Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon, Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), and a leader in analog and digital cameras and camcorders, is introducing the new Optura 200MC DV camcorder, an incredibly diverse and flexible imaging device offering numerous video and still options including four very distinct recording modes – Digital Video, 1.33 megapixel High Resolution Photo (suitable for printing), Motion- JPEG (MJPEG) and Digital Photo (ideal for e-mail and website placement). In addition, the new Optura 200MC can be directly connected to select Canon photo printers including the CP10 (for wallet size photos) and CP100 (for 4 X 6″ photos) and Bubble Jet-Direct photo printers S820D, S830D and S530D. The camcorder’s lightweight and compact design, outstanding picture quality, and extensive feature set make it the ideal -multi-purpose imaging tool.

“The new Optura 200MC is another example of how Canon is using its design and imaging expertise to create a high-quality, compact imaging device that combines digital video and still capabilities into a single unit,” said Yukiaki Hashimoto, vice president and general manager, Photographic Products Group, Canon U.S.A. “It also combines complete automatic and manual control to give customers the simplicity of point-and-shoot as well as the flexibility to explore their own creative ideas. And its direct print capabilities with several Canon printers enhances the overall experience by allowing users to create high-quality prints on the road or at home,” added Mr. Hashimoto.

Key Features of the Canon Optura 200MC DV Camcorder

10X Optical / 200X Digital Zoom Lens
Canon’s heritage and reputation resides in the design and manufacturing of the high precision optics in lenses for photography, broadcast TV, binoculars, projectors, and camcorders. The new Optura 200MC incorporates a Canon high-precision 10X optical zoom, resulting in outstanding image quality for both digital video and digital photos

Optical Image Stabilization
The Optura 200MC features Canon’s Optical Image Stabilization for superior image quality and maximum effectiveness. It corrects camera shake instantly, providing smooth, steady video, especially beneficial when shooting distant subjects that require zooming to the lens’ longest telephoto setting. Image Stabilization works equally as well when shooting digital photos.

Direct Print
The Optura 200MC is Canon’s second camcorder model to offer Direct Print, a feature which allows the printing of high quality photos without connecting to a computer. The supplied USB cable is all that is needed to communicate with select Canon printers. Once connected, the user selects the image, cropping options, quantity of prints and other details such as printing with or without a border.

The Optura 200MC is compatible with a variety of different Canon printers. The CP-10 is ideal for producing instant wallet-sized photos and the portable CP-100 prints 4 X 6″ photos, ideal for framing or for placement in a photo album. The camcorder is also compatible with Canon’s S820D, S830D, and S530D Bubble Jet Direct photo printers, allowing you to make high quality prints at the home or office.

The Optura 200MC supports the new Exif Print (Exif 2.2) standard used in Canon digital cameras. At the time the photo is being captured, vital exposure settings and image scene data is recorded on the memory card. This ensures optimal image quality when printing on an Exif compatible printer.

Advanced Dual Image Processing
To optimize the quality of video and digital photos, the Optura 200MC features Advanced Dual Image Processing. Since TV and Video monitors have different characteristics than computer monitors and printed photographs, the Optura 200MC uses two separate processing techniques, which satisfy the specific color and brightness requirements of each.