(EMAILWIRE.COM, January 08, 2003 )
Canon DV Messenger Software Allows Internet Video Chats Using DV Camcorder and PC

Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon, Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), announced plans to market three new DV (digital video) camcorders aimed at advancing the digital recording of home videos and amateur movie making. The new camcorders called ZR70 MC, ZR65 MC and ZR60 provide stunning picture clarity and detail, enhanced operation, a genuine Canon zoom lens and advanced performance features that are the effect of more than 68 years of designing and manufacturing cameras.

At suggested retail prices of $799, $699 and $599 respectively, the new ZR70 MC, ZR65 MC and ZR60 offer camcorder buyers a choice in optical zoom lenses. These models deliver some of the highest optical zoom magnifications in compact, lightweight designs, a desirable feature for the individual who appreciates the delicate balance between high-magnification and camcorder size. The ZR70 MC includes a 22x zoom lens, the ZR65 MC includes a 20x zoom lens and the ZR60 includes an 18x zoom lens. To complement the high magnification zoom lens, each model in the ZR series includes Canon's Image Stabilization technology that contributes to the making of smooth, steady recordings that are more enjoyable to watch during playback. Beyond these features, each model incorporates Advanced Dual Image Signal Processing that helps to maximize image quality for both video and still image recording.

"Canon is committed to designing quality camcorders that make it easy, fun and affordable for people who desire to capture the special people, occasions and experiences in their life." said Yukiaki Hashimoto, vice president and general manager, Photographic Products Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "Making digital home videos can inspire people to greater forms of visual expression such as personal movie scripts and even documentaries. Our new ZR series camcorders are the tools that may drive that inspiration."

All three camcorders are bundled with Canon's DV Messenger software program, which allows two people with virtually any DV camcorder with FireWire and a PC computer with Windows XP to conduct video chat sessions over the Internet.

Additional features standard in all three models include a 680k pixel CCD image sensor, Programmed Auto Exposure modes for nearly every shooting condition and subject including Sports, Sand and Snow, Low-light, Portrait and Spotlight and Night Mode; a 2.5-inch color LCD Viewscreen; Digital Effects including vertical and horizontal wipes and mosaic fades, black-and-white and sepia; Digital Stereo Sound (16/12 bit); IEEE 1394 / FireWire DV Terminal; Manual Controls; A/V Insert and Audio Dubbing; and External Microphone Terminal.

ZR60 Features

The zoom range on the Canon ZR60 DV camcorder is extensive, providing an 18x, f/1.6 optical zoom lens with a 360x digital zoom, allowing users to bring even distant objects dramatically close. When combined with the camcorder's long digital zoom capabilities, objects normally too distant for the human eye come into sight.

Image Stabilization

The new DV camcorders use Canon's Image Stabilizer technology to correct for camera shake, providing smooth, stable pictures even on long telephoto shots.

Advanced Dual Image Signal Processing

Advanced Dual Image Signal Processing uses two different processing techniques to maximize the quality of video on a TV, as well as displaying or printing digital photos. Since video and still images have different color and tonal requirements, the camcorder satisfies the specific demands of each.

Photo Mode

The Photo Mode allows users to quickly and easily capture photos onto the MiniDV videotape. Each photo is recorded for approximately 6 seconds with stereo sound and can be used to separate scenes in a video or as a montage with narration.

Color Night Mode

The Night Mode function allows users to see, and shoot video in virtual darkness and functions much like "night vision" in certain binoculars and other optical devices with the exception of the "green tint" overlay experienced with other devices. Instead, objects are presented in color, providing even the dimmest shooting conditions with realistic color rendition for easy recording.

Analog-To-Digital Converter

Now it's easier than ever to transfer analog video footage to a DV-ready computer. Using the ZR-series camcorders as a signal converter between an analog camcorder and the computer, VHS and Hi8 videos can easily be digitized and transferred to a computer for editing, sharing via the Internet and even burned onto a CD or DVD for outstanding video and audio quality. This benefit occurs without the need to initially record the analog video to digital tape.

DV Messenger Software

Canon is now bundling its DV Messenger software with every newly introduced DV camcorder. When combined with a Canon DV camcorder and a computer with Windows XP, DV Messenger allows two people to see each other and chat over the Internet, using the camcorder as the camera device. Furthermore, users can share video clips, transfer digital photos and even control the other person's camcorder. Although the software is now bundled with the ZR camcorders, consumers may download the DV Messenger software for free, directly from Canon's Web site.

ZR65 MC Step-Up Features

In addition to all the features and functions offered in the ZR60 model, the ZR65 MC offers a 20x optical zoom lens with a 400x digital zoom for even wider zoom options, especially with distant objects. Beyond the MiniDV videotape, the ZR65 MC accepts the widely used MultiMedia Card and SD Memory Card for recording digital photos separately. The ZR65 MC is able to record XGA high-resolution photos (1024 x 768 pixels). High-quality photos can also be produced by attaching the camcorder directly to select Canon bubble jet direct photo printers, such as the S830D, for printing 4x6-inch borderless color prints. In addition to audio/video and FireWire DV terminals, the ZR65 MC includes a USB terminal.

ZR70 MC Exclusive Features

Including the features of the ZR60 and the ZR65 MC, the ZR70 MC provides users with a precision-engineered, 22x optical zoom lens with a 440x digital zoom for even greater shooting flexibility. In addition, the ZR70 MC provides a Motion JPEG feature which allows users to capture short Internet-ready, video clips for quick and easy sharing via email.

The ZR70 MC's Super Night Mode produces high-quality video recording in virtual darkness. When activated, a white LED assist lamp provides additional illumination. The camcorder's Advanced Accessory Shoe allows for an optional video light or directional microphone to be used, without wires or additional power.

Camera control buttons, conveniently positioned above the LCD viewscreen, can be illuminated to add unique style to the camcorder and make them visible in low light environments. Users can customize the feature by selecting one of six (6) neon colors: blue, green, orange, yellow, turquoise or purple.

Additional exclusive features of the ZR70 MC include a supplied WA-30.5 (0.6x) Wide Conversion Attachment that expands the camcorder's field of view when shooting video from 54mm to a wide 32mm. In photo mode the wide attachment increases the field of view from 48mm to 29mm. It is especially handy when shooting in cramped spaces or very close to a subject. Even more, the ZR70 MC kit includes a higher capacity battery, the BP-512, for longer continuous recording between charges.

Optional Accessories

Several optional accessories are available with the new ZR-series DV camcorders including a BP-522 / BP-535 Battery Pack; Filter Set FS-30.5U; Wide-Converter WD-30.5; Tele-Converter TL-30.5; Directional Stereo Microphone DM-50 (ZR70 MC only); and Video Light VL-3 (ZR70 MC only).

The new ZR-series DV camcorders will be available at authorized Canon dealers with suggested retail prices accordingly.

ZR70 MC $799.00 February 2003
ZR65 MC $699.00 February 2003
ZR60 $599.00 February 2003

Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. In 2001, the Company was listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America, and was ranked #41 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 2001, with global revenues of $22 billion. Canon U.S.A. employs approximately 11,000 people at over 30 locations. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.

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Produced for Canon U.S.A., Inc.

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Editorial Contacts:
Lou Desiderio, The Rowland Company
212/527-8811
ldesiderio@rowland.com

Justin Shaw, The Rowland Company
(212) 527-8978
jshaw@rowland.com

For sales info/customer support:
1-800-OK-CANON
carecenter@cits.canon.com

Canon U.S.A. Web sites:
http://www.usa.canon.com
http://www.powershot.com

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Contact Information:
Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Joseph Nchor
Tel:
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