Canon Summer 2005 General Press Release

Canon Continues to Command Digital Imaging Leadership Position with Launch of 24 Photographic Imaging Products; Canon Unveils Two EOS and Seven PowerShot Digital Cameras; Two EF Lenses, an EX Speedlite; Nine PIXMA and Three SELPHY Printers
 
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 22, 2005--Canon expands its digital imaging market leadership with the launch of 24 new products; including seven stylish PowerShot compact digital cameras, two powerful EOS digital SLRs, two high-quality, affordable EF lenses, a new EX Speedlite; and 12 new printers, which includes three SELPHY 4 x 6 inch compact photo printers; five PIXMA single function printers and four PIXMA Photo-all-in-ones.
 
"With 24 new products added to our photographic lineup today, Canon continues to bolster its leadership position in the market by offering the most extensive choice of solutions for the entry level consumer to the seasoned professional," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. "Our customers continue to benefit from the highest Canon imaging technologies, such as our DIGIC II image processors and high density print heads ultimately being incorporated throughout the product range. The end result is consistent, spectacular photos for everyone."
 
Leading the Digital Photography Market
 
Canon is America's choice for digital cameras. After securing the number one position in compact digital cameras with a market share of 20.4 percent in 2004, the NPD Group reports that the Canon brand captured the number one position in the first half of 2005 with a market share of 23 percent. This figure represents unit sales to consumers of both compact cameras and digital SLR cameras combined, as reported by NPD's retail point-of-sale tracking service(1). Canon was also the number one brand in both NPD's Digital Point-and-Shoot and Digital SLR categories, with market shares of 20.8 percent and 61.2 percent, respectively, for the first half of 2005.
 
Customer Satisfaction
 
Canon products are consistently recognized for their quality and reliability across all categories from Digital Cameras to Camcorders to Photo Printers. Independent customer satisfaction findings and reviews issued by industry-leading sources such as PC Magazine(2), PC World and CNET - all valued and trusted sources for information for consumers regularly rank Canon number one in quality and reliability.
 
Canon digital cameras are not only ranked number one in a variety of categories, but, they also receive a large number of Editors Choice Awards every year. For example, Consumer Reports recently gave very high marks to the Canon Digital Rebel XT in its review of Digital SLRs in its September issue.
 
Continuing its tradition of quality and reliability, the new Canon products debuting this fall include:
 
Capture:
 
-- EOS 5D Digital SLR is a 12.8 megapixel model with a full frame CMOS sensor that shoots up to three frames per second (fps) and will be available in October for an estimated selling price of $3,299(3);
 
-- EOS 1D Mark II N Digital SLR replaces Canon's EOS 1D Mark II model. Maintaining its status as the world's fastest digital SLR at 8.5 fps(4) the new camera improves upon the feature set of the original with burst shooting of up to 48 images in JPEG; a 2.5 inch LCD screen and reduced pricing. The new model will carry and estimated selling price of $3,999(3), which is $500 less than the introductory price of its predecessor;
 
-- PowerShot S80 digital camera replaces the S70 model with improved features and performance, including 8.0 megapixels of resolution, a 3.6x 28mm wide angle zoom lens, a large 2.5-inch LCD screen; high-quality XGA movie mode, and a sleek design for and estimated selling price of $549.99(3);
 
-- PowerShot SD550 and SD450 Digital ELPH cameras feature 7.1 and 5.0 megapixel CCDs, 2.5 inch LCD screens and will be available in September for estimated selling prices of $499.99(3) and $399.99(3) respectively;
 
-- PowerShot SD30 Digital ELPH cameras combine style and substance with cool new colors - Tuxedo Black, Rockstar Red, Glamour Gold and Vivacious Violet plus 5.0 megapixel sensors, 1.8 inch LCD screens and 2.4x optical zoom lenses. Available in September, they will carry an estimated selling price of $399.99(3);
 
-- PowerShot A620 and A610 digital cameras are replacing the PowerShot A95 model with expanded features that include 7.1 and 5.0 megapixel CCDs, 4x optical zoom lenses, 2.0 inch vari-angled LCD screens and more. They will be available in September for $399.99(3) and $299.99(3), respectively;
 
-- PowerShot A410 digital camera replaces the PowerShot A400 model at an estimated selling price of $149.99(3) with 3.2MP CCD sensor, 3.2X optical zoom lens and a 1.5-inch LCD screen.
 
-- EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens is a versatile L-series Image Stabilized zoom lens targeted to wedding and portrait photographers. The lens will be available in September for an estimated selling price of $1,249(3);
 
-- EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens replaces the existing EF 75-300 IS model. The new lens features a wider focal length that supports APS-C-sized sensors and improved image stabilization of up to three stops. This lens will be available in September for an estimated selling price of $649.99(3); and
 
-- Speedlite 430EX flash unit replaces the Speedlite 420EX model with more features and higher performance with a maximum guide number of 43/141 (ISO 100, in meters/feet). It will be available in September for $299.99(3).
 
"We aim to maintain our number one spot with the launch of seven new PowerShot models that offer consumers a wide range of design and feature-based choices," added Hashimoto "Whether its the advanced amateur that wants a pocket-sized powerhouse with our PowerShot S80 model, to mom and dad looking for a small and versatile memory-capturing device with our A-series line, to the style conscious with the PowerShot Digital ELPH series, Canon has attractive offerings for every kind of photographer."
 
Targeting expansion within the professional photography market, Canon launched two new digital SLRS designed to suit the very demanding requirements of working professional photographers. The EOS 5D model is the world's smallest and lightest full-frame digital SLR featuring a 12.8 megapixel CMOS sensor, and the upgraded EOS-1D Mark II N model is the world's fastest digital SLR with an 8.2 megapixel CMOS sensor and an 8.5 fps burst rate. These new cameras provide wedding and portrait photographers, photojournalists and advanced amateurs with versatile tools designed to improve image quality and simplify workflow.
 
Inkjet Printing Pioneer
 
Canon was one of the first companies to create inkjet printing technology. Since the mid-1970s, Canon continues to invest in inkjet printing technology, resulting in ongoing industry advances in color printing, resolution and output speed.
 
One such advance is Canon's FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering technology). Launched globally by Canon in 1999, FINE technology uses high-performance multi-nozzle print head with up to 6,144 nozzles that ejects consistent and microscopic ink droplets. The results are high-resolution photos with greater detail and clarity in less time. Today, Canon is the only manufacturer to utilize FINE technology in its entire inkjet printer line(4). Canon is also the only manufacturer to offer printers with one picoliter droplets, a feature that appears in multiple products.
 
Canon remains committed to dye-based ink technology. Dye-based ink provides brighter images, faster printing speeds and more accurate color representation than comparable pigment based solutions. With its recently announced Canon ChromaLife100 ink system, Canon printers can produce prints on select genuine Canon photo papers that resist fading for up to 100 years when stored in an archival quality photo album(5) and up to 10 years when exposed to open air(3).
 
Output:
 
-- SELPHY CP510 and CP710 Compact Photo Printers feature a built-in PictBridge cable, faster print speeds of up to 58 seconds for 4x6 inch photos(6), expanded connectivity options and will be available in September for estimated selling prices of $99.99(3) and $149.99(3), respectively. Additionally, Canon is now offering 108-sheet postcard-size paper packs for $29.99(3), which brings the cost of home photo printing down to 28 cents per print(7);
 
-- SELPHY DS810 Compact Photo Printer is an inkjet model that has a large 2.5-inch LCD for easy viewing and editing of digital photos. The printer has a maximum 4800 x 1200 dpi(8) resolution and can print photo lab quality 4x6-inch borderless photos in approximately 63 seconds(4). It offers printing from a PC and select memory cards or PictBridge enabled cameras and will retail for an estimated selling price of $149.99(3);
 
-- Canon PIXMA MP800 Photo All-In-One like all of Canon's multi-function printers can print, copy and scan photos and documents, and features a large 3.5-inch color LCD viewer, up to 9600 x 2400 color dpi(9) with microscopic droplets as small a one picoliter for $299.99(3);
 
-- Canon PIXMA MP500 Photo All-In-One features a 2.5-inch color LCD viewer and can print up to 9600 x 2400 color dpi(7) images with microscopic droplets as small as one picoliter for $199.99(3);
 
-- PIXMA MP450 Photo All-In-One has a 1.9-inch color LCD viewer and can print up to 4800 x 1200 color dpi(6) with microscopic droplets as small as two picoliters for $149.99(3);
 
-- Canon PIXMA MP170 Photo All-In-One can print up to 4800 x 1200 color dpi(6) with microscopic droplets as small as two picoliters and sells for an estimated price of $129.99(3);
 
-- Canon PIXMA iP6600D Printer uses a 3.5-inch color LCD viewer for easy photo direct printing and prints at a maximum of 9600 x 2400 color dpi(7) with microscopic droplets as small as one picoliter and sells for an estimated street price of $199.99(3);
 
-- Canon PIXMA iP6220D model has a 2.5-inch color LCD, 4800 x 120 dpi(6) and offers direct photo printing from select memory cards and PictBridge ready devices for $149.99(3);
 
-- Canon PIXMA iP6210D model offers direct printing from select memory cards and PictBridge ready devices and produces prints with a maximum of 4800 x 1200 dpi(6) for $99.99(3);
 
-- Canon PIXMA iP5200/5200R printers can produce a borderless 4x6-inch photo with photo lab quality in approximately 36 seconds in the default mode(4) and prints at a maximum of 9600 x 2400 color dpi(7) with microscopic droplets as small as one picoliter. The PIXMA iP5200R and IP5200 printers will carry estimated selling prices of $229.99(3) and $179.99(3), respectively.
 
For additional product information, please refer to individual product news releases issued by Canon today, or visit www.usa.canon.com.
 
About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
 
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America and is rated #35 on the BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands." Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent holder of technology, ranking third overall in the U.S. in 2004, with global revenues of $33.3 billion. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.
 
All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.
 
Specifications and availability dates are subject to change with notice.
 
(1)According to The NPD Group, Canon has held the number one position in digital cameras throughout 2004, based on unit sales and revenue figures compiled from consumer information and point-of-sale data collected from retailers and other distribution channels.
 
(2)This information is based on the 2004 PC Magazine and PC World Customer/Reader Reliability Surveys for digital cameras and inkjet printers.
 
(3)Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.
 
(4)As of August 22, 2005
 
(5)Results based on accelerated testing by Canon under controlled temperature, humidity, and gas conditions. For the 100-year figure, Canon simulated storage in an album with plastic sleeves. For the 30-year lightfastness figure, Canon simulated display of a photo in a glass frame in an indoor location without direct sunlight or other high intensity light. The 10-year gastfastness figure is based on a testing ratio of gases typical to indoor air composition (O3:NOx:SOx--3:19:1) with 100 times concentration in order to accelerate color fading. Canon cannot guarantee the longevity of prints; results may vary depending on printed image, drying time, display/storage conditions and environmental factors. See WWW.USA.CANON.COM/CHROMALIFE100 for additional details.
 
(6)Print speed based on average output speed achieved during product testing with DIGIC II processor embedded Canon PowerShot digital cameras. Other products' print speed may vary. Printer functions are sensitive to temperature and humidity.
 
(7)Based on Canon KP-108IP paper and ink pack and manufacturers suggested retail price as of 6/15/05.
 
(8)Resolution may vary based on printer driver setting. Color ink droplets can be placed with a horizontal pitch of 1/4800 inch at minimum.
 
(9)Resolution may vary based on printer driver setting. Color ink droplets can be placed with a horizontal pitch of 1/9600 inch at minimum.