LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 12, 2004--

Canon EOS 10D Recognized as One of the First High-End Digital SLR Cameras to Take Advantage of the Innovative CMOS Technology

Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), today announced that it has received Semiconductor Insights's 2004 INSIGHT Award for Most Innovative CMOS Image Sensor Technology.

Semiconductor Insights (SI), the leader in technical and patent analyses of integrated circuits and structures, analyzes hundreds of devices each year from the world's most innovative companies. Through its INSIGHT Awards program, SI recognizes devices or technologies that change the performance/cost equation of their respective segments with a new design or process innovation. For the awards program, SI tested the CMOS Image Sensor Technology built into the Canon EOS 10D, one of the first high-end SLRs to use a CMOS image sensor.

"Our analysis confirmed that Canon has achieved the sensitivity and shutter speed of a CCD technology in a low cost CMOS process. As well, Canon's CMOS process delivers a distinct power advantage over competitive CCD plays," said Lluis Paris, director of TECHinsights for Semiconductor Insights. "The result is an affordable and high quality SLR."

According to Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A., "Being recognized with this award underscores our commitment to being the leading innovator in the digital imaging market. Key technologies, like our CMOS image sensors, allow us to deliver high quality products to every segment of the digital imaging market."

Canon Digital SLR Cameras and CMOS Technology: The Perfect Combination of Quality and Innovation

Similar to 35mm film SLR cameras, Canon EOS Digital SLR cameras capture images just as the user sees them through the viewfinder. Instead of film, the CMOS image sensor on the EOS 10D detects light and converts it into electronic signals and image data for storage on a memory card.(1)

The CMOS, or Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor, technology, not only delivers superior image quality, but also uses much less battery power than comparable digital SLR cameras using CCD technology. Canon's proprietary CMOS technology significantly reduces stray electrical charges to produce sharp and clear images with outstanding color reproduction and low noise at all ISO speed settings.

Canon's CMOS sensors are designed, developed and manufactured entirely within the company. Canon pioneered the use of CMOS image sensors in digital SLRs with the EOS D30 in 2000 and the EOS D60 in 2002. With newer CMOS models, such as the EOS-1D Mark II, EOS-1Ds, EOS 10D, EOS Digital Rebel, leading the way, Canon has achieved the #1 market share in digital SLRs for 16 consecutive months, according to The NPD Group, a leading market information company.

About Semiconductor Insights

Semiconductor Insights (SI) helps leading-edge technology companies and licensing professionals attain their product and intellectual property goals by providing in-depth technology and patent analyses of integrated circuits and structures. SI's international client base spans Fortune 500 Enterprises, Governments, Legal Firms, Start-ups, and Venture Capitalists. Within the semiconductor industry, SI has participated in virtually every major licensing campaign over the past 15 years, and counts 47 of the top 50 companies as clients. For more information, please visit SI on the web at www.semiconductor.com.

About Canon U.S.A.

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 Business Week 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.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

(1)Canon Technology Highlights, 2004, published by Canon Inc.