Canon Announcements (Page 18)

The Canon PowerShot G1 X, ELPH 520 HS and ELPH 110 HS Digital Cameras have been announced.

You definitely want to read about the large-sensored Canon PowerShot G1 X.

Canon has announced the VIXIA HF M52 and R32 Flash Memory Camcorders.

Canon USA has informed me that they expect the new Canon EF 500mm f/4.0 L IS II USM Lens and Canon EF 600mm f/4.0 L IS II USM Lens to be available in April.

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., November 16, 2011 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced updated availability information for three of its EF lenses:

Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM EXTENDER l.4x lens availability yet to be determined
Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM lens availability yet to be determined
Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM lens availability yet to be determined
Additional information regarding the shipping date of each lens will be made available as soon as possible.

Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM EXTENDER l.4x lens

The EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM EXTENDER l.4x is being developed as an L-series super-telephoto lens with an integrated 1.4x extender and high-performance Image Stabilizer technology. The new lens will offer exceptional flexibility by incorporating a built-in 1.4x extender that increases the maximum focal length to 560mm for sports and wildlife photography. High-quality images with high levels of resolution and contrast will be possible through the use of advanced optical materials such as fluorite crystal. The new lens will also include dust- and water-resistant construction designed for extended usage under harsh conditions.

Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM Lens for Sports and Nature Photography

The Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM offers professional photographers a lighter weight option for those situations that require a long focal length with improved image quality and enhanced durability over its predecessor. Great for a wide range of applications, the EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM lens is ideal for professional photojournalism, sports photography and nature and wildlife photography. The optical formula of the new lens has been enhanced to include two fluorite lens elements for improved image quality and reduced chromatic aberration. Canon has reduced the overall weight of the lens by 18 percent from 136.5 oz to 112.5 oz.

The Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM lens is expected to be available for an estimated retail price of $10,499.

Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM Lens for Wildlife and Photojournalism

The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM is the successor to the current EF 600mm IS lens first introduced in 1999. This new lens has been engineered for outstanding optical performance and durability and includes two new fluorite lens elements for improved quality and reduced chromatic aberration. Helping photographers in the field, Canon has reduced the overall weight of the lens by a substantial 27 percent from 189.1 oz to 138.3 oz.

The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM lens is expected to be available for an estimated retail price of $12,999.

Bad news: The Canon EF 500mm f/4.0 L IS II USM Lens, Canon EF 600mm f/4.0 L IS II USM Lens, and Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Ext 1.4x Lens have been delayed indefinitely. Here is my translation with Google's help:

EOS Series Lens release date change information

Thank you for your patronage.

The release date on the announced EOS lenses listed below have been changed.

Summary of Changes

The Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Ext 1.4x Lens was originally expected to be (formally) announced on February 07, 2011 and scheduled for release later this year. This launch has also been delayed indefinitely. A release date for this lens will be announced when it is known.

We appologize for the inconvenience caused by these delays and will continue to make every effort to launch the new lenses. We look forward to your continued patronage.

 
Hopefully I didn't damage that announcement translation too badly (thanks Kaz).

I added many images to the following press releases:

Canon EOS C300 Digital Cinema Camera

Canon Prime and Zoom Cinema Lenses for Cinema EOS System

Canon 4K Concept DSLR

The lenses are calling me. But at those prices, ouch. Maybe Roger at LensRentals.com will let me try his out.

Canon has announced that a 4K Concept DSLR is under development.

Canon Prime and Zoom Cinema Lenses for Cinema EOS System have been announced.

The Canon EOS C300 Digital Cinema Camera has been announced.

Canon Announces Cinema EOS System

The Canon Cinema EOS System website has more information.

Official press releases are not yet available, but you can track the event live at Engadget.

I'll post more information when it becomes available.

Canon Europe has announced the Canon PIXMA PRO-1 Flagship Printer.

The Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR Camera UK Press Release reveals more information about the new 1D X - a link to this release is now included at the bottom of the Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR Camera Review placeholder page.

Replacing the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV and the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III is the just-announced Canon EOS-1D X DSLR.

Some pics are available on the Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR Camera Review placeholder page. I plan to add more information to the review page later today.

Canon press release:

CANON U.S.A. LAUNCHES THREE PIXMA ALL-IN-ONE PHOTO PRINTERS WITH HIGH-END PRINTING FEATURES AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE

Featuring the new FastFront System and Software Upgrades to Easy-PhotoPrint EX and Full HD Movie Print

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., October 18, 2011 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced three new PIXMA printers – the MG4120 Wireless1 Photo All-In-One, MG3120 Wireless1 Photo All-In-One and the MG2120 Photo All-In-One (AIO) printers. Combining function, reliability and creativity, these new models offer users the opportunity to print high-quality images to share with friends and family. The new MG4120 is also compatible with the PIXMA Cloud Link2 for easy printing of photos and templates directly through the printer without the use of a computer on the 2.4 inch color LCD screen.

Print with ease with the new FastFront system

With the new FastFront system, the ink storage and paper tray are conveniently located in the front of the machine, allowing access for users to easily load ink or paper. All three printers feature the ChromaLife 100 ink system3, which utilizes a two cartridge system, one black and one color. The new ink system on-board this year helps deliver the high quality photos you can expect from PIXMA printers while providing brilliant colors particularly in yellow and red areas, especially on plain paper. To help optimize user workflow and print with ease, Auto Duplex printing is also available for the first time in this class on both the MG4120 and MG3120 printer, helping to reduce paper usage by up to 50 percent. As an added bonus, when using these new printers consumers will be provided with exclusive printable content through CREATIVE PARK PREMIUM4. The content on this site includes postcards, albums and many more projects including paintings by artists such as Norman Rockwell.

“It is an exciting time in the printing industry with new technologies and features helping users print in new and creative ways,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “The launch of these impressive models is a prime opportunity to showcase Canon’s renowned efficiency and ease-of-use in overall printing.”

Personalize your prints with new creative features

Full HD Movie Print5 software has been enhanced as well to produce clearer images of frames from videos captured on compatible HD Canon EOS and PowerShot Digital Cameras. Users can easily tell the story of videos from memorable events, frame by frame in a more unique way than before by merging multiple images into one final shot, capturing nearly every portion of the action. Consumers can explore their photographic creativity when customizing images with the recently enhanced Easy-PhotoPrint EX software. This updated software from Canon allows users to artistically alter images to create fun new looks using Fun-Filter Effects such as Fish-Eye, Miniature, Toy Camera, Soft Focus and Blur Background.

Accessibility at its finest

With the capabilities of mobile and wireless devices continuously advancing, the PIXMA MG4120 and MG3120 Wireless Photo AIO printers can print from nearly any computer or mobile device. Compatible Android and Apple smart phones and tablets enjoy enhanced accessibility through the updated Easy-PhotoPrint mobile app6. Users can now scan documents on the printer to be sent directly to a compatible mobile device. These PDF’s can now be printed on a compatible PIXMA printer for convenient on-the-go access.

The PIXMA MG4120 and MG3120 Wireless Photo AIO printers are 802.11n Wi-Fi certified, allowing for a fast network transfer rate. Setting up either printer to a wireless network can be done with the press of one button when using Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). In addition, Canon offers its award-winning service and support online at www.usa.canon.com/wirelesshelp, where customers have access to manuals and video tutorials to assist them in setting up a wireless PIXMA device.

Increasing its wireless versatility, the PIXMA MG4120 Wireless Photo AIO printer supports the new PIXMA Cloud Link, which allows registered users of CANON iMAGE GATEWAY or Google’s Picasa Web Albums to wirelessly access their photo albums stored in those services directly on the printerwithout the use of a computer6. Additionally, users of the MG4120 will also have access to exclusive printing templates including stationery, envelopes, memos, calendars.

Canon PIXMA MG4120 Wireless, MG3120 Wireless and MG2120 Photo AIO printer

Delivering superb color at affordable prices, the PIXMA MG4120 Wireless Photo AIO, MG3120 Wireless Photo AIO and the MG2120 Photo AIO each deliver a maximum color resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi7. The PIXMA MG4120 Wireless Photo AIO printer can output at approximately 9.9 ipm for black-and-white documents and approximately 5.7 ipm for color8. The PIXMA MG3120 Wireless Photo AIO printer delivers output at approximately 9.2 ipm for black-and-white documents and approximately 5.0 ipm for color8. The PIXMA MG2120 Photo AIO printer provides output at approximately 8.4 ipm for black-and-white documents and approximately 4.8 ipm for color8. All three printers can produce a 4” x 6” borderless10 photo in approximately 44 seconds9.

The PIXMA MG4120 Wireless, MG3120 Wireless and MG2120 Photo All-in-One Printers will have an estimated selling price of $129.99, $79.99 and $69.99 respectively11.

CANON iMAGE GATEWAY

CANON iMAGE GATEWAY is an exclusive online photography resource and service for owners of registered qualified Canon products. Camera owners who have registered a qualifying Canon camera via their Canon Account can upload and share up to 2GB of photos with friends and family. Members also gain access to informative photography-related articles on topics such as macro shooting, portrait photography, printing tips and print projects to get the most out of their photos. Owners of registered qualifying printers can use their photos to create greeting cards, calendars and much more with Print Projects! Printer members are provided with a wide array of helpful articles to enhance their experience with their Canon printer and to help them create inspiring projects.

†Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

1 Wireless printing requires a working network with wireless 802.11b/g or 802.11n capability. Wireless performance may vary based on terrain and distance between the printer and wireless network clients.

2 Subject to the Terms and Conditions of use of CANON iMAGE GATEWAY or Picasa Web Albums, depending on the service the consumer is using.

3 Canon cannot guarantee the longevity of prints; results may vary depending on printed image, drying time, display/storage conditions and environmental factors. See www.usa.canon.com/chromalife100 for additional details.

4 To access CREATIVE PARK PREMIUM from a qualifying printer, all of the software and the full set of Genuine Canon Inks that came with the printer must be properly installed.

5 Full HD Movie Print allows printing from HD or Full HD "MOV" movie files created by Canon EOS Digital SLR or PowerShot digital cameras. From PC, or Mac with Intel® processor. Print quality is determined by video resolution. Function does not upscale video resolution. Requires Canon ZoomBrowser EX 6.5 or later, or Canon ImageBrowser 6.5 or later.

6 Requires Canon Easy-PhotoPrint for iPhone app, available for free on the App Store, or Canon Easy-PhotoPrint for Android app for free in the Android Market. Compatible with iPhone 3G, 3Gs and 4; iPod touch; and Android devices running Android OS 1.6 or later.

7 Resolution may vary based on printer driver setting. Color ink droplets can be placed with a horizontal pitch of 1/4800 at minimum.

8 ISO/IEC 24734define the default print speed measurement methods. Print speeds are the averages of ESAT in Office Category Test for the default simplex mode, ISO/IEC 24734, excluding time to print the first set. See www.usa.canon.com/ipm for additional details.

9 Photo print speeds are based on the standard mode driver setting using photo test pattern(s) and select Canon Photo Paper. Print speed is measured as soon as the first page begins to feed into the printer and will vary depending on system configuration, interface, software, document complexity, print mode, types of paper used and page coverage. See www.usa.canon.com/printspeed for additional information.

10 Supported paper types for borderless printing are as follows: Photo Paper Pro Platinum, Photo Paper Plus Glossy II, Photo Paper Plus Semi-gloss, Photo Paper Glossy and Matte Photo Paper.

11 Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.

Canon press release:

TOKYO, October 18, 2011—Canon Inc. and Canon Marketing Japan Inc. announced today the achievement of two major manufacturing milestones: combined production of film and digital EOS-series single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras surpassed the 50-million mark in September this year, and the EF series of interchangeable lenses is expected to reach the 70-million-unit milestone later this month.

50 million EOS digital SLR cameras

Production of Canon EOS SLR cameras first started in 1987 at Canon Inc.'s Fukushima Plant (now Fukushima Canon Inc.), and later moved to Oita Canon Inc. and Canon Inc., Taiwan; and most recently Nagasaki Canon Inc. in 2010. In 1997, the EOS series celebrated its 10-year anniversary in addition to the 10-millionth unit produced, and in 2003 passed the 20-million mark. Following the rapid spread of digital SLR cameras, Canon went on to reach 30-million units produced during the series' 20-year anniversary in 2007, followed by the 40-million mark in May 2010. After a short one year and four months, the EOS series has now come to celebrate its 50-millionth camera produced.

The EOS series, which stands for "Electro Optical System" and also carries the name of the Greek goddess of the dawn, was first introduced in March 1987 as a new generation of AF SLR cameras that incorporate the world's first electronic mount system, achieving complete electronic control not only between the lens and body but throughout the entire camera system.

With the key concepts of high speed and ease of use, EOS-series cameras, including the top-of-the-line EOS-1 professional model released in 1989 and the popular compact, lightweight EOS Kiss (EOS Rebel XS or EOS 500 in other regions) introduced in 1993, actively incorporate innovative technologies and have gained acceptance from a wide range of users. Following the introduction of the EOS D30 in 2000, when the spread of digital SLR cameras was in full swing, Canon developed such advanced technologies as its proprietary CMOS sensors and high-performance DIGIC digital image processors, as well as an extensive lineup of EF lenses in an effort to fulfill the company's new key concepts of high speed, ease-of-use, and high image quality.

Currently, the company offers a broad product lineup that serves the needs of all levels of users, from entry-level enthusiasts to advanced amateurs and professionals. This lineup has further expanded with the addition of the new high-performance EOS-1D X, Canon's new flagship digital SLR camera, scheduled to go on sale in late March 2012.

70 million EF lenses

Production of interchangeable EF lenses for Canon EOS-series AF (autofocus) film cameras first began in 1987 at the company's Utsunomiya Plant, and has since expanded to a total of four manufacturing centers, including Canon Inc., Taiwan; Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.; and Oita Canon Inc. in southern Japan. Production of EF lenses surpassed the 10-million mark in 1995, doubling to 20-million units in 2001. After reaching the 30-million-unit milestone in 2006, Canon celebrated the production of its 40-millionth lens in April 2008. Owing to the rapid spread of the EOS Digital series of digital SLR cameras, production for Canon's EF lenses then gained momentum to reach the 50-million-unit milestone in 2009, followed by the 60-million mark in January this year. And just nine months later, the EF series is expected to reach the 70-million mark in late October.

Canon's EF lens series was first introduced together with the EOS SLR camera system in March 1987, and has over the years led the industry through the incorporation of a number of innovative technologies, including such world's firsts*1 as the Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for use in lenses, Image Stabilizer (IS), Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) anti-reflection technology, and a multi-layered diffractive optical (DO) element.

Canon's current EF-lens lineup, comprising 66 models,*2 ranges from super-wide-angle lenses to super-telephoto zoom lenses. The diverse lens selection includes an array of zoom lenses, Image Stabilizer-equipped lenses, large-diameter lenses, macro-lenses and TS-E lenses incorporating a special tilt-shift mechanism allowing manipulation of image perspective and distortion. This year, Canon released such EF lenses as the EF8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM—the world's first*1 full fisheye zoom lens with angle-of-view coverage from 180-degree circular fisheye to 180-degree diagonal fisheye—and the EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM and EF400mm f/2.8L IS II USM telephoto lenses.

Canon will continue to refine its diverse imaging technologies based on its core optical technologies, striving to produce exceptional and reliable lenses and cameras that cater to the varying needs of photographers—from first-time users to advanced amateurs and professionals—while contributing to expanding the culture of photographic and video imaging.

*1 Among interchangeable lenses for SLR cameras

*2 Including two EF lens extenders and models available outside of Japan

Location to Serve as Western Hub for Education, Service & Training Operations

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., October 12, 2011 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced the opening of the Canon Hollywood Professional Technology and Support Center to better serve its film and television production clients. The office, located on the historic Sunset Gower Studio lot at 6060 Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, will provide a local site to foster support, research, service and training for Hollywood’s thriving entertainment industry.

“We want to offer a one-stop shop where our clients can come to ask questions and explore our various products with the help of our highly qualified technical and engineering staff members. The Canon Hollywood Professional Technology and Support Center provides a well-equipped venue for working with professionals in a range of imaging industries, from film and television production to still imaging and professional output,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.

Comprehensive product repair services for Canon professional products will be available in the new Hollywood facility starting in late 2011. On-site repair operations will include two state-of-the-art camera body and lens adjustment rooms, Canon’s most advanced adjustment and calibration equipment, local spare parts inventory, and an experienced professional repair staff that will look to quickly return Canon’s professional products to their original factory condition and operation.

The Canon Hollywood Professional Technology and Support Center will also serve as a field extension of Canon’s Research and Solution Engineering Department, dedicated to ensuring that current and future products meet or exceed the demands of our clientele. As a local research and development center, staff will assess market demands and expectations for new professional imaging technology and look to build them into future product generations and customer support provisions. This represents only one of many initiatives and investments that Canon has planned to solidify its commitment to the film and television production community.

The facility will also support business opportunities by offering 1:1 meetings with major clients (studios, production houses, television networks, rental facilities, and others) to further build relationships and assess their needs. The new facility and local Canon staff will also offer hands-on education to current and potential clients on the latest Canon professional products. Courtesy visits by both existing and potential clients in the industry can be arranged to explore opportunities and assess Canon’s full capabilities. Guilds, unions or organizations affiliated with film and television production are encouraged to inquire about hosting seminars, events and industry gatherings at Canon’s Hollywood center as well.

The Canon Hollywood Professional Technology and Support Center will also host Canon Live Learning (CLL) workshops – fee-based seminars for professionals and enthusiasts looking to further their imaging education. In addition, the Hollywood center will offer other industry-related events covering a wide range of technical and creative topics within the professional production segment.

In addition to the business and Hollywood industry support mentioned above, the service and support facility located in the Canon’s new Hollywood center will also be part of Canon’s industry-leading nationwide customer service and support network. Canon’s customer service and support network includes Factory Service Centers in Irvine (Calif.), Jamesburg (N.J.) and Newport News (Va.) as well as five broadcast lens service centers located strategically throughout the United States. Canon service centers’ reputation for excellence is based on industry-leading repair turnaround times, high-quality repair services, personalized service and 100 percent US-based call center support operations, all based on Canon factory standards and processes and designed to provide complete customer satisfaction.

Canon has reportedly sent the following invitation to members of the press:

Other than PIXMA and EOS being listed, little information is provided. (thanks Mike)

Collaborates with FedEx Office, Sims Recycling Solutions and Close the Loop to Offer Customers Ink Cartridge Recycling

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., September 27, 2011 – Continuing its commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, announces a new nationwide inkjet cartridge recycling program. Designed in collaboration with FedEx Office®, Sims Recycling Solutions and Close the Loop, this program utilizes the best environmental practices in treatment of recyclable materials.

Canon PIXMA printer users can now drop off empty genuine PIXMA inkjet cartridges at more than 1,600 FedEx Office Print and Ship Centers across the United States. From FedEx Office locations, cartridges will be consolidated by Sims Recycling Solutions, who specialize in the large-scale processing of electronic waste. After being consolidated by SIMS Recycling, the Genuine Canon ink cartridges go to Close the Loop, a "material recovery" company specializing in the recycling of inkjet cartridges. This program will be free of cost to all Canon consumers.

"With the rise in consumer environmental awareness, Canon is pleased to offer customers the opportunity to participate in this national recycling program," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications, Canon U.S.A. "Environmental responsibility and awareness have always been a top priority for Canon, and recycling is one of the simplest yet most beneficial aspects of this."

The recycling program will tie into the Canon Generation Green initiative that focuses on helping to reduce the environmental burdens in all stages of a product's lifecycle. Generation Green is designed to provide business partners, customers and consumers a way to identify and learn about the various eco-conscious features and solutions that Canon has to offer, including possible cost savings through energy efficiency.

In addition, components from the recycled cartridges can be turned into materials for other products. Close the Loop's innovative products include felt-tip pens and markers made from inkjet plastics and inks; industrial colorants made from recycled ink; recovered metals that can be recycled into new steel and aluminum ingots; and scrap plastics that can be turned into the company's synthetic "eLumber" and various eLumber products.

Press release:

CANON U.S.A. ANNOUNCES SELECT PIXMA PRINTERS NOW SUPPORT APPLE'S AIRPRINT ENABLING WIRELESS PRINTING FROM iPad, iPhone & iPod Touch

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., September 20, 2011 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced that the PIXMA MG8220, MG6220 and MG5320 Wireless Photo All-In-One inkjet photo printers will now support AirPrint1 wireless printing for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. AirPrint allows users to wirelessly print photos, emails, web pages and other documents without the need to install device drivers, saving time and making for a seamless user experience.

AirPrint will be supported by the majority of Canon PIXMA inkjet printers launched from this point forward. AirPrint works with iPad, iPad 2, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPod touch (3rd generation and later) running using iOS 4.2 or later.

For more information on the support models and other details, please visit www.usa.canon.com/airprint.