DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS

Canon DC40 DVD Camcorder Introduction

Canon's New 4.3 Megapixel DC40 DVD Camcorder Provides High Quality Widescreen Video and Photos to Preserve Lifes Most Precious Memories

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Feb. 1, 2006 – Whether capturing memorable honeymoon moments or baby’s first small, staggering steps, Canon’s new DC40 DVD camcorder helps make recording precious memories simple, fun and convenient. With its super slim design and 10x optical zoom lens, this compact DVD camcorder includes a 4.3 megapixel CCD image sensor that produces outstanding widescreen video and doubles as a digital camera for excellent photos, which friends and family can cherish for years to come.

• 4.3 megapixel CCD image sensor
• 10x optical zoom
• Widescreen HR high resolution 16:9 recording
• Widescreen 2.7" LCD
• Available in late March
• Estimated selling price of $899

“For people who capture images of family functions for posterity, or who wish to record vivid vacation images that they can playback on their widescreen TVs, Canon's feature-filled DC40 camcorder rises to the occasion – as Canon’s camcorders are The Official Camcorder of Life,” said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon U.S.A., Inc. “The DC40 DVD model is small enough to fit into the palm of your hand, easy to use and delivers high quality performance to customers that also value convenience.”

Canon has incorporated a wide array of new features in the DC40 camcorder that make this new model easy-to-use and provide excellent image quality. These features include:

Excellent Image Quality
When using Canon’s new DC40 camcorder, consumers can capture their memories with confidence that they will maintain excellent image quality. Canon's DC40 model combines a 4.3 megapixel CCD image sensor with an RGB Primary Color Filter to achieve high resolution and rich, vibrant color reproduction that rivals the image quality from some 3-CCD models.

The camcorder includes Canon’s exclusive DIGIC DV image processor. Acting as the camcorder’s ‘brain’ the DIGIC DV image processor recognizes when people are shooting video or still photos. I then processes the color information in the correct color space for each format (video or still photos), so whether consumers watch their movies on TV or print 8 x 10-inch photos, they will consistently receive video and photos in exceptional color and clarity.

Record Direct to DVD
Because the DC40 model records directly to a DVD, consumers can easily put the disc into their DVD player and watch their movies in the comfort of their living room.

The DC40 camcorder accepts the three-inch DVD-R/-RW discs, which can store up to 60 minutes of video (120 minutes on a double sided disc) and are compatible with most home DVD players, both old and new. Canon chose the DVD-R/-RW format to ensure high compatibility with a range of DVD players. Consumers can easily locate scenes without having to rewind or fast forward and create playlists of favorite scenes– right in the camcorder.

True Widescreen Video
Along with Canon’s new ZR and Elura Mini-DV camcorders, the DC40 model includes Canon’s Widescreen HR (High Resolution) 16:9 recording, which allow users to enjoy a full-screen image on their widescreen TV with vivid detail and clarity. Canon’s Widescreen HR not only delivers a wider picture, the method, in contrast to some other systems, uses a wider area of the CCD image sensor to strike more pixels and deliver higher resolution for superior widescreen image quality.

The camcorder includes a 2.7-inch Widescreen display panel making it easy to compose shots in cinema-style. As widescreen television sets begin to replace standard TVs, consumers can appreciate the ability to frame and record in Widescreen HR and then enjoy full-screen playback on their widescreen TV for a theatre-like experience at home.

One-Touch Dubbing
Making copies of DVD home movies is a breeze with DC40 DVD camcorder One-Touch Dubbing feature. When using the supplied My DVD for Canon video editing software, one press of a button is all it takes to make DVD copies to share movies with friends and family.

Editing and Sharing DVDs
The DC40 DVD camcorder comes complete with software for editing video and photos on a PC or making copies to share with family and friends. After transferring their recordings to a PC, users can create entertaining movies by editing video, adding photos, titles, and creating a play menu among other features. When completed, they can burn their project to a DVD in the camcorder or to a DVD drive. The same software allows users to create DVD copies of original home movies easily and is compatible with most Windows operating systems.

Easy Video Recording
Now consumers can shoot rock-steady video without a tripod – even at maximum telephoto. The camcorder includes a Smooth Zoom Control feature, which provides a choice of three fixed zoom speeds. It also includes Level Shot Control, which are horizontal/center indicator markers that allow users to steady their picture while zooming in and out. The camcorder also includes a built-in lens cover which automatically opens in record mode and closes when switched to playback or turned off.

Bright Lights, Big Memories
The DC40 DVD camcorder also features a built-in Ultra Video Light for low-light conditions, a built-in flash and Red-Eye Reduction. So whether attending a twilight wedding or out-and-about in the daylight sun, the DC40 DVD camcorder will record well exposed images in virtually any lighting conditions.

“Say Cheese” Advanced Photo Features That Are Simple To Use
The DC40 DVD camcorder includes a full range of advanced photo features, including:

• Simultaneous Photo Recording for capturing both the video of everyone singing happy birthday as well as the still photo of the child blowing out the candles;
• Nine point AiAF Autofocus system for fast and accurate focus in still mode;
• Progressive Photo helps reduce blurring resulting in crisp photos;
• High Speed Shutter of up to 1/720 of a second for great photos in bright conditions;
• Aperture Priority (AV) and Shutter Priority (TV), providing further creative control to the photo enthusiast; and
• Special Scene Modes like those found on a Canon PowerShot digital camera; Portrait, Snow, Night, Sports, Sunset, Spotlight, Fireworks, Beach.

The camcorder records photos onto Mini-SD cards. Popularly used in today’s newest cell phones, the Mini-SD format offers high-capacity storage in a compact size; therefore, people can view their recorded memories at home or visiting the grandparents.

Direct Print
For fast and easy, one-touch printing of photos at home, Canon incorporated the Print & Share button into its DVD camcorder line-up. Like all PowerShot digital cameras, the new Canon DC40 Camcorder works seamlessly with Canon’s petite SELPHY Compact Photo Printers, its full line of PIXMA printers and any PictBridge enabled printers. Consumers simply connect their camcorder to a PictBridge-enabled printer, press the lighted Print/Share button, and images emerge. Presto! It is that simple.

The Canon DC40 DVD camcorder will be available at the end of March 2006 for an estimated selling price of $899.1

1. Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.