Canon's camera business grows year-on-year

Canon has posted a second consecutive year of record sales, with strong growth in its camera business helping to offset softer demand across other product categories and ongoing global uncertainty.

Despite these pressures, the company achieved full-year sales growth of 2.5 percent. Canon said delayed investment across key markets continued into the second half of the year and through the December quarter, driven by additional US tariffs and heightened geopolitical risks.

Overall sales reached a record high in the fourth quarter, even as the company's laser printer sales declined. Instead, growth was driven by double-digit increases in cameras and network cameras, alongside continued expansion in Canon’s medical and inkjet businesses.

Strong demand for the EOS R6 Mark III, launched in November, also contributed to results, as did compact cameras, where Canon was working through a backlog of orders. Together, these factors helped the company deliver double-digit net sales growth in the fourth quarter and a 7.9 percent increase in net sales for the full year.

Network cameras, used primarily for surveillance and livestreaming applications, were another standout. In 2025, sales grew steadily throughout the year, mainly in the United States and Europe, resulting in a full-year sales increase of more than 20%.

The combined results mean total net sales for Canon’s Imaging Group rose 12.5 percent to more than one trillion yen. The company sold approximately 2.88 million interchangeable-lens cameras during the year and is forecasting further growth as demand for hybrid stills and video cameras continues to rise.

Canon said interest from younger photographers and content creators played a key role in driving sales, while increased production helped meet sustained demand for compact cameras.

"To capture this demand, we will maintain the growth of our entry level models, such as the EOS R50 and EOS R100, as well as the EOS R50V, which is designed with a strong focus on shooting video," the company said.

According to Canon, the overall camera market is also seeing growth. The market 'reached' (sold) 6.7 million units in 2025, 300,000 more than the previous year. And in 2026, the company expects a further increase of 100,000 units for a total of 6.8 million units.

For Canon, profitability also improved despite higher costs linked to tariffs and ongoing production reforms. Canon reported a high operating profit ratio, supported by stronger sales and the benefits of sales structural reforms implemented last year, which helped offset restructuring expenses.

The company confirmed a dividend of 160 yen per share in line with its stated plan. 

You can see more info about Canon's results here.