Canon UK Press Release 16/06/04

Canon wins four TIPA awards for best photographic and imaging products of 2004

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, has received four Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) awards for the following products:

“Best D-SLR Professional Camera 2004” - EOS-1D Mark II
“Breakthrough Award 2004” - EOS 300D
“Best 35mm SLR Camera 2004” for the - EOS 30V Date / 33V
“Best Technology 2004” - DVK-E2 Data Verification Kit software

Canon EOS-1D Mark II: Best D-SLR Professional Camera 2004
The EOS-1D Mark II is the most powerful digital SLR (D-SLR) camera in the world, combining formidable 8.5 frames per second speed with 8.2 Megapixel resolution. The TIPA judges applauded the camera by saying it ?has redefined the parameters for high-end digital SLRs. By combining the speed required by the dedicated sports photographer with image quality suitable for demanding commercial photography, the EOS-1D Mark II is able to serve both types of photographer equally well, and was therefore chosen by the TIPA jury as the Best D-SLR Professional Camera.?

Canon EOS 300D: Breakthrough Award 2004
Released in August 2003, the EOS 300D was the first D-SLR camera priced at under ?1000. The camera provides consumers with digital camera technology previously only available to professional photographers, including 6.3 Megapixel resolution, seven-point, high-speed predictive auto focus, 2.5 frame per second burst rate, 35-zone metering and DIGIC image processor. The TIPA judges created a new award especially for this camera, declaring, ?the introduction of the Canon 300D digital SLR camera will go into history as a milestone event. For the first time, digital SLR-photography became available at a consumer-level price. The TIPA editors decided to give Canon a Special Award to commemorate this breakthrough introduction.?

Canon EOS 30V Date / 33V: Best 35mm SLR Camera 2004
Capable of tracking an object closing at 50kph to up to 8 metres from the camera* and firing off 4-frames per second, both the EOS 30V Date and EOS 33V feature the fastest AF speed and continuous shooting speed in their class. Commending the cameras, the TIPA judges commented: ?These new 35mm SLR cameras are ideal for those looking to capture fast action without bulky and expensive add-on motordrives. The latest version of Canon’s acclaimed seven point AF system gives maximum flexibility including the proven eye-control on the EOS 30V Date. Robust metal bodies provide durability while quiet operation increases opportunities for discreet photography.?

Canon DVK-E2 Data Verification Kit: Best Technology 2004
Canon?s DVK-E2 Data Verification Kit is designed to work with the EOS-1Ds and EOS-1D Mark II D-SLR cameras ? it provides the facility to prove that images taken with these cameras have not been tampered with or manipulated in any way. Commenting on this award, the TIPA judges stated: ?Digital photography has an inherent problem with the authenticity of images. Anyone can alter the image, making it impossible to use digital images for forensic photography and other forms of photography where authenticity is vital. Canon?s Data Verification Software solves this   problem by adding a ?seal of authenticity? to digital images.?

Incredible growth of D-SLR
In March 2004, the total market sales volumes of D-SLR cameras had increased by up to 630% in Western Europe*.  ?The tremendous success of the EOS 300D has certainly played a role in further driving this market growth,? said Malcolm Hills, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging UK and Ireland.  The EOS 300D sold out across Europe within weeks of its release, and Canon moved quickly to increase production to meet the high consumer demand. Canon digital SLR cameras have already secured the major share of sports and photojournalism worldwide, with the world?s leading wire agencies such as Reuters, Getty Images and AFP choosing Canon professional products for their photographers.

?At Canon, we are delighted and honoured to receive these four prestigious TIPA awards,? said Malcolm Hills, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging UK and Ireland. ?They cement Canon’s already-commanding leadership position in the exploding D-SLR market, and reflect our commitment to further developing both digital and analogue photography technology.?

TIPA
The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) was founded in 1991 as an independent, non-profit publishing group, open to all independent photo and video magazines published in Europe. At present, with 30 member magazines from 12 countries, TIPA is by far the largest photo and imaging publishers? association in Europe. Once a year, all the members of the Association meet to vote for the ?Best Photo and Imaging Products in Europe?.