Canon Says Higher Camera Prices Are Coming as Component Costs Rise

Camera prices could climb again next year, and Canon has indicated that higher prices will be part of its response to rising manufacturing costs.

In its latest financial results Q&A, the company said it plans to offset increases in component and material expenses through price adjustments starting in 2027. The development was first reported by Japanese photography publication Digital Camera Life, which highlighted Canon’s comments following its third quarter 2026 results.

The statement comes as manufacturers face higher costs for memory and other materials, alongside shortages affecting electronic components. For photographers planning a camera or lens upgrade, this could mean paying more for new equipment next year.

Canon says price increases will offset higher costs

According to Digital Camera Life’s report, Canon addressed the issue during its Q&A session following the release of its July to September 2026 financial results.

Asked how it would handle expected cost increases caused by material shortages in 2027, Canon said it was taking measures to secure the quantities needed for the next fiscal year. However, it also acknowledged that higher costs were anticipated.

The company said it would absorb those increases by raising prices from next year onward. Canon added that it would consider the effects of lower sales volumes and the balance between revenue and expenses when deciding on future adjustments.

This is not an entirely new approach. Canon said it had already been adjusting prices to account for rising costs, but would continue making decisions with a longer term view.

Memory and material costs are putting pressure on margins

Canon also discussed the financial impact of higher component prices, particularly in its imaging business.

In response to a question about its fourth quarter operating profit margin forecast, the company said its margin had deteriorated by approximately five percentage points. It attributed this partly to the situation in the Middle East and increased costs resulting from higher memory prices.

Canon also noted that it had not yet been able to fully pass these additional expenses on to customers through product prices. If the trend continues into 2027, the company said it would steadily increase prices to absorb the costs.

The company separately identified memory and raw material prices remaining high as negative factors for its 2027 outlook. These expenses are expected to have a full year impact.

Component shortages have affected other businesses, too

Canon said shortages of circuit boards and electronic components had also affected its printing and imaging businesses, although proactive measures meant there had been no major impact so far.

Its medical business experienced procurement delays after operational disruptions caused by a production system update in April. Canon said the situation affected its ability to place orders for the quantities it needed.

The company expects production normalization and business recovery in the medical segment to contribute positively to its 2027 performance.

Photographers may need to rethink their upgrade plans

Canon has not specified which products will receive price increases, how much prices could rise, or when individual adjustments will take effect. Its comments also do not establish that every camera and lens will become more expensive.

Still, the company’s financial outlook makes clear that higher component and material costs are becoming a significant consideration for its business.

For photographers considering a new Canon body or lens, the next year could bring another reason to compare prices and think carefully about upgrade timing. The bigger question is how much of the industry’s rising production costs will eventually reach customers.

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