Canon unveils first-ever eye control camcorder in the U.S.; ES5000 brings new level of automation to video recording.

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--August 16, 1995--Canon U.S.A. Inc. today introduced the ES5000, a Hi8 camcorder incorporating exclusive Eye Control technology which enables users to operate virtually all camcorder features, from focus shifting to digital effects activation, with only the movement of their eye.

Bringing new meaning to the word automation, the ES5000 is the first camcorder to feature both eye-controlled focus and eye-controlled switches, as well as the world's longest optical zoom lens and optical image stabilization. The 20X optical zoom lens combines with a digital zooming feature to bring the telephoto range of the camcorder to 40X -- and the super-high resolution color viewfinder lets users see exactly how their recorded images will appear during playback.

"The ES5000 is representative of Canon's commitment to continually set new standards in imaging excellence," said Ted Ando, director and general manager, Canon Video Division. "The development of Eye Control technology demonstrates the potential of the human-machine interface that is expected in the 21st century," added Ando.

Eye Control System

The ES5000's Eye Control system uses an Eye Control mechanism to calculate what area of the viewfinder screen the user is looking at, and in response, automatically focuses the lens on the subject in that area (eye-controlled focus). The system also allows the user to operate an array of functions simply by looking at a particular spot (eye-controlled switches). Features such as record start/stop, digital effects, fade in/out, date and title display, record review and manual white balance may be activated without looking away from the viewfinder to hunt for buttons and possibly disrupt recording.

Before operating the ES5000's Eye Control feature, the eye detection system must be calibrated to the user's eye characteristics, thus enabling the camcorder to learn about the eye and accurately interpret its movement. There are three Eye Control user settings on the camcorder. Two of the three settings are stored in memory, but may be changed at any time, while the third is designated for guest user or someone who would not be using the camcorder on a regular basis.

High-Quality Canon Optics

The ES5000's 20X optical zoom lens provides uncompromised image quality for capturing images from 4mm wide angle to 80mm telephoto. The digital zooming feature brings the camcorder's telephoto range up to 40X, which is the equivalent to a 1,480mm lens on a 35mm SLR camera. This high powered focal length permits the recording of images normally invisible to the human eye.

The optical image stabilization system ensures "shake-free" video images through the use of a Vari-Angle Prism. The system is optical as opposed to electronic which is used by other manufacturers, so there is no degradation of the image quality during the stabilization process. The result is a smoother, more natural looking recorded image.

The ES5000 will be available to consumers in September 1995 at a manufacturer's suggested list price of $2,200.

CONTACT: Canon U.S.A. Inc.

Russell Marchetta, 516/328-5145

or

The Rowland Company

Lisa Kaslyn, 212/527-8976