Canon, a leading camera brand, was established in Japan in 1933. Over the decades, it has become known for delivering innovative and high-quality products to photographers worldwide.

In 1934, Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory was established in Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, as the predecessor to Canon. The primary focus of the laboratory was to carry out research on high-quality cameras.

In 1935, Canon introduced Japan's first-ever 35 mm focal-plane-shutter camera called the Hanza Canon. This marked a significant milestone in the history of Canon as it laid the foundation for the brand's future success in the camera market.

In 1936, the Hansa Canon, a 35 mm focal-plane-shutter camera, was introduced by the company.

The Canon logo was created in 1937 and has since become a recognizable symbol of the company.

In 1939, the company started in-house production of Serenar Lens.

In 1940, Japan's first indirect X-ray camera was developed.

In 1941, Canon diversified itself by introducing Japan's first indirect X-ray camera along with other products.

In 1942, Takeshi Mitarai was appointed as the president of Precision Optical Industry, Co., Ltd.

In 1945, production started for the midrange J II focal-plane-shutter camera.

In 1946, the Ginza Camera Service Station was opened.

In 1947, the company transitions to Canon Camera Co., Inc. marking a significant milestone in its history.

In 1949, the company officially becomes Canon Camera Co., Inc. marking a significant milestone in its history.

In 1950, Canon's first president, Takeshi Mitarai, visited America for the first time to participate in an international trade fair. Witnessing modern factories and high living standards, he returned to Tokyo and constructed a fireproof factory with steel-reinforced concrete in Shimomaruko to enhance Canon's global business prospects.

In 1951, Canon centralizes its head office and manufacturing facilities in Shimomaruko, Ohta-ku, Tokyo, streamlining its operations for efficiency.

In 1952, Canon moved its head office and manufacturing plants to Shimomaruko, Ohta-ku, Tokyo.

The Canon IVSb, which is the world's first speed-light synchronized 35 mm flash-and-shutter camera, is introduced in 1954.

In September 1955, Canon opened its first overseas office, the New York office, in the middle of the Fifth Avenue commercial district.

Canon launched the Cine 8-T 8mm cine camera in November 1956, marking its initial foray into camera diversification.

In 1957, Canon set up its exclusive European distributor, Canon Europa, in Geneva, Switzerland. This expansion into Europe further solidified Canon's position in the international market and facilitated its growth and outreach.

In 1958, the Canon L1 still camera and Canon 8T 8 mm cine-camera were the first products to be honored with the Good Design product designation by Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry.

In 1959, Canon introduced its first 35mm single lens reflex (SLR) camera, the Canonflex, expanding its product range.

In 1960, Canon launched the Canonet, its first Electronic Eye (EE) camera. The first model of Canonet sold 2,500,000 units, showcasing its popularity.

In 1961, Canon developed a magnetic head specifically designed for use in Video Tape Recorders (VTRs), showcasing their innovation in the field of technology.

In 1962, Canon developed its first five-year plan to enter the business machine market.

In 1963, Canon SA Geneva was founded.

In 1964, Canon entered the office equipment market with the debut of the world's first 10-key electronic calculator, further diversifying its product range.

In 1965, the Canon Pellix was introduced, featuring a revolutionary fixed, semi-transparent mirror design. This innovation showcased Canon's commitment to advancing camera technology.

By 1967, Canon achieved a significant milestone as its exports surpassed 50% of the company's total sales. This demonstrated Canon's successful penetration into global markets and its ability to compete on an international scale.

Canon introduces the Canon NP System, marking their entry into the plain-paper copier market.

In 1969, Canon changed its name from Canon Camera Co., Inc. to Canon Inc., reflecting its broader focus beyond just cameras.

In 1970, Canon took on the challenge of developing Japan's first plain paper copying machine, marking a significant milestone in its diversification efforts.

The Macro Zoom Lens K5x25 is launched in May 1971, earning accolades and the prestigious Academy Scientific and Technical Award for its innovative design.

Canon introduced the NP-70, the world's first PPC with a liquid-dry system, revolutionizing the printing technology with innovative features.

A macro zoom lens for cinematography developed by Canon won an Academy Award in the science and technology category from the U.S. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, highlighting Canon's contribution to the film industry.

Canon successfully developed a laser printer in 1975.

The Canon AE-1, unveiled in 1976, was a groundbreaking camera with the first built-in CPU. This innovation automated functions like exposure control, making photography more accessible to amateurs and solidifying Canon's position as an industry innovator.

In 1977, Ryuzaburo Kaku was appointed as the president of Canon Inc., a significant leadership change within the company.

In 1978, the NP-8500, the world's first retention-type copier, was introduced.

Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd. was established in 1979 as Canon's regional headquarters for South & South East Asia.

In the 1980s, the LBP-10 was launched as the world's first semiconductor laser beam printer.

In 1982, Oita Canon Inc. was established in Japan as part of Canon's expansion plans.

In 1983, Canon introduced the T series, which marked a significant shift towards electronic control systems for aperture, shutter speed, and focus. This advancement provided photographers with enhanced control and paved the way for future developments in camera technology.

Practical tests of a still video camcorder were conducted at the Los Angeles Olympic Games.

In 1985, Canon introduced the Canon T80, its first autofocus SLR camera, marking the beginning of a new era in photography. The T80 featured three autofocus lenses, providing photographers with greater ease and convenience in capturing sharp, well-focused images.

In 1986, the Canovision 8 VM-E1, an 8 mm video camcorder, was introduced.

In February 1987, Canon unveiled the EOS 650, the first model to popularize the new EF lens series with USM for commercial use, garnering significant attention.

In May 1987, Canon launched the EOS 620 high-grade model, further expanding its EOS series lineup.

In 1988, on the 51st anniversary of Canon's founding, the company announced its second inauguration and revealed its corporate philosophy of kyosei, which focused on harmonious living and working together for the common good. This marked a significant step in Canon's commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.

In 1989, Canon introduced the EOS-1, a top-of-the-line professional autofocus SLR camera, along with the L series EF lenses, setting a new standard in professional photography equipment.

In May 1990, Canon initiated the first-ever collection and recycling program for used copier toner cartridges in eleven western states in the U.S., marking a significant milestone in environmental sustainability efforts.

In 1991, Canon received the first Chairman’s Award from the National Geographic Society for their initiative in collecting and recycling toner cartridges.

The CJ-10 was introduced by Canon in 1992 as the world's first digital desk-top printer, scanner, and full-color copier, revolutionizing office equipment technology.

Hajime Mitarai is appointed president of Canon Inc.

In 1994, Canon became the first marketing company in office automation to receive ISO 9002 certification in Singapore, which was later upgraded to ISO 9001:2000. This recognition highlighted Canon's commitment to quality service.

Canon unveils the EF75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens, the world's first camera lens to feature image stabilization technology, revolutionizing photography.

In 1996, Canon introduced the Excellent Global Corporation Plan, which shifted the corporate mindset towards total optimization and profitability, leading to innovations that shaped Canon's current identity.

In 1997, Canon achieved a milestone as camera production reached 100 million units.

Canon reenters the binocular market after a 34-year break with the introduction of the 12 x 36 IS model, which features Canon's Vari-Angle Prism to compensate for hand-shake.

Canon introduces the DIGISUPER 25 XS broadcasting lens designed for high-definition television (HDTV) broadcasting purposes.

Canon Europe has been a partner of World Press Photo for 16 years. World Press Photo promotes professional standards in photography, organizes international contests for photojournalists, and serves as a global platform for press photography.

In 2001, Canon launched the imageRUNNER 3300, which incorporated environmentally conscious technologies, showcasing the company's commitment to sustainability.

Canon introduced the EOS-1Ds as its first full-frame digital SLR in 2002.

Canon Zhongshan Business Machines Co., Ltd. is founded as the third laser printer production site in the People's Republic of China.

Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd. merged with the local sales and marketing company, Canon Marketing (Singapore) Pte Ltd, on 1st January 2004 to oversee both regional and domestic activities in Singapore.

In 2005, Canon introduced the EOS 5D, the first consumer-priced full-frame DSLR. This camera offered photographers a larger sensor, better low-light performance, and increased dynamic range, setting a new standard for digital photography.

In 2006, Fujio Mitarai was appointed as the second chairman of Japan Business Federation, a significant position in the Japanese business community.

In 2007, Canon introduced the PIXMA Pro9500, a photo inkjet printer tailored for professional use and equipped with 10 pigment inks. This printer model catered to the needs of professional photographers and artists.

In 2008, Canon introduced the imagePROGRAF iPF6100, the world's first large-format printer with an ambient light adjustment function.

In November 2009, Canon made a €730 million (US$1.1 billion) all-cash offer for the Dutch printer maker Océ. Canon had acquired majority ownership of Océ by March 2010, and completed the acquisition of 100% of shares in Océ by the end of 2011.

In 2010, Canon developed the world’s largest ultrasensitive CMOS sensor measuring 202 x 205 mm, showcasing advancements in sensor technology for imaging devices.

In 2011, Canon made its debut in the motion picture production industry by launching the Cinema EOS System, which included cinema cameras and lenses.

In the third quarter of 2012, Canon's global market share in the sale of printers, copiers, and multifunction devices was 20.90%.

Canon made its foray into the industrial camera market in 2013 with the launch of the M15P-CL camera, featuring a low-noise, high-pixel-count CMOS sensor for inspection devices.

On 13 June 2014, Canon announced the acquisition of Danish IP Surveillance VMS software company Milestone Systems.

On 10 February 2015, Canon announced intentions to buy Swedish Security Camera maker Axis Communications for US$2.83 billion.

On 24 April 2015, Canon Europe announced the acquisition of the London-based family photo sharing startup Lifecake.

In March 2016, Canon acquired Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation for US$5.9 billion.

Canon Asia sponsored various competitions including Canon Photomarathon and the reality TV show Photo Face-Off. In Photo Face-Off, professional photographer Justin Mott serves as a judge and competes against amateur photographers. Season 3 of the show was filmed in April 2016 and aired later that year.

On 28 March 2017, Canon Europe announced the acquisition of the London-based printing startup Kite.

Canon introduces the EOS R System, a new imaging system, and launches the EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera and RF lens featuring a newly-developed lens mount.

On 2 April 2019, Canon introduced two new UHDgc 2/3-inch Portable Zoom Lenses designed for 4K UHD Broadcast Cameras.

On January 1, 2020, the company Océ was officially renamed Canon Production Printing after Canon's acquisition, marking a significant change in the company's branding.

Canon commemorates sixty years of presence and success in the Americas region.

Taz Nakamasu assumes the role of Global CEO of Canon Production Printing, taking over from Mick Asada who moves to Tokyo for a new assignment at Canon Inc. headquarters.

In October 2023, Canon introduced its new nanoimprint lithography manufacturing systems, claiming they are simpler and more affordable than ASML's extreme ultraviolet lithography systems.

From April 1, 2024, through April 30, 2024, Canon is offering a promotion exclusively on consumer camera and lens products available on their online store. The offer includes free standard shipping and handling for orders shipped within the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.