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 PrintersAug. 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.
Posted: Mon - August 22, 2005 at 09:00 AM |
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Total entries in this category: Published On: Sep 13, 2005 07:22 PM |
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