New Canon ZR Series Entry level Camcorders Combine Ease-of-Use, Style and a 35x optical zoom

Canon Unites Imaging Expertise with Simplicity and Smart New Features So Consumers Can Expertly Capture Every Important Moment – With the Touch of a Button

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., January 5, 2007 (CES Booth #12606) – Canon recognizes that whether they are shooting a 50^th anniversary party, baby’s first steps, or a trip around the world, camcorder users are looking to capture the movement and visual images, resulting in memories that are inherent in every important life stage.  To help anyone become an instant expert, Canon has introduced three new models in its entry-level ZR series camcorders: the ZR850, ZR830, and ZR800 Mini-DV Camcorders.

These camcorders provide powerful technology for capturing the most outstanding videos and photos with an array of smart new features that ensure the easiest, most enjoyable user experience.  In fact, as Canon has long been regarded as an expert in optical lens design and production, all ZR series camcorders will feature 35x optical zoom – Canon’s longest zoom ever.

“For those users looking for a no-nonsense camcorder, Canon has a camcorder that meets their needs,” says Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A., Inc.  “Not only do the Canon 2007 ZR series camcorders create incredible images, but they are also affordable and easy to use.”

Canon’s ZR camcorder line offers the ideal solution for consumers who may just be getting started with their first camcorder and are looking for the simplest, most accessible device that delivers great results.  The new ZR models feature a joystick in the main panel display that makes it easier than ever to record, play back and navigate the menu options.  The Easy Mode automatically optimizes most of the camcorder’s settings, while the preset scene modes make it easy to shoot common scenes, including sunsets, fireworks, or a day at the beach.

The 2.7 inch widescreen LCD (112,000 pixels) allows users to easily compose shots that can be shown on a widescreen TV.  The new ZR series Mini-DV camcorders will offer a .35 inch color viewfinder which allows users to view and record live scenes in Widescreen HR (high resolution) with a 16:9 aspect ratio – the same aspect ratio of today’s popular widescreen television sets.

The new models are powered by Canon’s DIGIC DV image processor.  The DIGIC DV technology processes video information separately from photo information in order to always reproduce accurate, clear colors for both mediums.  It also dynamically widens the range of colors in video and photos.

Go the Distance -- Smoothly

The 2007 ZR series camcorders offer genuine Canon 35x optical zoom lens (1000x digital zoom), which is Canon’s longest optical zoom on a camcorder to date.  Sophisticated yet simple to use, Canon’s Smooth Zoom feature actually reduces the erratic, jerky zoom techniques that plague some users of long zooms, smoothing out the process by selecting from one of three pre-set zoom speeds.  For even smoother video, Canon Image Stabilization helps provide a shake free image for the entire focal length.

Because the right features can help any user compose shots like a Hollywood director, Canon has incorporated a level marker and added a new grid marker to the easy mode feature mix.  When engaged, the markers appear – in either white or gray – superimposed over the image on the camcorder’s display.  The level marker appears as a horizon line to easily let the user know if the camera is being kept level, while the grid marker effectively divides the image into nine equal rectangular segments, making it easier for the user to compose a more appealing and effective shot.

Never Miss a Moment

This year, Canon introduces the Quick Start feature, which allows the camcorder to be ready at a moments notice.  The Quick Start mode (available on the ZR850 and ZR830 Mini-DV camcorders) provides an alternative to the standard limited “on/off” option and lets users put the camcorder on “standby” between shots.  Once on standby, users can resume shooting quickly – in less than one second – meaning no more missing the first moments of the school play while the camcorder warms up.

Quick Start’s “standby” capability also means that the camcorder does not waste battery power by repeatedly turning on and off.  Canon ZR Mini-DV camcorders can remain in Quick Start mode for 30 minutes before automatically shutting off. 

The Canon ZR800 Mini-DV Camcorder also offers a microphone terminal, allowing users the added flexibility of plugging in an external microphone.

The Canon ZR850 Mini-DV Camcorder provides a built-in Video Light to help ensure that users do not miss a thing, even when the natural lighting is less than ideal.  It also offers a 1.07 megapixel CCD Image Sensor to be sure that all still and moving images captured are of a higher quality.

You Can Take It With You

The ZR850 and ZR830 Mini-DV Camcorders each record still images, and feature PictBridge technology, which make it a snap to distribute prints by allowing the ZR camcorder to connect directly to any PictBridge compatible printer.  For portable storage versatility, the camcorders can accommodate either a Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card or a MultiMedia Card.  The ZR850 and ZR830 Mini-DV Camcorders are High Capacity “HC” compatible, which allows them to use the newest high capacity cards that can store more than two gigabytes of data.  They also feature wireless remote and a USB port.

Sleek Styling, Comfortable Cost

All structured with Canon’s sleek designs, the new ZR series camcorders are easy on the eyes and easy to hold in the hand.  The ZR series camcorders come in three colors–the ZR850, Pearl Black; the ZR830, Dark Gray; the ZR800, Deep Blue.  They also are lightweight and compact, making them easy to grab on the go.  Even with the 35x optical zoom lens, each of the three ZR model camcorders weigh less than one pound.  All models have built-in lens covers so that there is no intruding, dangling lens cap.

Canon’s three new ZR series Mini-DV camcorders will be available in late January.  The estimated selling price for the ZR850, ZR830, and ZR800 Mini-DV Camcorders are $329, $299 and $279, respectively*.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

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, rated #35 on the , BusinessWeek 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 2005, with global revenues of $31.8 billion.  For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.

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