Canon Combines Photographic and Image-Output Expertise to Develop World's First Direct-Connect Digital Bubble Jet Printing Technology.

Business Editors & High Tech Writers

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 2, 2001

Camera-to-Printer Capability Adds Convenience and Fun For Consumers

Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon, Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), today announced a new breakthrough technology that allows consumers to make full-size color prints quickly and easily without a computer, directly from the latest Canon PowerShot digital cameras.

The new PowerShot S30 and S40 digital cameras can connect directly to Canon's new S820D Bubble Jet photo printer via USB cable to produce full-size 1200 x 1200 dpi 8-1/2 x 11-inch color prints. A simple and intuitive menu display on the camera provides easy instructions and one-touch operation.

The new PowerShot S30 and S40 digital cameras, with their 3 and 4-megapixel CCD sensors, respectively, offer extremely high image quality as well as features and functions usually found on more expensive, professional models. The new S820D Bubble Jet printer is the fastest photo printer in its class, delivering resolution up to 2400 x 1200 dpi and 8-1/2 x 11-inch color prints in as little as two minutes, or 4 x 6 inch photos in under one minute. Combining these new products with Canon's exclusive Photo Paper Pro provides users with photo-quality digital prints that rival traditional silver halide prints and resist fading for up to 25 years(1).

"Digital photography is going mainstream and consumers are looking for easy solutions which provide results that match professional photo labs," says Ryoichi Bamba, senior vice president and general manager of Canon U.S.A. Inc.

"Canon is the only company which has a history and expertise in both lens and optic technology as well as printing technology. It makes perfect sense that we would be the first company to introduce an ink jet printer which can connect directly to a digital camera to create photographic prints that are unmatched by competitive products."

Canon has a unique heritage as an optics and photographic company. The first product manufactured by the company was the Kwanon, Japan's first 35mm focal-plane-shutter camera, in 1934. Today, Canon has become the most respected brand of cameras and imaging products in the world and is the number one brand among both professional and amateur photographers. However, a large part of Canon's overall success lies within its imaging systems solutions such as copiers, scanners and photo-quality printers.

The company's continued success in both photographic and office equipment technology resides in its uncompromising commitment to R&D and the production of consumer and professional products customers want and need. Canon is the only company with core technologies in both digital and optical imaging, including Bubble Jet thermal ink printers. In February, Canon introduced the PowerShot A10 and A20, the first digital cameras capable of connecting directly to its new CP-10 dye-sublimation printer. Subsequent digital cameras introduced by Canon (such as the PowerShot S300, S110, G2, S30 and S40) have offered users the same simple and direct-connect operation with the CP-10, but the new PowerShot S30 and S40 are the first Canon Cameras to provide direct-connect support for enlargements up to 8.5 x 11 inches with the Bubble Jet S820D.

"Today, the desire to capture, edit, print, store, retrieve and share images, including both still and video, is growing at an incredible rate," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, vice president and general manager, Photographic Products Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "Canon is in a perfect position to satisfy all of those needs because of our diverse product lines and we will continue to combine unique and proprietary tools and technologies which allow people to create freely and easily. We want photography to be a fun experience and the ability of our customers to create, print and share their visions will certainly add to that fun."

Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon, Inc., provides professional and consumer imaging solutions that give people the Know How to access the latest technology. 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.

All referenced product names are trademarks of their respective owners.

Note to editors: Please visit www.usa.canon.com/consumer for more details on the new PowerShot S30, S40 and S820D Bubble Jet printer. All referenced product names are trademarks of their respective owners.

(1) Based on Canon Inc. studies using Canon Photo Paper Pro, under glass, utilizing industry standard lighting conditions and controlled temperature and humidity. Results may vary based on individual environmental factors. See www.usa.canon.com/consumer/lightfast for details.

Specifications subject to change without notice.