Canon's New VB-C50Fi Fixed Network Camera Offers Exceptional Optical Performance and Value; Long Range Zoom, Low Light Performance, and Built-In Network Server Provide a Powerful, Low-Cost Solution for Remote-Monitoring Needs

Business Wire, Nov 18, 2004

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. -- With more organizations and establishments wanting to keep watch on their property and possessions, video over IP cameras have become a vital element of the monitoring and security industry. Canon's new VB-C50Fi fixed network camera rounds out the company's impressive line of Network Video Solutions products and offers a strong solution to professionals looking to effectively monitor their organizations. Featuring the same advanced optical technology as Canon's VB-C50i Pan/Tilt/Zoom Network Video Camera, the VB-C50Fi fixed network camera provides a low-cost, compact remote-monitoring solution with versatile options to suit a broad range of user requirements.

A genuine Canon 26X Optical Zoom Lens and a 12X Digital Zoom enables the VB-C50Fi model to capture fine detail from far distances. The camera's quarter-inch, 340,000-pixel CCD further ensures high-quality image capture combined with powerful low-light (1 Lux) capabilities. In addition, a Motorized Infrared (IR) Cut Filter can be turned off to significantly brighten the viewing area.

"In the network camera industry, fixed video over IP cameras account for an important segment of the market," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ). "The new VB-C50Fi Fixed Network Camera enhances Canon's line of Network Video Solutions products and offers superior optical performance that meets the critical needs of today's security professionals."

The VB-C50Fi fixed network camera's built-in network server provides viewing for up to 50 clients simultaneously. An easy set-up feature enables it to be connected to a LAN or the Internet within minutes. With the video camera's distinctive built-in motion detection it can monitor and send out an alert if motion is suspected in any of four designated areas. For added convenience, the VB-C50Fi camera offers ten preset zoom positions for easier monitoring. To enhance visibility in dark areas of the image due to backlight or shade, the camera is equipped with a three-step backlight control function. Also, the supplied Admin Viewer Ver. 3.6 software conducts shade correction, which increases brightness of dark areas without affecting other areas of the image.

The Camera offers simultaneous video distribution in various frame sizes, including (640 by 480, 320 by 240, and 160 by 120). The VB-C50Fi model also includes an internal storage capacity of approximately 15MB of RAM for still-image recording.

Optional viewing software for the VB-C50Fi fixed network camera includes Canon's Webview Livescope MV 2.1 LE and Webview Livescope MV 2.1 for display of up to 16 VB-C50Fi cameras on one computer screen. Additional monitoring versatility is provided by Canon's optional VK-64 Version 1.1 or VK-16 Network Video Recording Software, which provides the ability to view and record high-quality, full-motion video over IP from up to 64 or 16 VB-C50Fi or other Canon Network Cameras respectively on a single PC storage server. And because this video is nonlinear, archiving and search functions are fast and efficient. Canon's VK-64 Version 1.1 and VK-16 Network Video Recording Software also provides a wide variety of recording and playback options.

The optional VB-EX50 Multi-Terminal Module provides a multiple-connector interface for secure wire connections. These include: BNC-video in for an external video camera and out for reliable video signal transmission by users who don't require IP-based video, and external sensor in/out for interfacing with external lighting or alarms.

To further enhance the new VB-C50Fi camera, Canon is offering a software developer's kit (SDK). This SDK will permit developers to expand the functionality and performance of the VB-C50Fi camera. These customized software applications may then be shared or sold independently amongst the community of users.

The VB-C50Fi Fixed Network Camera weighs just 1.1 lbs (480 g) and will debut in early December at a suggested list price of $1,199*.

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 ranked #35 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 2003, with global revenues of $29.9 billion. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.

Specifications subject to change without notice.

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* Prices subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.