Canon Lenses Positioned as Quality Standard and Leader in HD Mobile Sports and Entertainment Production.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

NAB2004

Booth# SU9649

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 12, 2004

Canon chosen as lens of choice by virtually every HD mobile unit

built in 2003 including Dome Productions, Game Creek, NCP, NEP, NMT,

Turner Networks, and Western Mobile

As High Definition sports and entertainment production rapidly proliferates, Canon lenses are behind the scenes and setting the standard for quality in mobile production. Last year, Canon lenses were chosen to outfit 12 of the 13 mobile HD trucks in development nationwide. With products onboard 17 trucks in total and more scheduled for 2004, Canon has become well established as the leading force in HD production and the de facto standard in the industry.

Fast-expanding truck fleets and an increased number of sports and entertainment events being produced in HD on a daily basis by major players such as ABC, CBS, ESPN, NBC, Turner, VOOM, and YES Network, are testament to the growth and wide acceptance of the HD format. Production companies are ramping up to meet this demand and utilizing the latest technology, including Canon's advanced HD lenses, to ensure the highest quality.

"Sports and entertainment is some of the most-watched programming on TV, so mobile production provides a lot of people's first taste of HD," said Jerry Gepner, president of NMT. "Canon has always provided not only an excellent product but superior service. Another thing that we have found, and NMT has been providing HD facilities since 1998, during that time Canon has always taken the time to share not just product information but core knowledge on HD with us. That's important, because as the technology evolves, everyone has to learn together."

NEP Supershooters has made Canon lenses a foundation for years, including the transition to HD.

"The overwhelming majority of NEP's lenses are from Canon," said George Hoover, senior vice president of NEP. "Image quality, reliability, service and support are all critical in selecting lenses for field work. Canon rates a 10 in each of these categories."

Canon is also a cornerstone for the growing fleet at Western Mobile Television Group.

"Canon HD lenses fit perfectly into our 11-truck Mobile Group because they are totally compatible with SD lenses," says Philip Garvin, owner and president of Western Mobile. "And Canon's great service and quality continues to be the dominant factor for us."

Today, Canon lenses are traveling the country with nationally known truck vendors such as Dome Productions, Game Creek, NCP, NEP, NMT, Turner Networks, and Western Mobile. The 17-truck fleet represents the vast majority of HD trucks that have been built or are being built, with the completed trucks already carrying an array of over 150 Canon HD lenses between them.

The outstanding service and support of Canon is another key factor in moving mobile HD production to the next level.

"We've been using Canon lenses for 15 years, and we've never seen a reason to change," said Mike Mundt, manager of NCP. "The proof of a company is how they respond when there's a need for service. If a lens gets beat up and we have to send it back, how fast do they respond? Canon's always been very responsive. The image quality has always been tremendous, as well. Canon has always had dramatically better stuff - that's why we've stuck with them all these years."

Each unit is exclusively Canon, giving viewers the best look possible for top-priority sporting events, as well as high-profile entertainment productions including the 76th Annual Academy Awards. With life-like imagery and industry-leading innovation that includes the world's first triple-digit zoom lens, the DIGI SUPER 100xs model, Canon glass has become the definitive look of HDTV sports and entertainment.

With remote trucks emerging as the driving force for HDTV's fast development, Canon imagery has now become synonymous with HD production.

"Based on their experience, plus input from their customers, major TV truck vendors know that Canon is the lens of choice," said Gordon Tubbs, assistant director, broadcast and communications division at Canon U.S.A., Inc, a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ). "The great majority of vendors have voiced that they prefer Canon lenses for the high quality optics and support, as well as the image they want to convey for themselves: that they have the best of the best."

Canon's DIGI SUPER 100xs lens, DIGI SUPER 86xs lens and DIGI SUPER XJ75xs lens feature HD precision and heightened long-range zoom capabilities that have made Canon a symbol of excellence in sports and entertainment production. All of Canon's long lenses are equipped with the same built-in Optical Image Stabilizer, or Shift-IS system, that helped the 86xs transform production content, allowing directors to capture dramatic, high impact long shots and deliver them shake-free to the viewing audience.

ENG/EFP HD lenses from Canon, such as the popular HJ21ex7.8B IRSD lens and super-wide HJ11ex4.7B IRSD lens, as well as studio lenses, also come equipped with the latest enhanced Digital Drive controls. Taking advantage of advanced ergonomics and personalization technology, Canon's Digital Drive brings operators a highly useful group of functions. The main features include Speed Preset, Shuttle Shot, Framing Preset, Zoom Mode Select, improved maximum zoom, focus servo speed, and a host of additional advanced features.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America, and is ranked #39 on the Business Week list of "Top 100 Brands." Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent-holder of technology, ranking second overall in the U.S. in 2003, with global revenues of $29.9 billion. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.

All referenced product names are trademarks of their respective owners.

EDITORS Please note corporate contact information for this division:

For more information, please call Canon broadcast and communications division at 1-800-321-4388 or visit www.canonbroadcast.com.