Canon: Discover and Compare Products from a World Leader in Imaging Technology
Canon is one of the most respected and recognisable names in imaging and optical technology. The Japanese manufacturer, founded in Tokyo in 1937, has spent nearly nine decades at the forefront of camera design, lens engineering, printing technology, and imaging innovation. From the film cameras that established the brand's reputation for optical excellence to the digital SLR cameras, mirrorless systems, compact cameras, lenses, and printers that define its modern range, Canon has consistently delivered products that serve everyone from first-time photographers to professional photojournalists, wildlife photographers, studio photographers, and cinematographers. Today Canon operates across camera systems, interchangeable lenses, consumer and professional printing, scanning, and video production equipment. Actual Article Shop aggregates listings from trusted retailers worldwide that carry Canon products, so you can compare prices and availability across multiple sources in one place. We do not sell directly. When you find the right product, a single click takes you to the retailer's website to complete your purchase.
The Canon Story
Canon was founded in 1937 as Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory by Takeshi Mitarai and colleagues, with the goal of developing a Japanese precision camera to rival European models from Leica and Zeiss. The company name Canon was derived from Kwanon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, reflecting the founders' aspirations for the brand. From its earliest rangefinder cameras, Canon developed expertise in optical design and precision manufacturing that positioned it as a serious competitor to the established European camera makers. The introduction of the Canon AE-1 in 1976, one of the world's first microprocessor-controlled cameras, was a watershed moment that democratised SLR photography globally, selling over a million units in Japan alone. Canon's EOS autofocus system, introduced in 1987, set the standard for modern autofocus camera design and established the EF lens mount that became one of the most comprehensive and widely-used lens systems in the world. The brand's transition to digital photography in the 1990s and 2000s, and more recently to mirrorless camera systems with the R-mount, has maintained its position as one of the two or three most important camera manufacturers in the world.
Canon Product Categories
Canon produces a comprehensive range of imaging products for every type of photographer, videographer, and printer user. Browse and compare from retailers worldwide on Actual Article Shop:
- Mirrorless Cameras: The Canon EOS R system is Canon's current primary camera platform, featuring the RF mount with superior optical design flexibility; the EOS R range spans from the entry-level EOS R50 and R100 to the professional EOS R3 and R5; compare sensor size (APS-C or full-frame), megapixel count, autofocus system performance, video capabilities, and weather sealing
- DSLR Cameras: Canon's EOS DSLR range remains available with the EF lens mount; popular models include the EOS 90D for enthusiasts and the EOS-1D X Mark III for professionals; the extensive EF lens ecosystem is a major advantage for existing Canon DSLR users
- Compact and Point-and-Shoot Cameras: The PowerShot series covering pocket cameras, advanced zoom compacts, and the G series for enthusiast photographers who want a high-quality pocketable camera; compare sensor size, optical zoom range, and manual control depth
- Cinema and Video Cameras: Canon Cinema EOS cameras and the XA series professional camcorders for video production; compare sensor size, codec support, recording formats, and lens compatibility
- RF and EF Lenses: Canon's RF lens system for mirrorless cameras includes primes, standard zooms, telephoto zooms, and specialist lenses including tilt-shift; the EF system for DSLRs is one of the most comprehensive lens systems ever created with over 100 lenses; compare focal length, maximum aperture, image stabilisation, and autofocus motor type
- Inkjet Printers: PIXMA home inkjet printers for photo printing and document printing; the PIXMA Pro series for professional photo output; compare print resolution, ink system (dye or pigment), paper size support, and connectivity options
- Laser Printers: imageCLASS laser printers and multifunction devices for home and small office use; compare print speed, paper capacity, duplex printing, and wireless connectivity
| Category | Key Products | Brand Strength | What to Compare |
|---|
| Full-Frame Mirrorless | EOS R5, R6 Mark II, R8 | Industry-leading autofocus and image quality | Megapixels, AF system, video spec, weather sealing |
| APS-C Mirrorless | EOS R50, R7, R10 | Affordable entry to the RF ecosystem | Sensor size, burst rate, AF coverage, RF lens range |
| DSLR | EOS 90D, EOS-1D X Mark III | Mature EF lens ecosystem, optical viewfinder | Sensor, burst rate, AF points, EF lens compatibility |
| RF Lenses | RF 50mm f/1.2L, RF 70-200mm f/2.8L | Cutting-edge optical design for mirrorless | Focal length, aperture, IS system, autofocus speed |
| PIXMA Printers | PIXMA TS series, PIXMA Pro-200 | Market-leading home photo print quality | Resolution, ink system, paper size, connectivity |
Canon EOS R System: The Future of Canon Photography
The Canon EOS R mirrorless system, launched in 2018, is Canon's primary development platform and represents the future of the brand's camera lineup. Key aspects of the system include:
- RF Mount: The RF mount features a larger diameter and shorter flange distance than the EF mount, allowing optical designers to create lenses with exceptional performance characteristics including very wide maximum apertures and sophisticated optical corrections
- Camera Range: The EOS R system spans from the APS-C EOS R50 (aimed at beginners and vloggers) through the EOS R7 and R8 (enthusiast level) to the professional EOS R5 (45 megapixels, 8K video) and the speed-focused EOS R3 (professional sports and news)
- Autofocus Technology: Canon's Dual Pixel CMOS AF and more recent Dual Pixel CMOS AF II systems provide some of the most accurate and reliable subject tracking autofocus available, with eye, face, animal, vehicle, and airplane detection
- Video Capabilities: The higher-end EOS R cameras offer compelling video specifications including 4K and 8K recording, Cinema RAW Light recording, and oversampled video from full-frame sensors
- EF to RF Adaptors: Canon's EF-EOS R adaptor allows the entire EF lens library to be used on RF mount cameras with full autofocus and electronic control, protecting existing investment for photographers transitioning from DSLRs
Canon Lenses: The RF and EF Systems
Canon's lens systems are among its most significant assets. Key considerations when comparing Canon lenses include:
- RF Lenses for Mirrorless: The RF lens range includes outstanding prime lenses like the RF 50mm f/1.2L and RF 85mm f/1.2L, versatile zoom lenses including the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L and RF 70-200mm f/2.8L, and specialist lenses for macro, tilt-shift, and super-telephoto photography; compare optical performance, image stabilisation, and autofocus speed
- EF Lenses for DSLRs: The EF system with over 100 lenses is one of the most comprehensive in the industry; still fully relevant for EOS DSLR users and usable on EOS R cameras via adaptor
- Canon L Series: The red ring L-series designation identifies Canon's highest-performance lenses with superior optical elements, weather sealing, and faster maximum apertures; L-series lenses are widely used by professional photographers worldwide
Canon PIXMA Printers
Canon PIXMA printers are among the most popular home inkjet printers in the world, particularly valued for their photo printing quality:
- The PIXMA TS series offers versatile multifunction printing for home use with strong photo quality from a compact device
- The PIXMA G series uses refillable ink tank systems for very low per-page running costs, popular for high-volume printing
- The PIXMA Pro-200 and Pro-300 are designed for professional photo output using 8-colour dye ink systems, producing exhibition-quality prints up to A3 and larger
Why Shop for Canon on Actual Article Shop?
Actual Article Shop is a product comparison and aggregation platform, not a retailer. We bring together listings from trusted retailers worldwide that carry Canon products so you can compare prices and availability across multiple sources in one place. When you find the product you are looking for, you click through directly to the retailer's website to complete your purchase safely and securely.
- Compare prices across multiple authorised Canon retailers in one convenient search
- Discover availability across different markets including retailers in Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Australasia
- Save time by comparing multiple sources without visiting each retailer individually
- Only verified retailers with every merchant on our platform checked for reliability and authenticity
Whether you are looking for a Canon EOS R5 for professional photography, an EOS R50 as your first mirrorless camera, an RF lens to expand your system, a PIXMA Pro-200 for exhibition-quality photo printing, or a PowerShot compact for everyday photography, Actual Article Shop is your smartest starting point for finding and comparing Canon products from trusted retailers worldwide.
