Canon Announces Sure Shot Z155; The World's Smallest and Lightest 35mm Camera to Include a Powerful 155mm Super Zoom.

Business Editors

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 14, 2002

37-155mm Zoom Lens, AF/AE Sensor with 3-Point AutoFocus,

Light Guide Flash and Exclusive Best Shot Dial All

Packaged in Compact, Aluminum Body

Canon U.S.A. Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), continues to strengthen its leadership role in 35mm photography while providing value-added products to consumers with the introduction of the new Sure Shot Z155 35mm lens shutter camera.

The Sure Shot Z155, with its 4.2x (37-155mm) zoom lens, represents the widest zoom range in Canon's Sure Shot line and its sleek aluminum exterior provides added luster to the camera's overall design and functionality. The new camera will add fun, excitement and creativity to any photographic situation by providing users with the most advanced features and functions to help them captures life's special moments.

"The Sure Shot Z155 represents Canon's continued commitment to 35mm photography and to our customers by providing a high-quality, easy-to-use camera that makes taking pictures fun and affordable," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, vice president and general manager of Canon's Photographic Products Group, Canon U.S.A. "Consumers requested a 35mm camera with a longer zoom lens at an affordable price. The Sure Shot Z155 answers that request," Mr. Hashimoto added.

The camera's 37-155mm f/4.8-11.7 zoom lens provides users with one of the longest zoom focal lengths available on any lens shutter camera today and offers an opportunity for consumers to photograph virtually any subject matter near and far. Its 37mm wide-angle focal length is ideal for landscapes and group shots while the mid-range and extended zoom settings are perfect for portraits, candids and distant subjects. The lens itself is constructed using 11 elements in 10 groups, including one aspherical element for outstanding image quality over the entire zoom range.

The Sure Shot Z155 uses a newly-developed 7-zone, 3-point AiAF CMOS passive autofocus system which can immediately identify the main subject without the need to lock focus and recompose the image. The AF system is designed to evaluate 3 focusing points from a total of seven in 3 stages, preserving wide coverall of off-center subjects even as the lens is zoomed.

Exposure control in the Sure Shot Z155 is completely automatic using program AE. The shutter speed range is 1/790 - 2 seconds at the wide and telephoto position (4 seconds in Night Scene mode). The AE sensor has been combined with the AF sensor into one unit and is constructed from a single chip. The AE sensor is 16-zone, and backlight detection is possible for any AF point, which means more subtle exposure control than previous models. The built-in Light Guide flash will automatically fire in low light and backlit conditions. For even greater exposure control, there is a manual +/-1.5-stop exposure compensation and spot metering.

In addition, 7 shooting modes can be automatically set by rotating the Best Shot Dial on the back of the camera. Selections include: Auto, Action, Night Scene, Portrait, Close-Up, Spot, and Personal.

To overcome limitations of achieving uniform illumination with compact cameras featuring conventional built-in flash systems, the Sure Shot Z155 incorporates a Light Guide Flash. Small and highly efficient, the built-in flash provides even illumination from corner to corner throughout the image area.

The Canon Sure Shot Z155 measures 4.48 (W) x 2.4 (H) x 1.9 (D)-inches and weighs 8 ounces (excluding one CR123A battery). The camera will be available at authorized Canon U.S.A. dealers in March and have a suggested list price of $300. (Quartz Date model $320.)

Canon U.S.A., Inc. is an industry leader in professional and consumer imaging solutions and, through its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), is a top patent-holder of imaging technologies. The company's comprehensive product line includes networked multifunction devices; digital and analog copiers (color and black and white); printers, scanners, image filing systems, and facsimile machines; camcorders, cameras and lenses; and semiconductor, broadcast and medical equipment. Canon employs 12,000 people at more than 30 facilities throughout North, Central and South America and the Caribbean.

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