Canon Introduces the Elura Digital Camcorder -- The Consumers' Ultimate Personal Imaging Companion(TM)

Canon Elura LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in optical and digital imaging technology, today announced the introduction of the Elura MiniDV Camcorder. Functioning as both a digital still camera and video camcorder, the compact Elura distinguishes itself as the ultimate personal imaging companion with features that include three shooting modes: Video, Photo and Progressive Scan Digital Motor Drive(TM), a 12X optical zoom and Canon's Optical Image Stabilization System.

The Elura's Progressive Scan Digital Motor Drive mode enables users to extract high-resolution full frame stills from fast-paced action sequences. Recording 30 frames per second, the Elura performs three times faster than any professional 35mm SLR camera on the market -- enabling consumers to capture images normally undetectable by the human eye.

The Elura's key features include:

  • Records to MiniDV videocasette for picture quality that is at least 25% better than analog formats, including Hi8 and S-VHS
  • Progressive Scan CCD image sensor with 380k pixels
  • RGB Primary Color Filter and Noise Reduction Circuit

    3 Shooting modes:

    1. Video (normal movie mode) for capturing smooth, full motion video;
    2. Photo for capturing still images -- users may combine stills with motion video or capture more than 500 photo images on a single 60-minute MiniDV cassette tape;
    3. Digital Motor Drive (progressive scan movie mode) -- this extraordinary Canon feature produces superior, high-resolution full frame digital stills of fast moving subjects that are typically undetectable by the human eye. The Digital Motor Drive mode continuously records 30 frames per second.

  • Genuine Canon 12X optical zoom lens comparable to the 39mm to 472mm on a 35mm camera.
  • 48x digital zoom
  • Optical Image Stabilizer that works in all shooting modes
  • IEEE 1394 I/O digital signal terminal
  • Analog Line-In
  • Audio/Video Insert and Audio Dubbing
  • One Touch Dubbing. Select digital effects can also be added while dubbing.
  • Varigrip Belt grants greater comfort for virtually any hand size, large or small.
  • Digital Stereo Sound
  • Flexible 2.5-inch LCD view screen and color viewfinder
  • Programmed Auto Exposure, including Easy Mode, Automatic Mode, Sports, Portrait, Spotlight, Sand & Snow and Low Light Modes.
  • Full manual control over focus, exposure, color balance, and shutter speeds.
  • Digital Effects, including a variety of scene transitions, special effects and multi-image screen displays.
  • External Lithium Ion Battery power source for reliability and high- capacity battery options, such as the new BP-617, which can power the Elura up to 1 hour and 50 minutes.
  • Dimensions: 5" (H) x 2-3/8" (W) x 4-1/4" (D).

The Elura will be available in April 1999 for a manufacturer's suggested list price of ,799. Sold as a complete kit, the Elura will include the BP- 608 battery pack, CA-600 compact power adapter, DC-600 DC coupler, SS-200 shoulder strap, WL-D71 wireless remote controller, S-150 s-video cable, STV-250 stereo video cable, DVM-E30 DV videocassette.