• Canon's LFP and printer range set to capitalise on exponential growth in photo imaging market

• Latest Canon imagePROGRAF and Canon imagePRESS digital print technology on show

• Work from internationally-renowned photographers showcased on stand

PHOTOKINA, HALL 3.2, COLOGNE, 23rd - 28th September, 2008 - Canon Europe, world leader in imaging solutions, is showcasing its range of output devices at Photokina 2008 to take advantage of a digital photo image market that is growing exponentially year-on-year in Western Europe.

A market that output 14 billion digital photo images in 2005 is expected to grow to 29 billion images by 2010, increasing revenues from $8.3bn (ca. €5.6bn) to more than $23.7bn (ca. €16.0bn) in the same period, according to analysts IDC*. The latest Canon imagePROGRAF range of large format printers (LFPs) and the Canon imagePRESS output devices enable customers to capitalise on the new revenue generating opportunities provided by the growing market.

Canon's stand at Photokina demonstrates the effective power that professional photographers can gain by combining digital photography with effective output. Canon will be showcasing digital prints from internationally-renowned photographer Ralf Bauer on the latest Canon imaging devices to demonstrate the power and versatility of the printers.

Anne Sharp, European Marketing Manager, Large Format Solutions, Canon Europe, says: "Professional photography studios need to look to new and growing revenue opportunities. It is not enough to just take photos and be successful as a studio. As a business you should be able to offer customers a whole range of output solutions, from photo albums to posters, to capitalise on the images they capture.

"Photographers need to make one more step to combine photography with printing to create a business opportunity that should pay dividends in the coming years. Canon is able to work with photographers to develop new skills to capture these opportunities."

Canon's stand will be demonstrating its latest digital print technologies:

• Canon imagePROGRAF iPF6000S - first showing of Canon's 24in (A1) eight-colour Large Format Printer for the poster and sign-making market that will be demonstrated using EFI Express software and Canon's PosterArtist 2008 software.

• Canon imagePROGRAF iPF6200 - first showing of Canon's 12-colour 24in (A1) pigment ink Large Format Printer that will be demonstrated using the Art on Demand touch screen print system.

• Canon imagePROGRAF iPF8100 - a 44in 12-colour pigment ink LFP, designed for photographic and fine art production, is shown using PosterJet software. The printer is capable of reducing ink consumption by 30% compared to its closest market rivals, according to a Buyers' Lab Inc (BLI) report.

• Canon imagePROGRAF iPF5100 - a 12-colour pigment ink LFP designed for proofing, photography and fine-art output will be directly linked to the Photographic Studio outputting the images from the live photo shoot by professional photographer Ralf Bauer.

• Canon imagePRESS C1+ - the industry's first light production digital printer with clear toner will be running MediaAlbum photobook software. A new fifth unit enables a clear matt toner to be added to specific areas of the printed output, enhancing the finished article and allowing photographers and graphic arts customers to differentiate from the norm.

Anne Sharp, says: "The Canon imagePROGRAF range of LFPs have grown market share from 5% to 13% in the 24" to 60" segment in the last few years as we have launched new and innovative products and solutions and continued to invest to bring our customers the latest technology to ensure they have the best return on their investment. We are combining speed with quality in a way that is winning the hearts and minds of our customers.

"Photo studios are an obvious market as our LFPs can produce everything from oversized prints up to poster sizes, bringing a new dimension to photographers' studios. We are seeing real penetration into this area as photographers see the business benefits and increased revenue opportunities they bring, and we are pleased to be demonstrating so many of these new models at Photokina 2008."

*Taken from the Digital Print Bible and IDC Worldwide Digital Print 2007.2010 Forecast.

-ENDS-

About Canon Europa
Canon is a world-leading innovator and provider of imaging and information technology solutions for individuals and businesses.

A subsidiary of Canon Inc. of Japan, Canon Europa is the operational headquarters for Canon in Europe and is based in Amstelveen, the Netherlands. Canon Europa supports the activities of the entire Canon in Europe organisation, including all the national sales organisations based in countries throughout Europe. The main focus for Canon in Europe business activity is in two clearly defined markets: Business Solutions (developing IT products, solutions and services for both the office and professional print environments) and Consumer Imaging (Input solutions: photography, video and digital camera; and Output solutions: Bubble Jet Printers). Canon Europa employs almost 500 people in Amsterdam.

Further information about Canon Europa is available at:
http://www.canon-europa.com