In an interview during the recent launch of the company’s latest batch of imaging products at the Rockwell Tent, Canon Philippines president Ramon Arteficio said it had an anemic two-percent growth in the first half of the year although its revenues increased by 20 percent.

"But for the second half, we are targeting to grow by 14 to 15 percent. This is for all products, not just digicams," said Arteficio, the first Filipino to head the local subsidiary of the Japan-based technology giant.

He said the company would continue to maintain the pace of product launches, particularly for digicams, introducing new models twice or thrice a year.

Although digicams and videocams remain as primary growth drivers, the executive said all-in-one machines and laser printers are also expected to contribute in meeting the company’s growth forecast.

The business sector, Arteficio stressed, is emerging as a major area where Canon is keeping a close eye.

The end-to-end business solution strategy, which incorporates software and hardware as a packaged offering, is proving to be quite effective, the official said.

"Actually the software that is integrated in our business solution is developed by a Philippine-based subsidiary, CIT (Canon Information Technology), which has around 400 software developers. They create software for Canon solutions here and abroad," he revealed.

The enterprise segment is also important for the Japanese firm since it is currently in neck-and-neck race with Fuji Xerox in the color copier (not to be confused with printers and all-in-one) market.

But because it is "committed to having a total digital imaging solutions offering," Canon isn’t deserting other segments of the market, particularly the consumer space. Thus, during their latest event, the company launched the latest models of DV camcorders, Powershot and Digital Ixus cameras, and Selphy compact photo printers.

The Canon HR10 is a compact camcorder for consumers who want the latest in video technology and flexibility of recording High Definition (HD) as well as Standard Definition DVD video. Another HD video camcorder, the Canon HV20 has a 2.96-megapixel sensor and creative control that can capture scenes with minimal light.

On the other hand, the Powershot S5 IS totes a 8-megapixel sensor that has the feel and functionality of a digital SLR. The Digital Ixus 950 IS, meanwhile, has 2.5-inch color LCD that provides wide viewing angle.

Lastly, the Selphy CP740 and CP750 compact printers can fit into any kind of lifestyle due to its small size. However, it uses dye-sublimation technology to deliver 300dpi photos. They also come with an LCD screen that makes them easy to use.