Canon Continues Evolutionary Camera Design Tradition With Introduction of Next Generation EOS Elan.

Business Editors

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 24, 2000

Elegant Design / New Features Add Precision and Style

To Newest EOS System Camera

Canon U.S.A., Inc., the company whose imaging solutions give people Know How, is expanding its evolutionary camera design concept into its third generation EOS Elan.

The Elan 7, available in three versions, including an Eye-Controlled autofocus model (Elan 7E) once again raises the standard of performance and technological excellence of photography with its new and improved camera features. A Quartz Date (QD) version of the Elan 7E will also be available.

The Elan 7/7E retains many of the advanced features of the extremely popular Elan II, while adding a number of new features starting with the re-design of its exterior. The camera's compact body incorporates a durable metal top cover and a simplified control layout for easier access to the camera's features and functions. In addition, the Elan 7/7E includes a 7-point wide-area autofocusing system based on a Canon-developed CMOS sensor; a high-speed, 4 frames per second film advance and 1/4000 top shutter speed; 11 shooting modes; 13 Custom Functions; 35-zone evaluative metering; E-TTL flash control; built-in dioptric adjustment; improved Whisper Drive; and a dedicated depth-of-field preview button. As with all EOS System cameras, the Elan 7/7E is compatible with all 56 EF-series lenses as well as the new Speedlite 420EX and Battery Pack BP-300.

"The introduction of the EOS Elan 7/7E will strengthen our position in the marketplace as the number one manufacturer of 35mm SLR cameras," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, vice president and general manager, Photographic Products Group, Canon U.S.A.

"While it's always been our objective to provide photographers with the most advanced technology available, we also have a responsibility to listen to our customers and provide the features they want in a 35mm camera system. We believe the EOS Elan 7/7E fulfills that responsibility," Mr. Hashimoto continued. "Canon is continuing to offer choices within our line of EOS System products to help make photography -- at any level -- more enjoyable and affordable to consumers."

Using a proprietary CMOS sensor chip, Canon was able to design the new camera with 7 focusing points which are clearly visible in the viewfinder, giving the photographer greater focusing flexibility, especially when used with the eye-control function. All focusing points are linked directly to the eye-controlled autofocusing system and its 35-zone evaluative metering system, providing sharp focus and precise exposure instantly, regardless of subject position. As with the EOS Elan II, eye-controlled autofocus is possible in both the horizontal and vertical camera positions. Line-of-sight detection response has been cut in half compared to the Elan II, making the Elan 7E the fastest eye-controlled focus SLR ever. Manual focusing point selection has also been made faster and easier with the addition of arrow keys located inside the camera's Quick Control dial. By depressing the toggle-like buttons, users can quickly focus around the frame without ever removing their eye from the viewfinder.

The Elan 7/7E also includes a built-in, retractable flash unit with wide-angle covering power up to 28mm. The flash exposure control uses 3-zone TTL metering linked to all 7 focusing points. In the Full Auto and Programmed Image Control modes, the built-in flash pops up and fires automatically in low-light or backlit situations. In the Creative Zone modes, flash can be used at the user's discretion.

At 4 frames per second, the EOS Elan 7 offers the fastest continuous shooting speed in its class. When set for the AI Servo mode for tracking moving subjects, maximum speed is 3.5 fps. In addition, the camera utilizes an improved version of Canon's exclusive Whisper Drive transport system, making it the quietest EOS System camera available.

Using the Command Dial on the camera, users have immediate access to 11 different shooting modes including Night Scene, Action, Close-up, Landscape, Portrait, Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual and Depth-of-Field AE. Additionally, the camera's 13 Custom Functions can quickly be accessed through the Command Dial. Within the 13 Custom Functions, 34 different camera settings are possible.

The EOS 7/7E offers a host of features that photo enthusiasts demand and expect in a high-quality camera, including a built-in dioptric adjustment. Through advanced design technology, Canon is now able to provide both eye-controlled autofocus and built-in variable dioptric adjustment. In previous models the eye-controlled hardware occupied the space normally allocated for the dioptric adjustment optics, making the availability of both features in a single camera body impossible. Photographers can now enjoy both features without sacrificing the camera's compact size and weight.

New Battery Pack and Vertical Grip

The new optional Battery Pack BP-300 accessory, designed specifically for the EOS Elan 7/7E, provides users with an alternative power source. The BP-300 uses four (4) AA-size alkaline, NiCd or NiMH batteries or a pair of CR123A lithium cells and offers a built-in vertical grip complete with auxiliary shutter release and an AE Lock button

Largest Selection of Lenses and Accessories

Canon's EOS System offers not only the largest and most popular selection of high-quality cameras, lenses and accessories of any 35mm SLR system available, it also provides consumers with the widest selection of price points. Offering 56 current lenses, several camera bodies and scores of system accessories, consumers can literally create an EOS System to fit their needs as well as their budget. The new EOS Elan 7/7E camera is also compatible with Canon's sophisticated E-TTL flash exposure system, including the new Speedlite 420EX, and provides wireless remote control with optional EX-series Speedlite electronic flash units.

The Canon EOS Elan 7/7E measures 5.9 (W) x 4.1(H) x 2.7 (D)-inches (QD and non-QD models) and weighs 20.8 oz.

Pricing and Availability

The EOS Elan 7 SLR camera will be available in three versions at retailers in October and have the following suggested list prices:

EOS Elan 7 -- $720.00

EOS Elan 7E -- $800.00

EOS Elan 7E QD -- $840.00

BP-300 -- $100.00

About Canon U.S.A.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. is an industry leader in professional and consumer imaging solutions and, through its parent company, Canon Inc., 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.

All referenced product names are trademarks of their respective owners.

Canon U.S.A. Web site: http://www.usa.canon.com