New Canon ES3000 combines Hi8 quality and auto editing function with new creative control options; ES3000 works with optional Film Adapter to create film and slide image transfer system for expanded versatility

Business Wire, July 16, 1996

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 16, 1996--Canon U.S.A. Inc., the leader in imaging technology, today introduced the ES3000 Hi8 camcorder which brings the art of videomaking to a new level.

The ES3000 includes: Canon's unique Auto Editing Function, a 20X Optical/40X Digital Zoom with Optical Image Stabilization, a bank of Digital Special Effects, Advanced FlexiZone AF/AE and the ability to assemble a personal multi-media device with the optional FP-100 Film Adapter.

"As a leading imaging company, Canon has traditionally placed significant emphasis on superior image quality, achieved through advanced optics technology," says Yukiaki Hashimoto, director and general manager of the Canon Video Division.

"We have found that it is equally important to offer consumers products that allow them to capture high-resolution images on tape, and also refine and personally tailor their videos through the use of editing, digital effects and FlexiZone AF/AE. The ES3000, with its Hi8 image quality, offers the best of both worlds by enabling consumers to creatively manipulate their raw footage into a finished work that will be viewed with greater enthusiasm and appreciation," adds Hashimoto.

Built-In Auto Editing Function: the solution to boring videos

The ES3000's Auto Editing Function makes viewing videos a pleasure. Boring home videos made up of unnecessarily long segments and accidental recordings may be easily edited to create lively, interesting footage. Original scenes may be deleted, shortened or rearranged by selecting cut-in, cut-out points. Editing functions permit previewing or changing the order of edited scenes before recording of the final production occurs.

The Auto Editing function is built into the camcorder, so editing may be accomplished conveniently without a separate editing machine or controller. All that is required is the ES3000 and a VCR -- the built-in editor controls virtually any VCR through an infra-red LED on the rear of the camcorder body. The user can perform edits, preview their selections, and then record the information onto a tape in their VCR simply and easily.

Advanced FlexiZone AF/AE: precision focusing and exposure

Incorporating Canon's exclusive FlexiZone Auto Focus/Auto Exposure Image Control System, the ES3000 enables users to specifically pinpoint the area of focus or exposure anywhere within the viewfinder -- not just in the center as with conventional camcorders.

When FlexiZone AF/AE is chosen on the camcorder's Program Auto Exposure dial, a small, moveable frame appears in the viewfinder to pinpoint the desired area of focus or exposure. The movement of the FlexiZone frame is controlled by an ergonomically designed controller on the back of the camcorder. By gently depressing the controller in the desired direction, the FlexiZone frame may be positioned anywhere in the viewfinder. The camcorder then automatically provides precise focus of the subject covered by the frame, even if it is not in the center of the viewfinder. FlexiZone Autofocus 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 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.

Digital effects heighten camcorder functions and enhance creativity

The ES3000 incorporates a bank of digital special effects to enhance the look of consumers' video recordings. The effects include Close-up, which produces an extra 2X magnification, so the videomakers' subject fills the screen; the Art option adds a paint-like effect called solarization to the image; the 16:9 effect produces images in the 16:9 format for playback on a widescreen TV; and the Negative/Positive Conversion effect makes a color image look like a 35mm film negative.

Film Adapter accessory combines with ES3000 to integrate still photography with video

The Negative/Positive Conversion effect was incorporated to work specifically with Canon's optional FP-100 Film Adapter. Now photo enthusiasts can transfer their collection of film images to video. The Negative/Positive Conversion effect transforms negative images to positive images for a wide array of uses. The FP-100 Film Adapter will also accept 35mm slides and an extra measure of creativity can be achieved by applying the digital effects, including close-up, art or 16:9.

The zoom lens may be used as a cropping tool to trim the edges of a still image and the supplied film holders can be rotated to accommodate horizontal and vertical formats. The FP-100 Film Adapter makes it easy to record still images to video tape to create a personal video album. Still images may also be inserted into a video production while editing and may be output from the camcorder directly to a video compatible personal computer without the use of a film scanner.