Dubai, UAE, 16 January 2003 – To capture some of those fun-filled moments with family and friends at the dazzling Dubai Shopping Festival, Canon is launching the new MVX2i in this region, a digital camcorder for movie as well as still images with 1/4” 1.33 Megapixel CCD. With a smart new design this camcorder features a new signal processing LSI, compact 10x optical image stabilizer lens, a 2.5” 200k pixel LCD as well as network functions and improved PC compatibility.

Aimed at the mid-range market the MVX2i offers the user more than just video recording. Amazing still images can be taken thanks to the SXGA 1280x960 pixels still functions. Superb colour and image reproduction is made possible through Canon's innovative direct printers combined with Exif Print support.

“The MVX2i perfectly combines Canon technologies to offer users in the Middle East with a more well-rounded camcorder,” says Gordon Jones, President of Canon Middle East. “Now one model delivers both high quality video and high resolution still images.”
The MVX2i features a new camera processing LSI, which enables separate processing for movie and still images. The advantage of this new LSI is optimal parameter settings, which work individually for still and movie images to get the best colour reproduction.
The 1.33 mega pixel interlaced CCD along with the ultra compact Optical Image Stabilizer lens achieves high-resolution pictures without blurring even at telescopic focal distance. A high refractive index two-sided aspherical lens coupled with Canon's expertise in optical anti-vibration technology have made it possible to half the lens size of the MVX2i compared to predecessor model.

Style and design
The new design of this camcorder is contemporary and high tech. Exuding an air of sophistication with magnesium alloy and alumite-based surfaces and numerous soft curves used throughout the design. Smaller than its predecessor the MVX2I is easy to carry and due to the hip-up design, the viewfinder optical axis is set at an angle to allow natural viewing while using EVF.

Better layout of the keys and a clever design optimises the shape of the control buttons giving the MVX2i improved operability. Additionally the Advanced Rotating Grip offers users a wider range of grip angles and is comfortable for any hand size.

Digital Camera functions The MVX2i can be used as a digital camera as well as a movie recorder. Improved memory card access speed reduces the read and write time making it easier to take still images and with the shorter interval time of 2.6 seconds between shots, good photo opportunities need not be missed. A continuous shooting function is provided to enable the shooting of up to 30 images at 3 fps in VGA size or up to 10 images at 2 fps in SXGA size. This function is linked with the flash so continuous shooting is possible even in low light locations. The MVX2i has a built in flash with light control system by pre-emission and auto pop-up function. Flash control is also possible when AE is locked; this is the same system as used in Canon EOS cameras.

The MVX2i has 4 flash modes: Auto, Compulsory on/compulsory off, Red eye reduction. No flashlight is emitted when flash is set in auto mode or reedb eye reduction mode under AE lock mode.

Network functions The MVX2i has better network abilities using IEEE 1394 for DV Messenger and file transfer function. DV Messenger works based on Microsoft Windows Messenger and makes it possible for the camcorder to communicate with another Canon camcorder through Camera control, VTR control and IEEE 1394 file transfer between Windows XP PC's. DV Messenger allows for tape playback
streaming as well as camera live streaming.

Additional network functions include support for motion JPEG recording on a memory card and Camera direct function and Exif 2.2 support.

Other Functions include:
 - Super Night LED - a white LED mounted on the front of the camera is a supplemental light source when recording in Super Night mode.

- Digital Animation Mix - in addition to combining still images, the MVX2i can combine images with animations recorded on a card and recorded to tape.

- Digital effect & digital fade - a variety of digital effects and fading functions are included for on-camera video editing. These effects previously had to be done on a PC. Effects include colours, ball, mirror, ball; cube and wave while digital fade includes flip, tide, puzzle and beam effects.

- Analogue-digital converter - analogue signals from external equipment can be converted in real time to digital signals and output through the DV jack.

PC connectivity Using a USB terminal (vendor specific class), transmission of JPEG still image and Motion JPEG files to a PC is made easy. The MVX2i is also compatible with SD Memory and MultiMediaCard.

MVX2i is bundled with PC KIT (for USB), USB cable and includes the following Image software for PC/Mac; ZoomBrowser, ImageBrowser, PhotoRecord, PhotoStich, PhotoImpression, VideoImpression, DV Messenger and IEEE1394 file transfer.

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About Canon
Canon is a world-leading innovator and manufacturer of advanced, market-driven imaging solutions for individuals and businesses. The company operates in two clearly defined markets: Consumer Business Solutions (colour and black & white copiers, colour laser beam printers, document image management systems, projector and software solution) and Consumer Imaging Product (photo, video and digital camera products, printers, scanners, fax, personal copiers and calculators).

Canon employs more than 80,000 people around the world. Further information
on Canon is available at: www.canon.com or www.canon-europa.com.

© Press Release 2003