New Canon Software Automates Photography Processes from Administrative Filing to Image Processing In One Simple Solution

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 17, 2009 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging technology, today announced a new and exciting software product, Studio Solution software for professional photographic studio owners. Utilizing Canon’s core imaging and printing technologies, new Studio Solution software, features a fully automatic workflow to simplify studio operations while maintaining the highest degree of image quality. Through electronic input and filing, Studio Solution software will help consolidate scheduling, contracting, invoicing, image capture, ordering, minor retouching and printing into a single program.

As a complete workflow automation system, Canon’s Studio Solution software allows for greater staffing efficiencies with improved turnaround time, for increased profitability. Designed to integrate with Canon EOS cameras, imagePROGRAF and PIXMA Pro printers, Canon’s Studio Solution software ensures studio owners and operators are maximizing their time and equipment.

“Studio Solution software provides the link between our highly successful camera and printer products. This software will improve studio productivity and profitability,. It offers full studio operation in a single application,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “If our cameras and printers are the bricks by which photographers build their businesses, then Canon‘s Studio Solution would be the mortar holding it all together.”

This new, simple-to-learn software solution – made possible by combining Express Digital’s technology and workflow along with Canon’s proven image processing expertise – provides full studio automation from scheduling and billing to image capture, retouching and printing.  Beginning with administrative scheduling, customer information is entered into the Canon software and will follow customer jobs through ordering and invoicing. A file is created for each customer with complete order details. Images are then attached to each customer job order for optimal filing efficiency. The Studio Solution software then transitions to a studio sales tool by providing on-screen image previews on various Canon media to give the customer an accurate rendering of how their final print will look on various substrates.

The most integral software feature is Canon’s core image processing, providing automatic color management, image resizing and minor image re-touching for stunning prints with minimal labor. These automatic processes help reduce the need for timely and expensive image editing, allowing for greater margins and uptime in any Canon-equipped photo studio. Once the final job is printed through the software, an invoice is automatically generated, complete with order details and customer information, without additional manual input.

Canon U.S.A. is offering a flexible support and training program along with Studio Solution software with classroom-type training as well as on-site and online training programs. Canon will be announcing a program which will enhance the marketability of studios that use Canon EOS digital cameras, Pixma Pro and iPF printers, Studio Solution software and genuine ink and media.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked third overall in the U.S. in 2008†, with global revenues of US $45 billion, is listed as number seven in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine's World’s Most Admired Companies 2008 list, and is on the 2008 BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands." At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei - - “all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future” - - Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyosei. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/RSS .

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

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