Elura 2MC Packs Multiple Shooting Modes And Storage Media Into Unusually Small Camcorder Size

LAKE SUCCESS, NY (July 13, 2000) -- Canon introduced the Elura 2MC, a pocket-size hybrid digital video camcorder with features to meet a variety of still, motion and multimedia image capture needs.

With multiple shooting modes and connectivity options, the Elura 2MC complements DV-ready computers, televisions and VCRs for video editing, printing and sharing images in the family room, classroom, boardroom and over the Internet.

The compact Elura 2MC measures 1 7/8 x 4 1/8 x 3 3/8 inches, about the size of a man's wallet. It weighs slightly more than one pound with a battery and tape. It records video and still images to the universal MiniDV digital videocassette. To manage, retrieve and download still images more efficiently, the Elura 2MC accepts the MultiMediaCard (MMC), an industry standard storage media.

Key features of the Elura 2MC include three shooting modes, Firewire computer connectivity, 10x optical/40x digital zoom, image stabilization, a high-resolution rotating view screen and viewfinder, and digital stereo sound. Advanced technology components include a progressive scan CCD image sensor, RGB primary color filter and a three-element stereo microphone.

The Elura 2, a comparable model without the MultiMediaCard, includes the performance features found in the Elura 2MC. The manufactured suggested retail price for the Elura 2MC is $1,799, and it will be available at retailers in September 2000. The Elura 2 will be available in October 2000 for $1,599.

"Design, functionality and connectivity are the key components of the new Elura 2MC," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, vice president and general manager, Photographic Products Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "Canon technology continues to push the limits of miniaturization, producing a new digital video camera with the compactness and features required by our customers. The Elura 2MC also provides users with the option to transfer images to a personal computer with either a MultiMediaCard or a DV terminal."

Three Shooting Modes
Normal movie mode: Captures smooth, full motion video for playback on the television.

Digital photo mode: Captures VGA-quality still images to videotape for six seconds each and includes audio. By pressing the photo button, users can capture more than 700 still pictures on a single videocassette in SP mode. Video and still pictures can be combined on the MiniDV digital videocassette for variety. Using the photo mode, users also may record still images to the MultiMediaCard.

Progressive Scan Digital Motor Drive:
Canon's Progressive Scan Digital Motor Drive is made possible through the use of a Progressive Scan CCD image sensor. This exclusive feature allows users to record full frame still images continuously at 30 frames per second, which appear as motion video during playback. At 30 frames per second, the Digital Motor Drive feature captures images faster than the motor drive of a 35mm camera. While viewing, users may select the ideal frame that conveys the action from a precise moment --such as a gesture or perfect facial expression -- in outstanding clarity. Images can be downloaded to a computer for printing or sharing via the Internet.

MultiMediaCard Recording
The Elura 2MC expands imaging versatility by recording still images on the standardized MultiMediaCard. This rugged, ultra-light media makes it easy to store, retrieve, view and download images to a personal computer or printer. The Elura 2MC kit includes an 8MB MultiMediaCard. When recording still images to the supplied 8MB MultiMediaCard, images are compressed and stored in the JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format. Users may select one of two image quality modes: Fine -- recording approximately 60 images suitable for making prints, or Standard -- recording approximately 105 images appropriate for email attachments or personal website. Both modes record images in 640 x 480 (VGA) resolution. Higher capacity MultiMediaCards capable of recording a greater quantity of still images, such as the SanDisk brand 16MB, 32MB or 64MB, are options available through most computer and electronics retailers.

For expanded flexibility in image management, users may transfer images recorded on the MiniDV digital videocassette to the MultiMediaCard, or vice versa. Images from the MultiMediaCard also can be transferred easily to a personal computer. The MultiMediaCard can be placed into a PC card adapter that inserts into a PC card slot found on most laptop PCs, a MultiMediaCard external drive that connects to a USB terminal, or a FD Adapter that inserts into a floppy disk drive. Each transfer device is available as an option through most computer and electronics retailers.

The supplied 8MB MultiMediaCard will permit three types of card mix special effects that are designed to enhance the appearance of images recorded to the MiniDV digital videocassette. The effect types are Card Chroma Key, Card Luminance Key and Camera Chroma Key. Users may select from pre-recorded cartoon-like frames, or create personal frames and titles on a PC that can be layered over video or still images. A pre-recorded image also can be combined with one from the camera to create fantastic scenes such as a baby crawling on clouds in open sky.

Genuine Canon 10x Optical Zoom Lens and 40x Digital Zoom
A new highly compact lens was created to minimize the overall size of the Elura 2MC. The 10x optical zoom allows users to select the best picture angle for any scene. This includes wide angle (landscapes or confined spaces) to telephoto (for screen-filling close-ups of subjects at a far distance). At 3.5 to 35.0mm, the optical zoom range is the 35mm film equivalent of 43.9 to 439mm. The pressure sensitive zoom controller makes it possible to change picture angles quickly for sudden impact or slowly for deliberately revealing new views. The optical zoom can be digitally magnified up to 4x by activating the 40x digital zoom to expose subjects too far to be seen with the eye.

Image Stabilizer
A high quality image stabilization system instantly corrects camera shake, providing smooth, stable pictures. Shake-free images can be recorded even on long telephoto shots without a tripod. Unlike competitive models, the image stabilizer functions in both video and photo shooting modes.

LCD Viewfinder
The 2.5-inch 200,000-pixel color LCD monitor is bright and clear, and it permits easy composition of sensational shots from any angle. The screen swivels and flips for maximum handling comfort and flexibility, tucking neatly away when bright conditions make the eyecup viewfinder the preferred way to shoot.

Digital Stereo Sound
Two digital audio modes enhance the playback experience. The 16 bit mode produces the higher, CD equivalent, two-channel sound quality. The 12 bit mode records on one of two stereo tracks, leaving the other stereo track free to dub extra sound at a later time.

Program Auto Exposure
The Elura 2MC includes seven programmed modes for auto exposure to ensure the best overall images are achieved easily in a wide variety of shooting environments. Each mode employs a different combination of camera settings intended to match uncommon shooting situations. They include: easy recording for overall automatic operation; auto for automatic operation where one or more individual features may be controlled manually; sports for recording high-speed action in bright daylight; portrait for shallow depth of field to emphasize the foreground and minimize the background; spotlight for recording bright lights and minimize overexposure of subjects under strong lighting; sand and snow to minimize subject underexposure against strong backlight; low light to brighten images in environments with insufficient light.

Manual Controls
The Elura 2MC is fully automated and it also offers manual control over focus, exposure, white balance and shutter speed.

Digital Fades/Effects/Multi-Image
The Elura 2MC includes a variety of digital fades and special effects for a more appealing look and greater imaging variety. The digital fades, which start or end a scene using a black screen, include fade trigger, wipe, scroll and mosaic. The special effects include art, black and white, sepia and mosaic. The multi-image display feature divides the screen into a choice of four, nine, or 16 pictures, which can be displayed at slow, medium or fast speed.

Analog Line-In
Images previously recorded on 8mm/VHS tapes can be transferred to DV tapes to preserve and edit important records on digital video.

Audio Dubbing/AV Insert Editing
Favorite video scenes from VHS or camcorder videotape can be inserted into an original recording using the AV insert edit mode. Using the audio dubbing mode, a second audio track, such as background music or voice-over, can be added to original sound recorded in the 12 bit audio mode.

Progressive Scan CCD
Multiple shooting modes and high image quality are achieved with a 680,000-pixel progressive scan CCD. Each light gathering pixel on the CCD is used to produce full frame video images, providing impeccable clarity of fast moving subjects such as athletes, wildlife and machinery. The CCD also produces improved quality video prints.

RGB Primary Color Filter
The progressive scan CCD integrates an RGB primary color filter that separates light passing through the lens into individual red, green and blue color components similar to professional camcorders. The result is more accurate color reproduction with finer gradations than models using a conventional complementary color filter. The difference is noticeable in skin tones and scenes with a dominant color, such as a sunset, a ski slope or a forest.

Three-Element Stereo Microphone
The newly designed, top-integrated, three-element stereo microphone system offers improved pick-up and sensitivity. The position of the microphone elements increases sensitivity to subjects in front of the camera while reducing the possibility of picking up undesirable sound from behind the camera that may spoil the soundtrack.

Battery System
Lithium ion battery packs can be recharged at any time to be prepared for peak shooting performance and to always be in the ready mode. A supplied battery pack, BP-406, has 55 minutes maximum recording time when using the viewfinder and 45 minutes maximum recording time when using the LCD screen. An optional battery pack, BP-422, extends that time to three hours and 20 minutes for the viewfinder and two hours and 45 minutes for the LCD screen.

Contents of the Elura 2MC/Elura 2 kits include:

• Elura 2MC or Elura 2
• BP-406 battery pack for 55 minutes of recording time (viewfinder), 45 minutes (LCD screen)
• CA-400 Compact Power Adapter
• DC-400 DC Coupler
• DU-300 Docking Unit
• Wireless Controller
• S-150 S-Video Cable
• STV-250 Stereo Video Cable
• MMC-8MB MultiMediaCard (Elura 2MC only)

Canon U.S.A., Inc. is an industry leader in professional and consumer imaging solutions and, through its parent company, Canon Inc., is a top patent-holder of imaging technologies. The company's comprehensive product line includes networked multifunction devices; digital and analog copiers (color and black and white); printers, scanners, image filing systems, and facsimile machines; camcorders, cameras and lenses; and semiconductor, broadcast and medical equipment. Canon employs 12,000 people at more than 30 facilities throughout North, Central and South America and the Caribbean.
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