Canon EOS 620

The Canon EOS 620, introduced in 1987, represents a significant mid-tier model in the groundbreaking EOS series that marked Canon's full commitment to electronic autofocus. Building upon the foundation of the first EOS camera, the EOS 650, the 620 offered a more advanced feature set targeting serious enthusiasts and semi-professional users. It featured Canon's proprietary EF bayonet lens mount, which remains the standard for Canon SLRs and DSLRs today, integrating autofocus motors directly into lenses for faster, quieter operation. Key upgrades included a more sophisticated 3-point autofocus system with predictive tracking, a faster motor drive capable of 3 frames per second, and advanced exposure metering with evaluative and spot metering options. Its compact, black-bodied design, incorporating Canon's signature ergonomic grip and intuitive top-mounted LCD panel for setting adjustments, reflected a deliberate effort to blend high performance with user-friendly operation in a competitive market rapidly embracing autofocus technology.

While not the flagship EOS camera (that role belonged to the EOS 650 initially), the EOS 620 was instrumental in establishing Canon's credibility in the emerging autofocus SLR market. It provided enthusiasts and advanced amateurs with a robust platform offering substantial capabilities beyond entry-level models, including a durable shutter rated to 50,000 cycles and compatibility with the expanding range of EF lenses. Its introduction solidified Canon's strategy of pushing electronic innovation, paving the way for future professional models like the EOS 1 and cementing the EOS system's long-term dominance. The 620 is a tangible example of the critical mid-range evolution during this transformative period for 35mm photography.