It was established in November 1933 and was named "Precision Optical Research Institute" at that time. In 1934, a group of young people imitated the German Leica camera in Tokyo and developed Japan's first 35 mm focal plane shutter camera, the Kwanon model. In 1935, a 35mm focal plane camera, the Hansa Canon model, was launched. In the same year, Canon's trademark "Canon" was officially registered. "Precision Optics Industrial Co., Ltd." was formally established on August 10, 1937, and renamed "Canon Camera Co., Ltd." on August 15, 1947. Canon is the evolution of the Japanese word "Kwanon". For more than half a century, with the advent of Canon's new generation of cameras, Canon has created numerous firsts in the history of camera development in the world, and the "Canon" camera brand has become one of the most famous camera brands in the world.

Canon launched the Canon Flex, the first 35mm single-lens reflex camera in 1959. After years of research and development, the professional-grade 135 SLR model F-1 was launched for the first time in 1971, as well as the matching FD lens. This high-end professional camera, known for its durability, can be used in environments of -30°C and 60°C. The shutter of this camera has withstood the test of 100,000 times without failure and is made of advanced ultra-thin titanium. Horizontal curtain shutter. This well-designed professional camera caused a sensation in the entire photography world when it was launched.

Canon developed Japan's first plain paper copier in the early 1970s, and successfully developed bubble inkjet printing technology for the first time in the early 1980s. The emphasis and investment in technology research and development have made Canon a leader in the industry. In 2004, Canon registered 1,805 patents in the United States, ranking among the top three in the number of patent registrations announced by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for 13 consecutive years.