The demand for digital SLR cameras has seen a strong outlook. Major manufacturers including Canon, Nikon, Panasonic and Sony have aggressively increased the shipments across the major markets in US, Europe and Asian countries.

Kinko Optical, a Taiwan-based optical lens manufacturer, consolidated major revenue of NT$1.833 billion in the fourth quarter of 2011, according to the new quarterly record sent out by the company. Kinko is the major supplier for optical lenses to some of the big brands including Canon. According to sources, the company is currently supplying glasses for Cannon’s G and S series. Canon’s order is accounting for 40 percent of Kinko’s combined revenues from the first two months of 2012.

With Canon expanding its production overseas, Kinko has been aggressively expanding its plants and equipment and expects DSLR production to account for 50 percent of its total profit, company indicated.

In 2012, Kinko invested NT$500 million (US$16.91 million) to expand its production capacity. The current volume it produces is 3 to 3.3 million; however, it expects to reach the target of 5 million by coming July.

In addition to camera lenses and optical glasses, Kinko also engages in plastic lens manufacturing to cater to the demands from notebook and tablet PC vendors. Although some of its projects are afoot, they are yet to contribute to the company’s profit. Some large shipments for its plastic lenses are due for the second half on the year.