Cameras of this 35mm SLR system can be divided into four series:
- F - professional models equipped with a mechanical shutter (except for the New F-1 which had an electronically controlled shutter),
- FTb, EF, TLb, TX - models designed for advanced amateur photographers and having most of the functions of the F series (except for interchangeable prisms, interchangeable focusing screens and motor drives),
- A - amateur models with an electronically controlled shutter,
- T - a further development of amateur models, aiming to compete with point & shoot cameras.
The Canon FD system was one of the most popular 35mm film SLR systems thanks to the extensive lens lineup: from fisheye and ultra-wide angle to super telephoto lenses, and also special-purpose macro and shift lenses. Canon FD optics represented the quality and craftsmanship that helped make Canon world's leader in 35mm photography. Each lens was perfectly reliable, providing the optimum resolution and color reproduction. Special materials and technologies such as aspherical and fluorite lenses and Ultra Low-Dispersion glass were utilized.
Compactness and handling ease were two vital characteristics of Canon lenses. The FD "new" design made them even more streamlined as well as lighter. To achieve this, the breech-lock ring of the older lenses was eliminated and the standard filter diameter reduced from 55mm to 52mm.