EventCam(TM) to Use Ten Canon PowerShot S60 Digital Cameras to Capture High Resolution Interactive Panoramic Convention Images at One Point in Time

NEW YORK, Jul 29, 2004 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- NYTimes.com, Canon U.S.A., Inc. and Kaidan, Inc. today announced that they are using Kaidan's EventCam(TM) and Immersive Imaging solutions to capture and publish 360-degree interactive panoramic images from this week's Democratic National Convention in Boston and the upcoming Republican National Convention in New York City. EventCam(TM) uses ten Canon PowerShot S60 digital cameras to simultaneously capture a panoramic image. The PowerShot S60 is outfitted with Canon's high-quality optics and comes equipped with a wide-angle focal length of 28mm, a useful feature for this environment. The images are available at NYTimes.com/conventions and require QuickTime Player for viewing (available for free at http://www.apple.com/quicktime/).

Leonard M. Apcar, editor in chief, NYTimes.com, said, "This innovative technology allows NYTimes.com to use the medium of the Internet to capture the scale and drama of two of the major political events of the year. We believe that it will add a wonderful dimension to the richness of our continuous convention coverage."

Immersive Imaging lets NYTimes.com users place themselves in a digital 'world' in which they will be able to 'turn around' and view the convention floor from multiple perspectives using their mouse. Users will be able to 'step' from location to location at the conventions and examine each area in a 360-degree panorama.

Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon U.S.A., Inc., said, "Canon's PowerShot S60 camera has a creative style and feature set that meets the unique needs for this panoramic application. With Canon optics and a 28mm wide angle zoom lens, the PowerShot S60 digital camera not only complements this type of image capturing but can be implemented with ease as it requires no additional steps for retrofitting an existing wide angle lens or adapter."

Jim Anders, president, Kaidan, Inc., said, "EventCam's(TM) ability to simultaneously capture a 360-degree super high-resolution panoramic image at a single point in time is its greatest advantage to photojournalists. Each image overlaps its neighbor to ensure complete coverage. This compelling technology has seen tremendous growth and a broadening range of applications for it, including e-commerce, homeland security, education, travel, training, repair, military, scientific, engineering and games/entertainment."

In April, Chris Ramirez, a freelance photographer for The New York Times, created an interactive panorama photograph of the swearing in of National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, before the 9/11 Commission. Jim Anders, president of Kaidan, Inc., saw the images and later met with Mr. Ramirez and developed an idea to form a cluster of cameras in a circle, synchronized to shoot with the single squeeze of a remote release.

NYTimes.com agreed to use the device at the upcoming conventions and Canon agreed to help sponsor creation of the prototype head by providing PowerShot S60 cameras. REALVIZ, a French software developer, agreed to assist with the software that creates the panoramic image.

In early July, EventCam(TM) was approved by the U.S. Senate Press Gallery for use during the conventions, a requirement due to its unusual appearance. An image of the EventCam(TM) can be obtained through the contacts listed above.

About New York Times Digital

New York Times Digital is the digital business unit of The New York Times Company and includes market leaders NYTimes.com and Boston.com, and an archive distribution business. NYTD's mission is to provide a high-quality, worldwide online audience with trusted editorial content from The New York Times and The Boston Globe.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America, and is ranked #39 on the BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands." Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent-holder of technology, ranking second overall in the U.S. in 2003, with global revenues of $29.9 billion. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com

About Kaidan Inc.

Kaidan Incorporated is the world's leading manufacturer and supplier of Photographic VR (also known as Immersive Imaging) solutions for the Internet. Kaidan has alliances and relationships with many digital imaging companies, including Apple Computer, Inc., Canon and Realviz. Kaidan has resellers and distributors worldwide. Founded in 1994, Kaidan is privately held and headquartered in Feasterville, Pennsylvania.