TOKYO, March 16, 2010—Canon Inc. announced today that it will begin the acquisition process for the top-level domain name “.canon,” based on the new generic Top Level Domain (gTLD) registration system.

The non-profit organization ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), which maintains and regulates the Internet’s addressing system, has rigorously evaluated the current gTLD string of characters’ societal value, utilization purpose, and use in an organization’s operations. At its International Public Meeting held in June 2008, however, ICANN approved the relaxation and liberalization of the new gTLD system adoption rules. Following this meeting, a number of disputes arose surrounding whether the entry procedures were fair and adequate, and it was expected that the new gTLD system would commence registration application within 2010 at the earliest. The new gTLD system is expected to allow a company name, brand name, geographic region, or service type to be used as a gTLD within website and e-mail addresses.

Along with its expanding global business activities, Canon will continue to provide online information and services to its users, consumers, and other stakeholders, across the world’s countries and regions. With the adoption of the new gTLD system, which enables the direct utilization of the Canon brand, Canon hopes to globally integrate open communication policies that are intuitive and easier to remember compared with existing domain names such as “canon.com.” Canon has made the official decision to begin necessary procedures to acquire “.canon” upon the introduction of the new system. Following approval for the new gTLD system, which is expected to take place after the latter half of 2011, Canon will make full use of the new domain name to increase the convenience and effectiveness of its online communications.

cr

Part 1:
http://audioboo.fm/boos/96651-canon-550d-press-launch-event-in-london-part-1

Part 2:
http://audioboo.fm/boos/96652-canon-550d-press-launch-event-in-london-part-2

Thanks Olivier

cr

This landmark was achieved during the manufacture of the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM and illustrates the incredible story that has seen Canon achieve the production of over 10 million lenses in just under two years.

The story began in 1987 with the birth of the first camera in the EOS system, the EOS 650, and has since seen many groundbreaking advances in technology, including:

1987 saw the first lens with an Ultrasonic Motor – EF 300mm f/2.8L USM for professional sports and wildlife photographers

In 1995 Canon introduced the worlds first interchangeable lens with Image Stabilizer – EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM for sports and wildlife enthusiasts

In 2001 the first lens to incorporate Canon’s multi layered diffractive optics elements – EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM for professional sports and wildlife photographers on the move

2008 saw the first lens to use Canon’s SWC (Subwavelength Structure Coating) – EF 24 mm F/1.4L II USM for professional landscape photographers

Then in 2009 the worlds first lens with Hybrid IS – EF 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM for close ups was launched

Most recently in 2010 Canon has launched the new high-quality, telephoto zoom lens the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L II IS USM for all types of professional photography.

“Today’s announcement shows an immense achievement in our ability to grow and adapt to reach this impressive target in such a short space of time,” said Kazuyuki Suzuki, General Manager,Lens Products Marketing Management Div. Canon inc. “We are proud to support so many photographers of all abilities through our extensive range of DSLRs, including the recently launched 7D designed to create a whole new photographic experience.”

Canon currently offers the world’s most extensive range of D-SLR lenses with over 60 models currently available across the globe. In the coming years, Canon will continue to promote technical innovation, from optical design to electronics and production engineering, with the aim of further contributing to the creation of a new photo culture.

cr

No word yet on what will be announced. Expect two different announcement dates.

cr

We would like to alert you advance on the following dates:

Tuesday, January 5 we organize a small press event at the new year toast and a number of new product introductions.
We understand that some journalists then will be at CES, but this is not the big Canon launch event, which follows a few weeks later.

Exact location and times will follow asap, but get out of nearby Haarlem, between 14-17 hours.

Please let me know by email who is already planning to come.

On Monday 11, Wednesday 13 and Friday, January 15, 2010, the Tech Repair / Canon Pro-days take place in Bergen op Zoom. Professional photographers are given the opportunity to make their Canon equipment cleaning and minor repairs to make to run. This service is free for photographers and Canon gives the opportunity to demonstrate new products such as the Mark IV, printers and PIXMA PRO Wide Format. It is also a good opportunity to meet with the new Repair Repair Center Tech.

Press is also welcome to come here. More information: http://www.digitalproservice.nl

Many have success here the last few weeks of this year and for whom I speak not already happy holidays.

Original Dutch
Geachte persrelatie.

Graag willen wij je alvast attent maken op de volgende data:

Dinsdag 5 januari organiseren wij een klein persevent om op het nieuwe jaar te toosten en ook een aantal nieuwe producten te introduceren.
Wij begrijpen dat een aantal journalisten dan op de CES zal zijn, maar dit is nog niet het grote Canon launch event, dat volgt een paar weken later.

Exacte locatie en tijden volgen zsm, maar ga uit van omgeving Haarlem, tussen 14-17 uur.

Graag hoor ik alvast per email wie er van plan is te komen.

Op maandag 11, woensdag 13 en vrijdag 15 januari 2010 zullen de Techrepair/Canon Pro-dagen plaatsvinden in Bergen op Zoom. Professionele fotografen worden in de gelegenheid gesteld om hun Canon apparatuur schoon te laten maken en kleine reparaties uit te laten voeren. Deze service is voor de fotografen kosteloos en geeft Canon de gelegenheid nieuwe producten te tonen zoals de Mark IV, PIXMA PRO-printers en Wide Format. Tevens is het een goede gelegenheid om kennis te maken met het nieuwe reparatiecentrum Techrepair.

Ook pers is van harte welkom even langs te komen. Meer informatie: http://www.digitalproservice.nl

Veel succes nog even de laatste paar weekjes van dit jaar en voor wie ik niet meer spreek alvast fijne feestdagen

If you can translate this better, do so in the comments. :)

CES Runs from January 7, 2010 to January 10, 2010.

Thanks anon

cr

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a.iGc4LSubn4

cr

Canon & Ritz couldn’t work out a new deal before the Christmas season.

Thanks for the clarification Eric

Not until 2010 at the earliest
Canon will not be selling them any new stock for the Christmas season to Ritz Camera. Canon will sell to the retail chain during Q1 2010 at the earliest.

Ritz will be sending existing Canon stock to the “Ultra Store” locations. Apparently they’re for the higher end gear.

cr

I think this is a Japanese translation.

Press Release
Canon Inc. (Headquarters: Ota-ku, Tokyo, Canon or less) and Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq: San Jose, Calif., Adobe Systems below) is aiming to achieve a high level of security of electronic documents in an office environment, Document agreed to continue to collaborate in the global sales activities in the field.

Canon and Adobe Systems Inc., since 2005, for the purpose of realization of an efficient document workflow, and enhance collaboration of both products has been promoting high-quality solutions.

This collaborative effort, electronic document security system for Adobe “Adobe ® LiveCycle ™ Rights Management ES (following” LCRM “)” and Canon copiers “imageRUNNER ADVANCE (Advance runner image under” iR-ADV ” ) “※ series about sales activity in the whole world together, that we are providing strong security for electronic documents in an office environment.

This document was generated from the computer, ranging from electronic documents from paper, as well as to comprehensively reduce the risk of confidential information is improperly handled, can improve business productivity be.

Under the collaboration, Canon and Adobe, government agencies and local governments, and existing large companies spread around “LCRM” the user “iR-ADV” to introduce a series, users of Canon copiers for the “LCRM” and recommended the introduction of each, “iR-ADV” series and “LCRM” Document will strengthen the provision of a combination.

However, in Japan “LCRM” introduction and system development and related products to customers will be responsible Adobisoryushonpatona Kiyanonsofutouea Corporation.

Canon and Adobe use and promotion of enhanced security and information will continue to provide high-value, collaborative environment to maximize efficiency in operations related to document the evolution of business and customer development, growth We intend to contribute to.

cr

From PDN Gear Guide
Canon USA has confirmed to PDN Gear Guide that the company will not be attending the PMA 2010 trade show in Anaheim, CA in February.

“Yes, Canon U.S.A. has decided not to participate in the PMA 2010 Trade Show,” Melissa Dara Moritz, Canon USA’s Public Relations manager, told PDN Gear Guide in an email message.

Moritz did not elaborate in her message but we expect to get more details from Eliott Peck, Canon USA’s Sales Director & Assistant General Manager, in an interview later today.

The word from Canon confirms a web report from Amateur Photographer magazine which was among the first to report that the imaging giant will not be attending the the PMA 2010.

An official from PMA also confirmed the news to PDN Gear Guide.

“Yes, Canon has chosen not to exhibit at PMA 2010 in Anaheim,” said PMA spokesperson Tom Crawford. “We continue to have a good relationship with Canon, as a valued PMA member, and look forward to their participation in our many events around the world.”

Amateur Photographer’s report quotes an unnamed “spokeswoman” for Canon USA who confirms that the company has “made the decision not to attend the PMA trade show in 2010.”

 Read More: http://www.pdngearguide.com/gearguide/content_display/news/………

thanks everyone that sent this in

Jessops Saved…. For Now
Struggling camera retailer Jessops is undertaking a restructuring that it says will save the company.

It said that it would reorganise so that its biggest creditor, HSBC, owned 47% of the company, with the rest owned by pension and employee trusts.

HSBC will, in return, forgive £34m of debt that Jessops owes it.

Jessops said the restructuring would protect the about 2,000 employees of the company, and will allow it to compensate its current shareholders.

Read More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8279911.stm

thanks Jamie

7D in the USA
I have yet to see the 7D in stock anywhere in the US, it must be coming any moment now.

cr

One of our commenters did however.

“The first patent is describing a read out shift which only is useful in video recording. The patents 2 and 3 rely on the optical IS element doing the dirty work and the third describes a way of moving the relevant lens elements in an IS lens. So nothing, as in not a single thing, is implicating more than the presence of sensors that detect motion inside the body – the chore of correcting for that motion falls to the IS group.”

So there you have it. Thanks Karl. I love when these things are explained in english.

Canon is apparently top 5 every year for patents awarded. They were #2 in 2005 behind Big Blue.

In Body & In Lens Stabilization Patents
I haven’t had any time to read through these patents thoroughly, I only have my phone. However, I’m told the following 4 patents may be of great interest to Canon users.

20090219424

20090231444 PDF

20090231452 PDF

20090232483 PDF

thanks Sean

cr

Text from PDN

Canon U.S.A. persuaded the state of New York to spend $8 million in taxpayer money to widen a road that will lead to its new headquarters.

About 1,200 people work at Canon’s current U.S. headquarters in Lake Success, Long Island. The imaging company plans to open a bigger office, which will eventually employ 2,000 people, in Melville, further out on the island.

Politicians were desperate to keep Canon from fleeing to New Jersey. As part of a deal to keep Canon in the area, the New York State Department of Transportation agreed to add one lane each to the service roads between exits 48 and 49 off the Long Island Expressway. Canon will also take advantage of some state and local tax breaks.

Read More at PDN: http://www.pdnpulse.com/2009/09/new-york-state-widens-highway-for-canon.html

thanks nrg

cr

Survey Here: http://survey.cusa.canon.com/Pub/2wS26J/Link.html

The survey is only for US residents. You can tell a fib and answer “yes” to that question.

It’s nice to see Canon asking for feedback from the users.

thanks Rich

cr

From Kamera & Bild: http://translate.google.com/translate?…..

thanks to everyone that sent this in

cr

D3X vs 1Ds Mark III
A review site I just bumped into put the 2 $$$ beasts up against each other.

http://www.h2hreviews.com/article/Head-2-Head-Review-Nikon-D3x-vs-Canon-EOS-1Ds-Mark-III.html

A Direct Quote
“With all that out of the way, here’s our comparison: the Canon 1Ds Mark III beat the Nikon D3X in most measures of image quality – detail, color accuracy, noise and dynamic range. Usually not by much, but with convincing consistency. The Nikon, however, has much better autofocus and mechanics. The D3x’s ability to focus via the Live View data stream is a significant distinction, depending on how problematic heat buildup is. The comparison of Nikon and Canon user interfaces is subjective in the end. We like Nikon’s variations in controls.”

The review is from June and I just read it today.

cr