Way before anyone knew anything about the 1D, 1D Mk IV, or the 1D X there was Canon’s EOS film system of cameras. These were touted as the flagship of the Canon EOS system at the time. But they didn’t come with the built in vertical grip the same way that the new 1D series cameras do. Today, Canon announced that they’re commemorating the 25th anniversary of the series. Originally launched in 1989, the cameras have been in the hands of professionals for many years and have always been incredibly capable.
More interestingly, the EOS 1V, the last film camera in the series is still selling at B&H Photo brand new for $1,899Â and not too much cheaper over at Amazon.
We’re not ones to copy and paste press releases, but in this case Canon did an excellent job of talking about the history of the series. And that history is after the jump.
In 1987, Canon launched EOS, the worldâs first autofocus (AF) single-lens reflex camera to feature a fully electronic mount system, using electrical signals to control such functions as autofocusing and aperture adjustment. Two years later, in 1989, the Company introduced its top-of-the-line professional model EOS-1. Created to satisfy the advanced demands of professional photographers, the camera marked the inaugural model of Canonâs EOS-1 series. Based on the EOS concept of delivering automated performance to meet the userâs needs, the EOS-1 camera featured cutting-edge technologies, class-leading levels of performance, high durability, robustness and reliability.
Canon has consistently launched SLR cameras designed to satisfy the demands of professionals in step with the changing times. First, in 1994, as a growing number of professional photographers were making use of the autofocusing capabilities offered by EOS cameras and EF lenses, Canon launched the EOS-1N camera which featured an increased number of focusing points and enhanced predictive focusing capabilities when tracking moving subjects. Then, in 2000, the Company introduced the EOS-1V camera, equipped with 45-point high-density area AF, which contributed to accurate and precise high-speed predictive AF up to nine frames-per-second.
Upon entering the digital era, in 2001 Canon launched its first flagship-model, professional digital SLR camera the EOS-1D, followed in 2002 by the EOS-1Ds camera, equipped with a full-frame 35mm sensor. Since then, the Company has reinforced its product lineup through efforts targeting enhanced image quality, continuous shooting performance and rugged reliability even when shooting in adverse weather conditions such as rain or snow.
In June 2012, Canon released the EOS-1D X, its latest flagship pro-model digital SLR camera, marking the EOS-1 camera seriesâ 13th* model since the launch of the original EOS-1 camera. The EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera has garnered strong acclaim from professionals working in a wide range of fields, from photojournalism and sports coverage to commercial and nature photography.
Through the introduction of its powerful flagship model EOS-1 series, Canon continues to enhance the value of its product lineup by incorporating cutting-edge technologies, and the expansion of these technologies, even to entry-level models. In addition to its robust camera lineup, Canon contributes to developing the culture of photographic and video imaging through its efforts to fulfill the diverse needs of its users.
-Via the Canon Press Release
