Canon Launches Next Generation of Full-featured Entry Level 8Mm Camcorders; With a Similar Look and Feel to Digital Camcorders, Canon Models are a Stepping Stone for Beginners - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Jan 10, 2000

Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in optical and imaging technology, Thursday introduced the ES50 and ES55, new entry level 8mm compact camcorders that offer many of the features found in high-end models, but at a fraction of the cost. In addition to the 22X Optical Zoom Lens, Canon exclusive FlexiZone Auto Focus/Auto Exposure and Built-in Video Light, the ES55 model is also equipped with a new still image photo feature that offers the option of capturing still images like a film camera.

"The breadth of Canon's line of camcorders really accommodates the needs of any type of user, from first-time users to sports broadcasters and filmmakers," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, vice president and general manager, Photographic Products Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "These latest are designed to give beginners easy access to some of the features found even in the high-end video camcorders and clearly offer them the most value for the money."

22x Optical Zoom Lens and Image Stabilization

Successors to the ES190 and ES290, the ES50 and ES55 are equipped with a 22X Optical Zoom lens that makes a variety of shooting situations easy to capture, including macro close-ups, group shots, and subjects at far distances. Offering the longest optical zoom at its price point, these new models also incorporate a digital magnification feature that extends the full zoom range to 500X. The ES55 model offers Canon's Image Stabilizer system that's designed to eliminate image shake, resulting in smoother, steadier, natural-looking recordings, even at full telephoto.

FlexiZone Auto Focus and Auto Exposure Image Control System

Incorporating Canon's exclusive Advanced FlexiZone AF/AE Image Control System, the ES50 and ES55 enable users to specifically pinpoint the area of focus or exposure anywhere within the viewfinder -- not just in the center as with conventional camcorders. 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. 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.

Once a user has positioned the white-framed box over the desired subject, the Joystick Controller may be pressed to automatically adjust for proper exposure. 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.

Photo Mode

This ES55 feature, commonly found on Canon's line of digital video camcorders, lets users capture still images, while recording video or while in standby. Similar to digital still cameras, the ES55 can be connected to a printer to output hardcopy images, used to upload images to a video-ready computer for e-mailing or archiving, or can be used to incorporate a still photo collage into a video.

Additional Features Focus on High Quality Recording

Priced at $349 and $399, the ES50 and ES55 models offer a strong package of features including:

* Dial Controller -- a new dial located on the side of the camcorder offers easy access to manual focusing and menu selection.

* Color Viewfinder -- a 113,000 pixel high resolution color viewfinder lets users see what their recordings will look like when played back on their TV.

* Custom Keys -- two conveniently positioned keys that may be programmed from a choice of three function pairs for a total of six easily controlled features. The pairs include digital effect select/digital effect on/off, date/title, fade/backlight compensation. This feature is designed to eliminate user frustration in searching for the right key at a critical recording moment and avoids pressing the wrong key and potentially ruining a recording.

* Built-in Video Light -- provides clear, colorful images even when filming in complete darkness, without users having to worry about carrying and connecting extra equipment.

* Digital Effects -- Art, Sepia, Black & White, and Negative conversion, Mirror-half, Mirror-full, Mosaic, Pastel, Emboss, Color key (red, green, blue or yellow), 16:9 and cinema.

* Pre-Set Titler Function -- includes programmed titles (Happy Birthday, Congratulations, Vacation, Happy Easter, Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Thanksgiving, Party Time, Wedding and The End), which can be conveniently selected by the user. Users may also create personalized titles with the built-in 32-character title generator.

* Time Base Corrector -- Digitally compensates for picture jitter during playback, resulting in a stable picture.

* Four Exposure Programs and Auto Recording -- Sports, Portrait, Spotlight and Sand & Snow match specific subjects and shooting conditions to ensure the best possible results. Auto Recording is a fifth program designed to take the guesswork out of video recording.

* Quick Record -- begins recording in 0.2 seconds, leaving virtually no moment unrecorded.