Canon Launches ES7000V and ES300V Camcorders Designed to Go Anywhere With International Playback Capability.

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 30, 1998--Canon U.S.A., Inc., the leader in optical imaging technology, introduced today the Hi8 ES7000V and the 8mm ES300V. Both models provide a wealth of high performance features for superior recording and viewing including a large rotating color LCD view screen, Canon's powerful 16X Optical Zoom lens and Low Power Consumption Circuitry which doubles battery life. For added convenience, Canon also offers optional accessories that extend continuous recording time for up to twelve solid hours. Both models incorporate a PAL 60 Playback function allowing users to view their videos in a foreign country on a PAL 60 TV.

"The ES7000V and ES300V represent another example of how Canon meets a diversity of consumer video recording needs," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, vice president and general manager, Canon Video Division. "Versatile features and expanded compatibility distinguish these camcorders as the perfect video companion for consumers or professionals conducting international business activities."

Large LCD View Screens and 16X Optical Zoom Enhance Recording Experience

The ES7000V uses a high resolution 3.5-inch color LCD view screen while the ES300V uses a 3-inch color view screen. Both screens are designed to rotate 180 degrees to suit a variety of shooting positions, while composing shots. Ideal during leisure and business travel, this is a convenient feature that allows multiple viewers to see recordings and hear the audio via a built-in speaker -- a particularly beneficial feature when a TV is unavailable.

The ES7000V and ES300V incorporate Canon's compact, high-performance 16X optical zoom lens which combines with a high powered digital magnifier * bringing the total zoom to 240X. The 4-64 mm lens magnification can be increased to 72X for tighter shots by holding the zoom lever in the telephoto position. By activating the extra long zoom feature from the digital effects menu, the magnification increases to 160X. In addition, the magnification reaches beyond human vision when the 1.5X Close-up feature is added, extending the zoom to an impressive 240X. The total focal length is the 35mm equivalent of 43.5-10,444mm.

The ES7000V and the ES300V also utilize an image stabilization system for shake-free recordings, essential while recording in the full telephoto range.

Low Power Consumption Greatly Increases Battery Life for Longer Recording Time

The ES7000V and ES300V employ new low power consumption circuitry that promotes longer battery recording time for consumers eliminating the chance of missing any action. When used with two optional BP-941 batteries and CH-900 battery charger\holder, this feature enables users to record continuously for up to 12 hours.

View Images Virtually Anywhere with PAL 60 Playback Function

The ES7000V and the ES300V incorporate a new and convenient PAL 60 Playback function that allows operators to view their recordings on either an NTSC or PAL 60 Hz television. Tape conversions are no longer necessary when visiting or moving to a location throughout the world where the PAL 60 TV system is used.

While the models record the video signal using the NTSC TV system, users can simply flip a switch to convert the output signal during playback to the PAL 60 TV system. This system can be found throughout foreign countries.

Memorable Videos Achieved with Additional High Quality Features

The ES7000V and ES300V incorporate state-of-the-art technology and features for unsurpassed recording ease and image quality including:

-- Digital Special Effects: Users may select from one of seven

digital effects for enhanced creative control: 16:9, ZM2 for extra long digital zoom, mirror, mosaic, art and negative/positive conversion -- for use with the optional FP-100 35mm Film Adapter. Art, sepia and 16:9 can be activated during playback.

-- Digital Faders: For professional-looking scene transitions, users

can choose from four fade options that include wipe, mosaic, art and black and white.

-- Manual/Preset Titler: Operators can select up to 32 letters to

appropriately label or "title" important shooting scenes during birthdays, weddings, vacations and family holidays. Ten preset titles are also available for shooting convenience such as Congratulations, Party Time, The End, and many more.

-- Dual DSP Digital Signal Processing (ES7000V only): Combines the

strengths of the camera DSP and video DSP to achieve a significant increase in the signal to noise ratio. During playback the Dual DSP can produce sharper videos with truer color fidelity than comparable models. The Dual DSP also provides noiseless still image playback and noiseless forward/reverse search.

-- Audio: The ES7000V offers Hi-Fi stereo sound while the ES300V

offers Hi-Fi monaural.

-- Backlight Compensation: This feature is helpful when recording in

extreme lighting conditions such as outdoor shooting where sunlight and shading may complicate the exposure.

-- Auto Date and Search Function: To properly identify the sequence

of images, users can select this function which displays the precise dates of each scene for approximately 10 seconds.

-- Demo mode: Allows retailers to display key features on the

monitor including Image Stabilization, Close-up, Fade, Digital Effects and Preset titles, so consumers can fully understand the models' capabilities.

The ES7000V measures 4-1/2 inches (H) X 4-7/8 inches (W) X 8-5/8 inches (D) and weighs 1lb. 15-7/8 oz. The ES300V measures 4-1/2 inches (H) X 4-7/8 inches (W) X 8-5/8 inches (D) and weighs 2 lbs. 1/8 oz.

The ES7000V kit includes a BP-915 lithium ion battery pack, CA-950 compact power adapter, DC-950 DC cable, SS-81 shoulder strap, STV-250 stereo video cable, S-250 S-video cable and the WL-82 wireless controller. The ES300V kit includes BP-915 lithium ion battery pack, CA-950 compact power adapter, DC-950 DC cable, SS-81 shoulder strap, C-250 A/V monaural cable and the WL-82 wireless controller.

Optional accessories include SC-A20 soft case, FS-46U filter set, FS-46 filter set, WD-46 wide converter, TL-46 teleconverter, ED-50 editing remote control, CH-900 battery/charger holder, CB-900 car battery adapter, SA-1 adapter bracket, VL-10i video light, FP-100 film adapter, RC-150 RF cable, RU-100 RF unit, battery packs BP-915, BP-927, BP-930, BP-941. The ES7000V and ES300V will be available in August for a manufacturer's suggested list price of $999 and $799, respectively.

    CONTACT:  Canon Web Site:
               http://www.usa.canon.com
                     or
               Russell Marchetta
               Canon U.S.A., Inc.
               [phone]
               [e-mail]
                      or
               Lisa Kaslyn
               The Rowland Company
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