Canon U.S.A. Introduces the CLC 3900+ and CLC 5000+ Color Production Systems; New Units Feature Greater Media Handling Capabilities.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 20, 2003

Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), today announces the immediate availability of the new CLC 3900+ and CLC 5000+, designed for the entry-level and mid-to-high end color production printing marketplace.

The CLC 3900+, which replaces the CLC 3900, is the 39 page-per-minute (ppm) color laser production system designed for the entry-level production marketplace, while the CLC 5000+, which replaces the CLC 5000, offers up to 50 ppm printing for mid-to-high end production(a). Both devices enhance the Company's presence in the color laser copier/printer market, where Canon has held the top market share position for the past 16 years(b).

The CLC 3900+ and 5000+ are both distinguished from the models they replace by incorporating greater media handling capability. Both models can now auto duplex 60 lb. Cover/90 lb. Index (163 gsm) media from their paper decks. The base suggested retail prices of the CLC 3900+ and 5000+ match those of their predecessors at $54,990 and $89,500, respectively(c).

"As the leader in color, Canon is always listening to our customers for the ways they would like to see increasing value built into our products," said Mark Suzuki, director and assistant general manager of Canon U.S.A.'s Graphic Arts Systems Division. "In the case of the CLC 3900+ and 5000+, we have built in greater media handling capability and other features while maintaining the same base MSRP as their predecessors. In today's economic climate of value conscious customers, recognizing these needs and making swift changes to our offerings is becoming increasingly important."

Using a combination of four drum technology and Canon's exclusive Finer Brighter (FB) toner and Automatic Image Refinement, the CLC 3900+ and 5000+ have print resolution equivalents of up to 800 x 400 dots-per-inch (dpi) and maximum recommended monthly volumes of 150,000 and 200,000 letter-size impressions, respectively. Both devices are suited for production use in print-for-pay, corporate and graphics central reprographics departments, as well as service bureaus.

A number of connectivity options will be available for the CLC 3900+ and 5000+, including the ColorPASS-Z4600, ColorPASS-Z5100, and T/R Systems MicroPress for Canon, allowing customers to tailor the devices to their specific application needs.

The ColorPASS-Z5100 and Z4600 servers, based on the Fiery Z18 and Z9 server technologies from Electronics for Imaging (NASDAQ: EFII), drive the CLC 5000+ and CLC 3900+ engines at their top rated speeds. Both servers offer the latest Fiery System 5 software tools for enhanced productivity and performance, including Command WorkStation 4(TM) for easy, centralized print job management, ColorWise 3(R) for cutting-edge color management, and the latest Fiery DocBuilder Pro(TM) full imposition software. Complete network connectivity and easy network scanning capabilities are also featured.

The powerful ColorPASS-Z5100 offers an ideal platform for full-speed variable data printing. It's open architecture is compatible with the most extensive range of VDP languages available - including the standard PPML and other proprietary languages - making it the fastest and most flexible platform on the market. Fiery FreeForm(TM) technology is also available for a complete VDP workflow. An optional suite of specialized tools for graphic arts professionals, the Fiery Graphic Arts Package, is also available for the ColorPASS-Z5100. Designed to streamline workflow and increase productivity, this comprehensive suite enables users to achieve consistent, accurate color and print quality, simulating the characteristics of other output processes, while staying true to industry standards.

The ColorPASS-Z5100 with Fiery System 5 software has a suggested retail price of $49,100. The Fiery Graphic Arts Package is optional on the ColorPASS-Z5100 and has a suggested retail price of $5,595. The ColorPASS-Z4600 has a suggested retail price of $36,500. DocBuilder Pro, which now supports mixed page sizes, is optional on the Z4600 and standard on the Z5100.

T/R Systems' MicroPress X Series will also be available as an option. The Micro Press X Series combines make-ready, production and clustering services into a single server solution by managing all aspects of Print On Demand (POD) workflows, providing maximum throughput, advanced job management, sophisticated color management, the splitting of black and white and color pages, and document finishing. Depending on configuration, combined output from up to five Canon CLC 3900+ and 5000+ color engines is possible. The T/R Systems' Micro Press X Series for the CLC 3900+ and 5000+ will be available in the second quarter of 2003. Pricing will be made available at the time of launch.

For improved front to back registration when duplexing from the stack bypass with LTR-R, Legal, Ledger, and 12" x 18" paper sizes, both the CLC 3900+ and 5000+ can be equipped with an optional Stack Bypass Alignment Tray. For compliance with the Section 508 Rehabilitation Act, both models also offer an optional Dual Control Panel for easy access from a seated position.

CLC 3900+ and 5000+ customers may choose one of two standard available paper decks, including a 4,000 sheet letter-size deck or 2,000 sheet deck that is user-adjustable for letter, ledger, and 12" x 18"sizes with up to 60 lb. Cover, 90 lb Index (163 gsm) stock. With flexible support for up to 140 lb. Index stock (253 gsm) through the stack bypass, both models also offer several finishing options, such as the Nagel Finisher, 20-bin Stapler Sorter, or High-Capacity Stacker. Depending on configuration, finishing options on both models can be used for producing crisp, vivid Canon color within booklets, manuals, brochures and other bound documents.

The CLC 3900+ and 5000+ main units, and supporting ColorPASS-Z4600 and ColorPASS-Z5100 and other optional accessories for the device are all available today through authorized Canon U.S.A. dealers and Canon Business Solutions locations. The T/R Systems MicroPress X Series for use with the CLC 3900+ and 5000+ will be available in the second quarter of 2003.

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 # 41 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 2002, with global revenues of $24.5 billion. Canon U.S.A. employs approximately 11,000 people at over 30 locations. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.

(a) Speed based on letter size output.

(b) Source - Gartner Dataquest "Digital Document and Imaging Group Integrated Document Output (Copier, Printer, Fax)--Database", March 2003.

(c) Pricing based on CLC base units equipped with 4K Letter Deck

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.