Canon Unveils Industry's First 8mm Camcorder With Super-Powerful 22X Optical Zoom Lens.LAKE SUCCESS, NY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 27, 1997-- The ES970 Enhances Camcorder Focus and Exposure Control with Advanced FlexiZone AF/AE Canon U.S.A., Inc., the leader in optical imaging technology, introduces the first 8mm camcorder with a 22X Optical Zoom Changing the focal length of a camera by adjusting the physical zoom lens. All zoom lenses in film cameras and digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras are optical zoom. Digital point-and-shoot cameras as well as consumer and prosumer video camcorders have optical zoom, but they also lens. Incorporating Canon's proprietary Image Control System, Advanced FlexiZone AF/AE, the ES970 offers amateur videomakers precision focusing and exposure anywhere within the viewfinder The preview window on a camera that is used to frame, focus and take the picture. On analog cameras, the viewfinder is an eye-sized window that must be pressed against the face. Point-and-shoot digital cameras use small LCD screens that are viewed several inches from the eyes. frame -- not just in the center as with traditional autofocus autofocus Noun a camera system in which the lens is focused automatically Noun 1. autofocus - an optical device for focussing a camera or other instrument automatically systems. The Canon ES970 also features an Optical Image Stabilizer stabilizer: see airplane. which makes recording -- even in the super-telephoto range -- virtually shake-free; and a Built-In Auto Editing Function allows consumers to conveniently edit their recordings to create more exciting home videos using only the camcorder and a VCR VCR: see videocassette recorder. VCR in full videocassette recorder Electromechanical device that records, stores on a videotape cassette, and plays back on a TV set recorded images and sound. . "The ES970 broadens consumers' ability to produce home videos with a professional touch so that the end results are more memorable and satisfying," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, director and general manager, Canon Video Division. "The camcorder's easy-to-use high performance functions provide a wide array of recording options at a reasonable cost," added Mr. Hashimoto. Optical 22X Zoom Lens -- The Industry's Longest The ES970's optical 22X power zoom lens offers the greatest optical zoom range See optical zoom. of any lens available on an 8mm camcorder today. The longer focal length Focal length A measure of the collecting or diverging power of a lens or an optical system. Focal length, usually designated f ′ brings the action in close, permitting the recording of detailed images of remote events and locations. Unlike other camcorders utilizing a digital zoom Simulating a longer focal length in a digital camera via software. The digital zoom is accomplished via image enhancement software within the camera itself rather than the inherent mechanics of the physical zoom lens. For more details, see optical zoom. , Canon's optical 22X lens produces far superior recordings with no image degradation The reduction of the inherent optimum potential of individual sensor systems caused by error in sensor operations, processing procedures or incorrect film handling. Reduction in quality caused by unavoidable factors not associated with the sensor system, i.e. . Shake-Free Videos -- Canon's Optical Image Stabilization Image stabilization (IS) is a family of techniques to increase the stability of an image. It is used in image-stabilized binoculars, photography, videography, and astronomical telescopes. Technology The camcorder's 22X optical zoom lens combines with Canon's Optical Image Stabilization system to deliver steady images at high magnification. The Optical Image Stabilization system becomes particularly beneficial during super-telephoto recording as objects are increasingly magnified and image shake is most extreme. Canon's Optical Image Stabilization system employs proprietary Vari-Angle Prism (VAP (Value Added Process) An executable program in a NetWare 2.x server. Starting with NetWare 3.x, VAPs were replaced by NLMs. See NetWare. ) technology for "shake-free" viewing with no degradation of image quality as compared to electronic image stabilization systems. Advanced FlexiZone AF/AE -- Complete Focus and Exposure Control Incorporating Canon's exclusive Advanced FlexiZone Auto Focus/Auto Exposure Image Control System, the ES970 enables users to specifically pinpoint the area of focus or exposure anywhere within the viewfinder -- not just in the center as with conventional camcorders. The feature fosters creativity as users can frame an image the way their mind's eye mind's eye n. 1. The inherent mental ability to imagine or remember scenes. 2. The imagination. mind's eye Noun in one's mind's eye in one's imagination sees it. Advanced FlexiZone uses a "joystick" controller which can be easily manipulated by the operator to move a white-framed box within the viewfinder frame. The box lets the user know exactly where the camcorder is focusing in response to the positioning of the controller. FlexiZone Auto Focus is ideal for shifting focus within a desired composition; shooting images that are off center; or moving subjects, such as children at play or a sporting event. Similarly, with just a touch of the Advanced FlexiZone Auto Exposure button, the camcorder automatically adjusts for proper exposure of the desired subject. This is particularly useful when recording in extreme lighting conditions, such as outdoor shooting where sunlight and shading may complicate the exposure of the desired subject. Built-In Auto Editing Function -- Making Mediocre Magnificent The ES970 incorporates Canon's unique built-in Auto Editing Function. The Auto Editing Function empowers consumers to transform their lackluster video recordings into fast-paced, professional looking video masterpieces -- with just their camcorder and VCR. As the Auto Editing Function is built into the camcorder, there is no need for a separate editing machine. The Auto Editing Function enables consumers to conveniently rearrange scenes or delete unwanted video footage using on-screen on·screen or on-screen adj. & adv. 1. As shown on a movie, television, or display screen. 2. Within public view; in public. programming. The edited scenes are then automatically reassembled on to a tape in their VCR. Users can program the Auto Editing Function during playback simply by pressing the Frame Lock button on the ES970 at the beginning and end of each scene. In addition, all of the features associated with the Auto Editing Function can be conveniently operated by using the supplied remote control. Once the program is set and has been activated, the camcorder will automatically transfer the scenes to the tape in the VCR. The program may be changed and reordered at any time except while the Auto Editing Function is actually recording. The Preview function allows users to preview the program before final recording takes place. Additional High Performance Features for Outstanding Video Recordings The ES970 incorporates state-of-the-art technology and features for unparalleled recording including: Digital Signal Processing See DSP. Digital Signal Processing - (DSP) Computer manipulation of analog signals (commonly sound or image) which have been converted to digital form (sampled). IC -- Canon's unique digital signal processing IC provides high-quality pictures, superior performance and a more compact size; Five Exposure Programs and Easy Recording -- FlexiZone recording, Sports, Portrait, Spotlight and Sand & Snow match the recording conditions to ensure the best possible results. Easy Recording is a sixth program designed to take the guesswork out of video recording; Custom Keys -- The ES970 uses two conveniently positioned keys which may be programmed from a choice of 16 functions, including fade, back light compensation, manual focus, shutter speed In a still camera, the length of time that the shutter is open, exposing the film (analog) or CCD or CMOS sensor (digital) to light for a single image. In a camcorder, the shutter speed is the frame speed; for example, 24, 30 or 60 frames per second (fps). See exposure and shutter lag. , exposure lock, image stabilization off, remote sensor, tally lamp The tally lamp is the light or LED on a video camera letting the subject know that recording is active. See also
Color Viewfinder and Hi-Fi Stereo -- a 113,000 pixel high resolution color viewfinder lets users see what their recordings will look like when played back on their TV. Hi-Fi stereo offers realistic and dynamic sound quality; LANC LANC Local Application Control Bus System (Sony) LANC Lan Controller Editing Terminal -- for users working with ancillary video editing equipment, the LANC terminal offers added convenience; MIC Terminal, Phones Terminal -- for enhanced audio recordings; Line-in Recording -- allows operators to use the camcorder like a VCR to record a TV program or make a copy from another VCR; Battery Refresh Function -- automatically drains the battery pack of any remaining energy before recharging to ensure long lasting performance. The compact ES970 weighs 1lb 11-1/8 ounces and boasts a sleek silver-toned exterior measuring approximately 4-5/16" (H) x 4-3/16" (W) x 7-1/4" (D). The camcorder will be sold as a kit with the BP-711 battery pack, CA-R300 compact power adapter, DC-100 coupler Refers to a myriad of different types of sockets for plugging in electric or electronic cables or devices. See network coupler. , SS-300 shoulder strap, STV-150 stereo video cable and WL-61 wireless remote controller. The ES970 will be available at video and camera retailers nationally in May 1997 at a manufacturer's suggested list price of $799. CONTACT: Canon U.S.A., Inc. Russell Marchetta (516) 328-5145 rmarchetta@cusa.canon.com Canon Web Site: http://www.usa.canon.com or The Rowland Company Lisa Kaslyn (212) 527-8976 |
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