4000-dpi Resolution, 14-bit A/D Conversion, USB and SCSI Interfaces and FARE Scratch and Dust Removal Make it the Most Advanced Scanner in its Class

February 11, 2001 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., announced today that it is introducing a new high-speed film scanner designed for use with virtually all 35mm and Advanced Photo System films. The CanoScan FS4000US is a high-performance, desktop film scanner that offers 4000-dpi optical resolution at 42-bits, the highest specifications in its class. The new scanner accepts 35mm and Advanced Photo System films, including slide film, and helps consumers bridge the gap between analog and digital imaging by providing a means of downloading conventional photographs into a computer for creating prints, Photo CD's, email and personal web sites.

The scanner offers a number of new and improved features including 4000 dpi optical resolution for outstanding clarity plus 14-bit A/D conversion for exceptional gradation and accurate color reproduction; two built-in interfaces - USB for easy connection to personal computers and SCSI-2 for high-speed data transfer; FARE, a Canon-developed dust and scratch "detect and correct" function; Automatic film type detection; Autofocus; and a full range of scanning functions using FilmGet FS for Windows and Mac.

"The age of computers and digital technology has narrowed the chasm between analog and digital imaging," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, vice president and general manager of Canon's Photographic Products Group. "Canon's heritage and reputation as an innovator in imaging technology crosses both areas and provides consumers with the tools they need to easily and creatively make the transition from analog to digital. The new CanoScan FS4000US scanner is a good example of how Canon continues to provide new and exciting alternatives to create, and share, photography with the world," Mr. Hashimoto concluded.

The CanoScan FS4000US's combination of high scanning resolution and natural color reproduction meet the strictest demands of photo enthusiasts and small business users - two of the major categories of film scanner users. Content creators for print, Web and multimedia will be more than satisfied by the FS4000US's top scanning speed of 48 seconds (using SCSI 2), which is faster than other manufacturers' models, even at higher price-points.

The CanoScan FS4000US provides 42-bit scanning capability which supports recognition of literally trillions of different colors. The result is extremely accurate color rendition compared to the original film, which retains subtle details in the highlight and shadow areas of the scanned image. In addition, the new scanner features optical resolution up to 4,000 dpi as well as an improved color tone algorithm for more accurate color reproductions from original art. The CanoScan FS4000US's rated dynamic range is 3.4.
CCD Color Image Sensor

The FS4000US performs primary scanning using a 3-line CCD color image sensor. This sensor is a 1-chip photoelectric conversion element with an array of three lines of receptor elements, each with a built-in filter for R (red), G (green) or B (blue), along with scanning function circuits. Primary scans are at 4,000-dpi resolution, and use 4,000 of the CCD's 5,400 pixels in the vertical scanning direction. Light passing through the film is formed into an image on the CCD, converted into voltages, and output to the signal-processing circuits as signals in each of the RGB colors. Each of the RGB colors is controlled independently by the CCD, which has a built-in electronic shutter for correct exposure so that it can acquire optimal exposure data for both negative and slide film.

Image Retouching and Enhancement
The FS4000US scanner uses new hardware and software independently developed by Canon to detect dust and scratches on the film and correct those defects in the resulting image file. FARE (Film Automatic Retouching and Enhancement) detects flaws by comparing an image scanned by infrared light with one scanned by visible light. While the scan made with visible light includes dust and flaws on the film's surface as part of the color data, the infrared scan shows image defects only. By superimposing both scans, the scanner can determine the exact position and size of the flaws, and correct them. FARE can be manually turned on and off by the user.

Film Advance and Autofocus Features
The scanner advances film automatically using both a film holder advance and film advance housing movement. The 35mm filmstrip holder or slide mount holder is advanced by meshing the flat gear on the bottom of either film holder with the feed gears located on the scanner. The film advance movement, in contrast, moves the film holder (35mm filmstrip holder, slide mount holder, or APS film cartridge holder) that is set in the film advance housing, providing a secondary scan in the main scan sequence.

The film advance housing is capable of minute movements using a high-precision feed screw rotated by a stepping motor. This makes possible high-precision 4,000-dpi secondary scanning that was impossible with previous gear-driven film advance mechanisms.

The new scanner also includes a built-in autofocus mechanism that adjusts the focus if the film surface is not at the designed distance to the scanner. This step is performed before pre-scanning, assuring the sharpest scans possible. Manual override of the autofocus is also provided.
Software Bundle Included with CanoScan FS4000US

The CanoScan FS4000US is fully compatible with PCs that support Microsoft Windows 98, Windows 2000, and Windows Me (Millennium Edition). The scanner is also compatible with iMac, iBook, PowerBook, Blue/White G3, all G4's and Mac OS 8.6-9.1 (when using the USB connection). When using the high-speed SCSI 2 interface, the scanner is compatible with Power Macintosh and Mac OS 8.1 or higher.

A comprehensive software bundle including Adobe's powerful Photoshop LE image editor and Canon's FilmGet FS driver software is included with the scanner. Windows and Mac users can create quality images for immediate use with FilmGet FS. When used with popular TWAIN-compliant image editors like Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop LE, FilmGet FS allows Windows users to access the scanner directly from the application and perform basic image-editing functions such as setting resolution and bit-depths for input and output, color balance, tonal curves, levels and contrast. An Adobe Photoshop-compatible plug-in module provides similar functions for Macintosh users. Installation of either driver can be accomplished by using the setup CD-ROM provided with the scanner. Adobe Photoshop LE offers a wide range of image editing functions which allow users to alter the size, color, brightness, contrast and cropping of digital images. Users may also select, rearrange and superimpose elements from scanned images, and add special filter effects. The finished image can then be imported into web pages or desktop publishing documents. Photoshop LE runs on both Windows and Macintosh platforms.

The Canon FS4000US film scanner measures 3.7 (W) x 5.75 (H) x 14.7 (D)-inches and weighs 5.3 lbs. It will be available at authorized Canon dealers in the second quarter, 2001, and have a suggested retail price of $1,099.*

About Canon U.S.A.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. is an industry leader in professional and consumer imaging solutions that give people the Know How to access the latest technology. 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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*All prices subject to change without notice