LAS VEGAS (NAB 2005, Booth # SU 7814), April 12, 2005 – “Ease of operation” is a principal philosophy behind Canon’s long history of developing ever-better lens technologies for all forms of High Definition(HD) and Standard Definition (SD) program production. A world leader in optics, Canon is also a major innovator in designing miniature components and digital microcircuits – — developments that were spurred by Canon’s other major imaging businesses. These technologies have been harnessed to bring significant new operational enhancements to Canon’s professional lenses, which empower camera operators with significantly more creative control over image creation.

Among Canon's many recent innovations is its unique Enhanced Digital Technology, which enables users of its portable HD and SD lenses to automate select functions, depending on their own specific production needs. Also known as “e-Drive,” this technology is enjoying increasing acceptance among a wide range of Canon portable lens users.

Utilizing three Canon ultra-high-precision, microprocessor-driven digital servos with 16-bit optical encoders, Canon’s Enhanced Digital e-Drive technology represents an entirely new way to control portable lenses. The e-Drive feature is unique to Canon and is built into the company’s full line of e-HDxs High Definition and e-IFxs Standard Definition portable zoom lenses, which are on display at NAB 2005.

With e-Drive, users can easily program such functions as zoom and focus settings into the lens for precise, automated repeatability via an easy-to-use LCD menu, assignable “soft” function buttons and the rocker switch built into the lens grip. Users can program multiple settings or none at all, depending on their personal needs and preferences.

Canon’s e-Drive provides ten user-definable function profiles; a choice of manual, digitally assisted, or fully programmed control; and instant “Shuttle Shot” to zoom to the longest focal length for quick check of focus, exposure, and back focus. Digitally assisted shooting techniques offered by Canon’s e-Drive include graceful “padded” zoom start/stops so that zooms begin and end softly and without jerkiness. Canon’s e-Drive provides for memorized focus and zoom positions, repeatable focus with no mechanical play or gear backlash; steady and slow zoom creeps; and one-button on/off.

Canon e-Drive’s motion-control repeatability offers many advantages and striking new possibilities for a variety of users, including hand-held news, field, and studio shooters. With e-Drive, lens functions can be customized according to a videographer's own particular needs. News shooters can, for example, program an ultra-slow zoom that can be turned on and off with a single button, or they can program a focus pull should they need to scan a document from top to bottom. Field camera operators can quickly and easily check focus with the Shuttle Shot function.

Studio camera operators can use e-Drive to add a remote-control film-style focus knob without the need for traditional gears and rods. Use of such a wired remote control can eliminate the possibility of vibration when transitioning from one focus setting to another in tight, table-top shoots. The precise and repeatable control of e-Drive’s zoom and focus settings also increases functionality for virtual reality studios. In addition, e-Drive’s Canon encoders are anticipated to play a major role in supplying precision digital lens data as metadata systems continue to grow in sophistication.

Canon’s “e” technology also signifies the company’s commitment to ecology. Canon is manufacturing its HD and SD lenses without lead to minimize the impact on the environment. As with e-Drive, Canon's lead-free policy is another first in its continual commitment to build on its reputation for excellence as an optics leader.

See the full line of Canon products throughout NAB 2005 at Booth # SU 7814, Las Vegas Convention Center.

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 third overall in the U.S. in 2004, with global revenues of $33.3 billion. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.



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EDITORS Please note corporate contact information for this division: For more information, please call Canon broadcast and communications division at 1-800-321-4388 or visit www.canonbroadcast.com.