The smartphone destroyed the camera industry. Now, providing a ”photography experience different from that of smartphones” is driving growth, Canon says
In a report detailing the first half of 2026, Canon says that mirrorless cameras as well as compact cameras are on the rise amid the smartphone pushback
The smartphone's growing capabilities have had a significant impact on the camera industry, leading to a decline in compact camera sales. However, Canon, a major player in the industry, has managed to see steady growth over the past few years. This growth can be attributed to the shift in consumer preferences towards dedicated cameras, as opposed to relying solely on smartphones for photography.
In a report to investors, Canon's Chairman and CEO, Fujio Mitarai, highlighted that a significant portion of Canon's 2026 growth has been driven by strong camera sales. Compact cameras, in particular, have shown promising growth, with models like the PowerShot G7 X Mark III gaining popularity among users who find smartphones lacking in terms of flash and zoom range.
Mirrorless cameras have also seen an increase in sales as part of the trend towards seeking a more dedicated photography experience. "As for interchangeable-lens digital cameras, sales increased due to a growing number of new camera users, particularly among young people, who are seeking a photography experience different from that of smartphones," the report states.
The Canon EOS R6 Mark III, a mirrorless camera launched late in 2025, has been particularly successful, often appearing on bestseller lists. Canon has responded to the demand by increasing production and supply for popular point-and-shoot models. The compact camera trend remains strong, and Canon has once again stepped up production to meet the market's needs.
In the first half of 2026, Canon's camera sales have increased by 16.9 percent when ranked by sales price. This growth extends beyond just the camera business, as overall sales across Canon's different units, which also include printers, medical, and industrial sectors, rose by 3.5 percent. Despite higher memory and raw material costs being a concern, Canon has managed to increase its net income by 9.8 percent compared to the first half of 2025.
Written by urgent.news from Digital Camera World's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
