Canon Expands 8mm Camcorder Line With Introduction of New Affordable, High Performance Models.

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 10, 1998--

Competitively Priced ES280 Boasts a Powerful Canon 16X Optical

Zoom Lens and Image Stabilization for Maximum Versatility

Canon U.S.A., Inc., the leader in optical imaging technology, introduced today the ES280 and ES180 8mm camcorders. The ES280, replacing the popular ES270, is an entry-level model which offers families and first time camcorder purchasers superior features and value in its price category. The ES280 includes a 16X Optical Zoom and 32X Digital Zoom, Image Stabilization, Custom Keys, Digital Special Effects including Art, Black & White, Sepia and Negative Conversion; and a compact, two-toned body design.

"For the past several months Canon has focused its efforts on building a strong, competitive line of DV camcorders," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, director and general manager, Canon Video Division. "Now that we have laid a firm foundation for the future, we can concentrate on our present core business by satisfying the imaging needs of the mass market consumer with affordable, high quality 8mm analog products."

Canon 16X Optical Zoom Lens with Image Stabilization Provides Steady Superior Capture of Remote Images

The 16X Optical Zoom lens makes a diversity of shooting situations better, including indoor scenes, group shots, macro close-ups and landscapes. The 3.9 - 62.4 mm lens is the 35mm equivalent of 36 - 577mm. For added recording reach, the ES280 incorporates a 2X digital magnification feature which extends the full zoom range to 32X, a 35mm equivalent of 1,154mm. The ES280 uses an electronic image stabilization system to ensure smooth, natural-looking recordings, even at full telephoto.

Digital Special Effects and Optional FP-100 Film Adapter -- Combine to Create a Film and Slide Image Transfer System

The ES280 enhances video recordings with Digital Special Effects, such as Art, Black & White, Sepia and Negative Conversion.

The Negative Conversion effect is specifically designed to work in conjunction with the optional FP-100 Film Adapter to create a Film & Slide Image Transfer System. The Film & Slide Image Transfer System enables consumers to transfer their 35mm negatives and slides to video.

Additional Features Focus on High Quality Recording

The ES280 offers a strong package of complimentary features for dynamic video recordings including:

- Color Viewfinder -- a 113,000 pixel high resolution color

viewfinder lets users see what their recordings will look like

when played back on their TV;

- Custom Keys -- The ES280 uses two conveniently positioned keys

which may be programmed from a choice of four function pairs for

a total of eight easily controlled features. The pairs include

digital zoom/image stabilization, digital effect select/digital

effect on/off, date/title, fade/backlight compensation. This

feature is designed to eliminate user frustration in searching

for the right key at a critical recording moment and avoids

pressing the wrong key and potentially ruining a recording.

- Pre-Set Titler Function -- includes programmed titles (Happy

Birthday, Congratulations, Vacation, Happy Easter, Merry

Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Thanksgiving, Party Time, Wedding and

The End) which can be conveniently selected by the user in lieu 

of the product's standard 32-character generator. The pre-sets

can also be personalized when used in conjunction with the

character generator;

- Digital Signal Processing IC -- Canon's unique digital signal

processing IC provides high-quality pictures, superior

performance and a more compact size;

- Four Exposure Programs and Auto Recording --Sports, Portrait,

Spotlight and Sand & Snow match the recording conditions to

ensure the best possible results. Auto Recording is a fifth

program designed to take the guesswork out of video recording;

- Quick Record -- begins recording in 0.2 seconds, leaving

virtually no moment unrecorded;

- Record Search and Review -- for in-camera editing or instant

replay of the last few seconds of recording;

- Record Reminder -- a ten-second counter appears at the start of

each new scene to remind the user to keep their shots at least

ten-seconds long;

- Battery Refresh Function -- automatically drains the battery pack

of any remaining energy before recharging to ensure long lasting

performance;

- MIC Terminal -- for enhanced audio recordings;

- Backlight Compensation -- This feature is helpful when recording

in extreme lighting conditions such as outdoor shooting where

sunlight and shading may complicate the exposure.

Canon also introduces the ES180, a model incorporating similar features as the ES280, with the ES280 offering the added value of image stabilization.

Both the ES280 and ES180 8mm camcorders weigh approximately 1 pound 9 ounces each without tape and battery and measure 4-3/16" (W) x 3-13/16" (H) x 7-7/8" (D). They will be sold in kits with the BP-711 Battery Pack, CA-R300 Compact Power Adapter, DC-100 DC Coupler, WL-69 Wireless Controller, SS-500 Shoulder Strap and C-250 AV Cable. The ES280 and ES180 will be available in May and April 1998 at a manufacturer's suggested list price of $599 and $499, respectively.

CONTACT: Russell Marchetta

Canon U.S.A., Inc.

[phone]

[e-mail]

Canon Web Site:

http://www.usa.canon.com

or

Lisa Kaslyn

The Rowland Company

[phone]

[e-mail]