Japanese tech giant Canon is not only surviving the onslaught of smartphones, but it is, in fact, growing its camera business.
This is according to Canon Philippines president and CEO Lim Kok Hin, who made the statement during a recent media event celebrating the company?s 20th anniversary in the country.
Lim, a Malaysian who has been on top of Canon?s local operations since 2014, said the tech firm has even grown its business, particularly its professional cameras, despite the proliferation of smartphones.
He admitted, though, that sales of its point-and-shoot cameras have been declining as a result of the massive popularity of smartphones. He also conceded that the entry-level segment of the camera market may no longer be existing in the near future.
?But, as people take pictures using their smartphones, they become more exposed to photography. So when they go to important occasions such as weddings, they?ll bring them professional cameras from Canon,? Lim said.
Lim said the same thing two years ago when he first took the mantle of the company?s local operations, commenting that he did not see smartphones as a threat to Canon?s business.
?People are now taking more photos because of their smartphones and as they develop their interest in photography, they will eventually look for better, more professional cameras,? he reasoned out.
Meanwhile, as Canon also gears up for a full year ahead, it announced new assignments and additions to its local management team.
Kristine Dacanay, previously the company?s marketing manager for business imaging solutions and production printing group (BPG), now oversees the overall marketing communication initiatives of Canon?s consumer group and BPG alongside Lim.
Dacanay has been with the company for ten years now, and has been instrumental in optimizing Canon?s marketing efforts throughout the years.
In addition, Benny Yu joins in as the new head the consumer group. His role promises more aggressive efforts to bring Canon?s consumer portfolio forward and beyond in the Philippines.
Among the key highlights that the company announced for the year were:
? Canon will celebrate in March the 30th anniversary of the launch of the company?s EOS System, which includes EOS-series interchangeable lens cameras and a range of system accessories, beginning with interchangeable EF Lenses.
? The Canon #getMpowered campaign that launched last year continues in 2017. It aims to inspire more individuals to capture their life?s passion through photography, then share and express themselves to the world with the help of Canon?s EOS M mirrorless cameras ? the EOS M5, EOS M3, and EOS M10.
In addition, in 2017, Filipinos can expect new products from Canon, including the following:
? Designed for lifestyle photographers, the new PowerShot G9 X Mark II is an addition to the PowerShot G Series line of premium digital compact cameras that features the latest Digic 7 image processor to produce high-quality images and new levels of performance for accurate detection and precision tracking of subjects.
? Expanding the PowerShot SX and Ixus range are the new PowerShot SX430 IS, which is a high zoom compact camera perfect for landscape and distance photography, and the ultra-compact Ixus 190 and Ixus 185, which are perfect for everyday photography.
? The Pixma Ink Efficient G4000 with WiFi and Fax is an upgrade to the G series printers with its integrated ink tank design. This brings Canon further in the game of low-cost, high-volume, multi-function printing that makes home offices and small businesses more efficient, more cost-effective and consequently, more profitable.
? Lastly, the newest additions to the line of Ink Efficient All-In-One printers are the Pixma Ink Efficient E410 and E470. These are the latest printers equipped with low-cost, high yield ink cartridges to ensure affordable cost of operation.
Along with these new products, Canon said it will be rolling out a series of 20th anniversary special promos this year as its way of giving back to its clients and consumers.
