DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS

Canon Introduces New Super-Slim DVD Camcorder

Brings easy-to-use video recording and playback to consumers

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 21, 2006—Canon expands its DVD camcorder line-up with the DC100 DVD model. This new entry-level DVD camcorder provides consumers with an affordable, high quality solution for recording precious memories. With its 25x optical zoom lens, Widescreen HR (High Resolution) recording and 2.7-inch Widescreen display panel, the DC100 model expands ease of use and enhances the affordability of video for entry-level users.

"For consumers who enjoy using video as a medium to capture life's most precious moments, the DC100 DVD camcorder delivers excellent video quality in a compact package," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A., Inc. "The DC100 DVD model incorporates all the original Canon technology and features that deliver excellent video quality for family and friends to cherish for years to come."

Record Direct to DVD
The DC100 DVD model records directly to a DVD, allowing consumers to easily put a disc into their home DVD players and watch home movies from the comfort of their living rooms.

The DC100 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 many home DVD players, both old and new. Canon chose the DVD-R/-RW format to ensure high compatibility with a range of DVD players and drives. Because it is a digital format, consumers can easily locate scenes without having to rewind or fast forward, create play lists of favorite scenes, and even do some quick editing—right in the camcorder.

True Widescreen Video
Along with Canon's DC40 DVD model and the new ZR and Elura Mini-DV camcorders, the DC100 model includes Canon's Widescreen HR (High Resolution) 16:9 recording, which allows users to enjoy a full-screen image on their widescreen TV with vivid detail and clarity. Canon's Widescreen HR feature 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 TVs for a theatre-like experience at home.

Easy Video Recording and Viewing
The DC100 model incorporates complementary features that make it easier to shoot better video. Canon matched the high-magnification 25x zoom lens with an image stabilizer to ensure smooth, steady recordings—even at maximum telephoto. Additionally, a Smooth Zoom Control feature provides a choice of three fixed zoom speeds to make sure zooming is set to a constant speed, which prevents unintentionally rapid and dizzying zooms. It also includes Level Shot Control, which shows horizontal/center indicator markers on the display panel that allow users to easily compose shots level with the ground and avoid shooting crooked, uneven video. The camcorder also includes a built-in lens cover to easily protect the lens while carrying or storing the camcorder.

The DC100 DVD camcorder records audio in Dolby Digital Stereo so consumers can enjoy the complete movie theater experience all from the comfort of their living rooms.

The Canon DC100 DVD camcorder will be available at the end of April 2006 for an estimated selling price of $499¹.

Canon will debut the DC100 DVD camcorder in its booth (#3509) during the Photo Marketers Association (PMA) exhibit in Orlando, Fla., from February 26-March 1, 2006.

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 second overall in the U.S. in 2005, with global revenues of $31.8 billion. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.