Canon U.S.A. Introduces 3D Lens for the Popular XL1 Digital Video Camcorder.Business Editors NOTE TO MEDIA: Photo available on BW PhotoWire/AP PhotoExpress, NewsCom, PressLink and on Business Wire's Web site at www.businesswire.com LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 23, 2001 One Camera Now Captures 3D Images, Eliminating Problems With Conventional Stereoscopic stereoscopic /ster·eo·scop·ic/ (ster?e-o-skop´ik) having the effect of a stereoscope; giving objects a solid or three-dimensional appearance. ster·e·o·scop·ic n. 1. Imaging Latest Accessory Creates New Uses For the Canon XL1, And Makes It Easy To Record in 3D Handmade, costly and difficult-to-use equipment has defined 3D imagery for more than 50 years. Now, a quantum leap quantum leap n. An abrupt change or step, especially in method, information, or knowledge: "War was going to take a quantum leap; it would never be the same" Garry Wills. in stereoscopic technology -- the first digital video 3D zoom lens for exclusive use with the Canon XL1 digital camcorder - - has been introduced by Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon, Inc. (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange : CAJ CAJ Canadian Association of Journalists CAJ Christliche Arbeiterjugend (German Young Christian Workers) CAJ China Academic Journals CAJ Christian Academy in Japan CAJ Canaima, Venezuela (Airport Code) ). 3D imagery has advanced from simply a special effects special effects, in motion pictures, cinematographic techniques that create illusions in the audience's minds as well as the illusions created using these techniques. tool to a mandatory media that conveys significant visual information with greater clarity and accuracy. A variety of industries use 3D imagery for entertainment value (gaming, exhibits, events) or as an information tool -- Internet (online shopping), architecture (building schematics), education (science/archeology), medical (multidimensional mul·ti·di·men·sion·al adj. Of, relating to, or having several dimensions. mul  ti·di·men view of the body to determine injuries), product design (features and dimensions) and fashion (fabric texture and design). The Canon 3D lens, a 3x zoom lens, is the latest accessory created exclusively for the Canon XL1. A three-chip digital camcorder that features an interchangeable lens system to maximize shooting options, the Canon XL1 offers the full potential of digital video in one camcorder. The Canon XL1 provides high quality images even in super low light conditions to produce full-feature productions for the Internet, television and the big screen. The new 3D lens and the Canon XL1 operate similar to the human eyes and brain. Lenses of the eye project two slightly different pictures onto the retina. These images are transformed by the brain into a spatial representation. The stereoscopic observation is derived from the perception through both eyes. Unlike traditional shooting of 3D images -- two cameras synchronized syn·chro·nize v. syn·chro·nized, syn·chro·niz·ing, syn·chro·niz·es v.intr. 1. To occur at the same time; be simultaneous. 2. To operate in unison. v.tr. 1. to shoot the same images simultaneously -- the new Canon lens actually is two lenses in one, with stereoscopic synchronization (1) See synchronous and synchronous transmission. (2) Ensuring that two sets of data are always the same. See data synchronization. (3) Keeping time-of-day clocks in two devices set to the same time. See NTP. controlled by the camcorder. Easy to use, the lens captures right and left eye images alternately on the CCD CCD in full charge-coupled device Semiconductor device in which the individual semiconductor components are connected so that the electrical charge at the output of one device provides the input to the next device. for 1/60 second using an LCD shutter panel. The lens will be available in October 2001 at authorized Canon camera and video dealers. The suggested retail price is $8,499. "There have been several 3D imagery booms but the most significant advancement in the technology is happening now," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, vice president and general manager, Photographic Products Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "This revolutionary development in 3D imagery will create new ways to use the Canon XL1, make 3D effects easier to achieve and will bring this technology to more videographers." Old 3D Shooting Versus New 3D Shooting Traditionally, two cameras with separate lenses and separate imaging element units have been needed to achieve separate left and right images for 3D. The optical axes of the two images require fine adjustments to provide a perfect 3D image. Considerable time, specific knowledge and special training are required to set up and operate these cameras. The new Canon 3D lens solves these problems. The compact, high-precision 3D imaging optic system employed in the lens optically merges the images obtained from left and right lenses via a high-speed shutter. During the 1/60 second when an image is captured, the corresponding shutter is open while the other shutter remains closed to prevent the image from recording. This alternate image-capturing process is repeated each 1/60 second so that 30 images are taken through each of the left and right lenses per second for a combined capture rate of 60 field images per second. During playback, the left and right images are output alternately in a single video signal to provide the 3D image. Adjustments, special training and considerable time are not needed with the Canon 3D lens. The compact design of the lens permits perfect synchronization of zooming and focusing. The system delivers precise, reliable optical axis In a lens element, the straight line which passes through the centers of curvature of the lens surfaces. In an optical system, the line formed by the coinciding principal axes of the series of optical elements. alignment, and it is easy to operate. The Canon 3D zoom lens incorporates a unit that uses triangulation triangulation: see geodesy. The use of two known coordinates to determine the location of a third. Used by ship captains for centuries to navigate on the high seas, triangulation is employed in GPS receivers to pinpoint their current location on earth. to measure the distance to the subject. Motors adjust focus and the mirrors inside the left and right lenses. This permits automatic setting of focus and the angle of convergence angle of convergence n. The angle that the visual axis makes with the medial line when a near object is viewed. , making it easy for even novice users to record in 3D. The Canon 3D zoom lens also allows the user to manually set the focus and convergence point. Product Features 3D System: field sequential system Focal length Focal length A measure of the collecting or diverging power of a lens or an optical system. Focal length, usually designated f ′ : 7.5mm - 22.5mm (equivalent to 54-162mm in 35mm format) Focusing: auto/manual Minimum focusing distance: 39 inches (one meter) Angle of convergence adjustment: auto/manual Dimensions: Approx. seven inches (diameter) x nine inches (length) - excluding hood Weight: Approx. 2 lbs., 3 oz. 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 South America, fourth largest continent (1991 est. pop. 299,150,000), c.6,880,000 sq mi (17,819,000 sq km), the southern of the two continents of the Western Hemisphere. and the Caribbean. Canon U.S.A. Web site: http://www.canondv.com http://www.usa.canon.com For sales info/customer support: 1-800-OK-CANON ccenter@va.ccsi.canon.com All referenced product names are trademarks of their respective owners. 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