Canon UK Press Release 19/08/04

Canon’s flagship compact film camera now has 4.7x zoom

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces the 35mm Canon Sure Shot 180u Date compact camera with a 4.7x zoom lens. The Sure Shot 180u Date is amongst the smallest compact zoom cameras in its class. A chic blast-finish aluminium alloy cover and extensive use of metal components complete the camera’s stylish design, which includes a large rear LCD for fast, easy viewing of key camera controls. Incorporated are a retractable 38-180mm f/5.6-12.9 zoom lens, full compliment of six Programmed Image Control (PIC) modes and a zoom-coupled passive 7-point auto focus. A compact Light Guide zoom flash provides the Sure Shot 180u Date with a long flash range of 2.2 metres and the camera can be triggered remotely via an optional controller RC-5. A date function allows date and time recording to photographs.

A passion for miniaturisation
To achieve such a compact size (the camera measures just 109.5 x 58.7 x 53.2mm), Canon has reduced the size of the ring shutter mechanism and Light Guide flash condenser, while focus and exposure readings utilise the ultra-small Canon proprietary AF/AE CMOS sensor.

Everything working together
Passive zoom-linked 7-point AiAF and 16-zone AE metering give consistently crisp focusing and even exposures throughout the entire zoom range. A compact Light Guide zoom flash has a moving head, automatically following the zoom lens setting. A dioptrics adjustment dial has been included for prescription glasses wearers and the camera features a manual exposure compensation of +/- 1.5EV.

From fully automatic to full control
The design philosophy behind the Sure Shot 180u Date is quality without complication. Users can switch on and start shooting as soon as they have the camera in their hands, or take more control by selecting from one of the six creative PIC modes. Designed to cover every shooting situation, the PIC modes include Auto, Action (for continuous in-focus shooting of moving subjects), Night Portrait (flash for subject and slow shutter speed for background), Portrait, Close-up, and fast response RT (Real-Time), providing hair-trigger control (0.03 sec) of shutter release with centre-point auto focus.

Users have complete control over the flash, with seven flash modes available. Five custom functions can be set to allow quick selection of favourite modes. Date and/or time can be recorded to film, with four different variations and combinations of Date/Time formats available.

Precision lens
Canon has drawn on its 70-year heritage of precision optics to incorporate two aspheric, low-refraction, low-dispersion elements into a seven-group, nine-element zoom lens, delivering unrivalled edge-to-edge clarity throughout the zoom range. A close up mode allows a close minimum focusing distance of just 60cm.

Pricing, availability and reader enquiries
The Sure Shot Z180u Date will be available from 2004 for ?149.99 RRP inc. VAT / ?224.99 inc. VAT