Canon launches 27 consumer products for its 2006 Spring Collection

The new collection includes 8 digital still cameras, 6 digital camcorders , 1 digital SLR . Also launched are 6 multimedia projectors, 2 inkjet printers, 2 inkjet multifunctionals. In addition, Canon announces entry into a new category with a series of professional-quality photo printers: PIXMA Pro9500 and PIXMA Pro 9000.

In 2005 Canon proved to be the consumers' choice with PIXMA taking one of the top positions in inkjet printer market. At the same time, the company consolidated its number 1 position in the digital still camera and D-SLR markets.

"With the current lifecycle of consumer products running at under 6 months, demand for new products is at an all time high. To meet this demand Canon announces the launch of 27 new products in the Spring Collection 2006 in Middle East,"

said Michel, Sabbagh, Marketing Manager Canon Middle East. In the last decade, Canon has invested over €16 billion in research and development - more than four times that of any other imaging manufacturer.

Canon's product announcement highlights for Spring 2006 include:

• The PIXMA Pro series: two new A3+ professional-quality inkjet printers that target the needs of DSLR photographers and fine artists. The two PIXMA Pro models offer photo professionals a choice: the flagship PIXMA Pro9500 features a 10-colour pigment ink system for outstanding colour and monochrome output, with exceptional print longevity for commercial use. The PIXMA Pro9000 is an 8-colour dye ink printer with an exceptionally wide colour gamut, producing vibrant, beautiful photos.

• Four new PIXMA products aimed at the small office/home office segment - two A3+ inkjets and two All-in-Ones - offer full business functionality as well as photo lab quality printing.

• The 5fps, 8.2 Megapixel EOS 30D replaces and improves on the popular EOS 20D at a time of rapid growth for the Middle Eastern D-SLR market.

• Building on the success of the award winning XEED SX50 projector , Canon now launches a complete XEED product range with three new projectors: the flagship XEED SX6, the XEED SX60 with Home Cinema capability, and the XEED X600, offering great cost performance.

• Three new Digital IXUS cameras are released, including the flagship Digital IXUS 800 IS, designed to meet the demands of advanced photographers. Five new models advance the PowerShot A-series range, including the 6.0 Megapixel PowerShot A700, which defines a new level of performance for A-series cameras.

• 6 new camcorder models reaffirm Canon's commitment to this market. With the DVD camcorder segment growing by 200% , two models combine the ability to shoot straight to DVD with High Resolution true 16:9 widescreen recording: the entry level DC100, and one of the most powerful DVD camcorders, the flagship DC40 (launched Feb 1, 2006).