Canon Announces the 5-Megapixel PowerShot A95

We predict that the PowerShot A95 will repeat the success of previous "A-series" cameras.

From Canon USA - Aug 19, 2004

NEW CANON POWERSHOT A SERIES CAMERAS TAKE GREAT PICTURES SIMPLY AND AFFORDABLY

PowerShot A400, A85 and A95 Digital Cameras Are New Entry Level Models With Extraordinary Image Quality and Performance

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Aug. 19, 2004: Canon expands upon the success of its PowerShot A-series digital camera line with three new models. Named after their AA-battery power source, the new PowerShot A400, A85 and A95 digital cameras carry estimated street prices ranging from $179.99 to $399.99*, providing consumers with an exceptional combination of top-of-the-line features, functional design and excellent image quality at a tremendous value.

"Our A-series digital cameras have been widely adopted by mainstream consumers because of their combination of feature-set, image quality and price," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon USA, Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ). "This combination has opened the digital doorway to first time camera buyers, new parents recording their children's early moments, teenagers taking pictures of themselves and their friends and generally, people looking for a quality digital camera at an entry-level price."

According to the NPD Group, Inc., two of the top 10 best selling cameras and three of the top 20 best selling cameras in the first half of 2004 are Canon PowerShot A-series models.

Also available in August for an estimated street price of $399.99*, Canon's new 5.0-megapixel PowerShot A95 digital camera replaces the popular A80 unit and merges the capabilities of Canon's prosumer-level 'G' series line with the form factor of an A-series model.

The highly advanced 5 Megapixel digital camera features a new larger 1.8" vari-angled LCD monitor for easier image preview and review as well as FlexiZone AF/AE for off-center subjects. The PowerShot A95 digital camera offers users 14 easy-to-use Shooting Modes, including Special Scene Modes that will help create exceptional images.

Appealing to a wide range of consumers the PowerShot A85 and A95 models cross over into specialized applications as well. For teachers and students that make classroom presentations and real estate professionals who often need to capture interior and exterior images of a house, the A85 and A95 cameras provide exceptional performance at affordable prices.

All three of the new A-series PowerShot digital cameras are equipped with 9-point AiAF, a feature normally found in Canon's high-end models, that allows users to get crisp, clear images quickly, even with off-center subjects. The PowerShot A85 and A95 models are compatible with a wide range of optional accessories, including supplementary wide-angle, telephoto and close-up lenses as well as dedicated waterproof housings with a depth rating of 130 feet (WP-DC50 for A95 model and WP-DC30 for A85 model). Both cameras come equipped with Type I CompactFlash card media (32MB included), a USB cable and four AA Alkaline batteries. Consumers may purchase rechargeable Canon Alkaline NiMh (Nickel Metal Hydride NB4-200 AA-size batteries) separately.

The new A-Series digital cameras offer Direct Printing functionality, making it easy, quick and convenient for anyone to produce high-quality photos without the need for a computer. The Print/Share button, found on most of Canon's new PowerShot models, also speeds and simplifies printing to compatible Canon and PictBridge-enabled printers. The Print/Share feature also enables one-touch Direct Transfer to Windows XP, Me, 2000 and 98 computers, for use with image processing programs, uploading to the Internet or emailing. Once connected, the Print/Share button will light up blue, indicating that it is ready to print.

For quick and easy printing of high-quality images, Canon's CP printers offer the perfect option. In just 85 seconds***, consumers have printed photos right in their hands for sharing with friends and family. New to the line of Compact Photo Printers is the ability to print on 4" x 8" paper-ideal for family holiday photos or to announce the arrival of a new baby.

• An ID Photo Print feature that allows the user to make ID photo size prints by cropping the image to the required ID size (up to 28 sizes),
• Movie Print mode enables the consumer to print a series of still images from a recorded movie; and
• Postcard Date Imprint mode lets users select a date stamp that can be imprinted in the corner of a picture.

The DIGIC Difference

Canon's new PowerShot A400, A85 and A95 digital cameras include Canon's DIGIC technology. Canon developed the proprietary DIGIC (Digital Imaging Integrated Circuit) Image Processor specifically for use with its line of digital cameras. The technology combines the jobs of image processing and camera function control into one chip. Because it was specifically designed for use in digital cameras, it is also capable of handling JPEG compression/expansion; memory card control; LCD/Video control and processing; gain control (control of CCD signal amplification); Auto Exposure; Auto Focus; Auto White Balance control and most other functions of the camera. The result is a product that offers faster and more powerful auto focus than ever before, faster image processing, better image quality and longer battery life.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.
*Prices subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.
**When using converter lenses, we recommend using the LCD monitor to preview composition and refraining from the use of the built-in Flash to avoid harsh shadows in the resulting photos.
*** Print speed based on average output speed achieved during product testing with Canon PowerShot digital cameras. Other manufacturer's' products' print speed may vary.