CANON COMPLEMENTS EOS-1N SERIES WITH DIGITAL MODELS

LAS VEGAS, NV, February 8, 1995 -- Canon Inc. announced today it will market its first professional-quality digital still camera in the second quarter of 1995. Dubbed the Canon EOS/DCS 3, the camera combines the company's flagship EOS-1N single-lens reflex camera with a custom-made version of Eastman Kodak Company's DCS digital imaging back. The EOS/DCS 3 will be available in 3 versions: EOS/DCS 3c for one-shot, full-color digital imaging; EOS/DCS 3m for monochrome (black & white); and EOS/DCS 3IR for infra-red.

Developed in cooperation with Kodak, the EOS/DCS series expands the range of EOS system-based professional cameras, which includes the EOS-1N, the new EOS-1N RS, EOS A2 and A2E.

"Canon's new digital imaging system utilizes all the functions of the EOS-1N, a camera that was built on the strengths of the EOS-1 and A2 which has been eagerly embraced since its introduction last year. It also incorporates new technologies and design concepts that significantly increase performance and fulfill requests from current EOS users," said Hank Maeda, vice president and general manager of Canon's Camera Division.
"The Canon DCS/3 allows photographers to expand their talents through a new medium of powerful image-making while continuing to work with an advanced camera system they know and trust."

The EOS/DCS cameras mark Canon's entry into the professional digital camera market. While they are not intended to replace conventional film-based cameras, the EOS/DCS series expand the range of EOS-based professional cameras. Current EOS owners can continue to enjoy the widest selection of lenses and accessories available in an SLR system. The EOS DCS/3 will add the dimension of digital capture to photographers' existing film-based equipment.

In addition to photojournalism and sports photography, applications for the DCS/3 include scientific research, industrial analysis, medical imaging, and law enforcement, as well as educational and corporate usage.

Primary Features of The EOS/DCS 3:
* Combines Canon's top-of-the-line EOS-1N with Kodak's latest DCS technology.
* Fully compatible with Canon EF lenses for unmatched picture quality.
* Large buffer memory (16 MB) for continuous shooting up to 12 exposures at
framing rates of up to 2.7 images per second.
* High resolution 16.4mm x 20.5mm, 1.3 megapixel CCD sensor (1268 x 1012
pixels)
* Superb color reproduction and gradation afforded by 36-bit digital capture
(12 bits per RGB channel).
* Equivalent ISO range from 200 to 1600 for EOS/DCS 3c (400 to 3200 for EOS/DCS
3m & 3IR models)
* Removable PCMCIA storage (both hard disk and flash memory cards)
* Built-in microphone for image annotation, allow the photographer to record
sound clips before or after exposing an image.
* Built-in high-power battery pack delivers up to 1,000 exposures per charge.

EOS/DCS Product Development
In the rapidly-growing field of multi-media, faster and more efficient means of capturing, storing, transmitting, and manipulating images are essential. To many professional photographers and imaging specialists working in the mass media, commercial, and scientific fields were speed is the essence, digital cameras are the answer. Many professionals have clamored for a high-quality, EOS-based digital camera which can use Canon EF lenses offering proven image quality. In response, Canon and Eastman Kodak have joined forces to produce the EOS/DCS series which combine Canon's camera and Kodak's digital imaging back. Canon, a leader in imaging hardware, and Eastman Kodak, a leader in digital imaging technology, look forward to continued cooperation in both the technical and marketing aspects of this relationship.

Canon and Kodak are also working together to design and produce two additional sets of EOS/DCS digital cameras. Beginning in April, Kodak plans to market the EOS/DCS 5 digital camera, which captures 1.5 million pixels at equivalent film speeds up to ISO 400. In late 1995, both companies plan to co-market a new EOS/DCS model featuring an ultra-high resolution 6 million pixel CCD sensor.

Camera Features

The operation and handling of the EOS/DCS 3 will be familiar to many users because it is based on a modified version of Canon's professional EOS-1N camera. Many camera controls and performance features are similar if not identical between the two models. Camera-related feature highlights include:

* Canon's exclusive AIM (Advanced Integrated Multi-point control) system, which
links focusing and exposure together in real time for optimum results, even
with off-center subjects
* 5-point autofocus with choice of automatic or manual focusing point selection
* 5 metering patterns from 16-zone Evaluative to 6.2% spot
* 3-zone TTL flash metering1 with built-in flash exposure compensation control
* 12 Custom Functions including mirror lock for personalized camera
configuration

The EOS/DCS 3 is ideal for users who demand maximum speed and performance capability in a digital camera. Its 12-image memory buffer combined with shooting speeds up to 2.7 images per second and an extended range of sensitivity (equivalent to ISO 200-1600 for the EOS/DCS 3c) result in unmatched performance for a variety of users.

Compatible PCMCIA-ATA removable media include Type III hard disk cards with capacities up to 170 MB for economical and reusable storage of over 100 images, as well as solid state Type I and Type II flash memory cards for demanding industrial and military applications.

Kodak software shipped with the camera enables both Macintosh and PC users to acquire image information from the camera's card reader or an external card reader attached to a compatible computer. A standard SCSI cable (supplied with the camera) connects the EOS/DCS directly to a Macintosh computer or (using a host adapter) to an IBM PC or compatible.

The EOS/DCS 3 camera will be available in three configurations: EOS/DCS 3c (color), EOS/DCS 3m (black & white) and EOS/DCS 3IR (infrared). All three EOS/DCS 3 cameras include an AC adapter/charger, Mac and PC cables, driver software and manuals. EF Lenses, other EOS accessories and removable storage media are available separately from Canon and third parties.

The cameras will be available from Canon dealers in late April. The suggested list price for each EOS/DCS 3 version will be US$16,000. For more information, customers may call Canon U.S.A., Inc. at 1-800-828-4040.