Gazprom Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2024 as Silver Sponsor, Driving Africa’s Gas Momentum

Published

on

Gazprom

Russian multinational energy corporation Gazprom will join African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy 2024, affirming its commitment to advancing sustainable and gas-focused energy solutions across the continent

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, July 4, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Russian multinational energy corporation Gazprom is spearheading a crucial refinery upgrade project at the Mossel Bay gas-to-fuel facility in South Africa – which advanced to feasibility stage last month – as part of efforts to support Africa’s gas monetization agenda and secure a reliable supply of refined petroleum products. As the world’s largest producer of natural gas, Gazprom will join African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy – taking place in Cape Town on November 4-8 – as a Silver Sponsor, bringing valuable insights and perspectives on harnessing Africa’s substantial gas resources.

For Africa, natural gas represents the key to achieving broad energy security and diversified economic growth. With over 620 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of proven gas reserves, the continent is seeking to ramp up gas exploration efforts, while establishing integrated, gas-based networks and downstream industries. Through new exploration campaigns, Nigeria is aiming to expand its gas reserves from 200 tcf to 600 tcf; Mozambique is spearheading development of the 18-million-ton-per-year (mtpa) Rovuma LNG and 13-mtpa Mozambique LNG facilities; and Algeria is driving production through a gas-boosting project at the Hassi R’Mel gas field. The 2.3-mtpa Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project in Senegal and Mauritania anticipates first production later this year, while the Tanzania LNG project is set to produce 10 million mtpa once approval by the government is secured.

AEW: Invest in African Energy stands as the premier platform for project operators, financiers, technology providers, and governments, recognized as the definitive venue for sealing deals in African energy. For more information about this pivotal event, visit www.AECWeek.com.

Gazprom is consistently expanding its dialogue with African countries and stands ready to share its unique know-how and best practices

Gazprom’s expertise in gas exploration, production, processing and export positions it as a viable partner to Africa’s natural gas agenda. Last year, the company partnered with the African Energy Chamber (AEC) to host the International Gas Roundtable, an exclusive event highlighting the pivotal role of gas in stimulating economic development across the continent. The roundtable served as a unique platform to explore innovative strategies, exchange best practices and shape the future of gas development, providing valuable insights for both mature and emerging African gas producers.  

“Gazprom is consistently expanding its dialogue with African countries and stands ready to share its unique know-how and best practices in realizing mutually profitable energy industry projects with potential partners from Africa. Gazprom possesses all the necessary technologies and innovations capable to assist African countries in securing energy industry development based on the existing natural gas reserves, in decreasing the level of ‘energy poverty,’ and in improving the quality of life of the populations of African countries, as well as in resolving environmental problems,” states Dmitry Khandoga, Head of International Business at Gazprom.

Gazprom’s technical expertise in the gas sector demonstrates the potential for Africa to increase production and unlock new export markets. With projects like the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline set to supply African gas to regional and European markets, Gazprom’s expertise is particularly crucial, as it operates a number of pipelines that deliver gas across the country and transnationally. The company deploys cutting-edge technologies in the design and maintenance of pipelines, such as the application of corrosion-resistant materials and automated monitoring systems, which increase the reliability and durability of gas infrastructure. At AEW: Invest in African Energy, Gazprom will share its expertise to foster collaboration with industry leaders, advocate for sustainable energy practices and forge partnerships that work towards Africa’s energy security and growth.

“Natural gas is a strategic tool in the fight against energy poverty in Africa. It represents a reliable, scalable and cost-effective solution for power generation and industrial growth. Gazprom’s technical expertise across the entire gas value chain – which makes it the world’s largest gas producer – provides a valuable blueprint for African nations looking to harness gas for domestic use and export,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

Returning to this year’s edition of AEW: Invest in African Energy, Gazprom will bring a wealth of expertise in the exploration, production, transportation, storage, processing, and sales of gas, gas condensate and oil. By collaborating with industry leaders and African stakeholders, Gazprom aims to support the continent’s journey towards energy independence and sustainable development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Continue Reading

Trending