Lexar Issues Customer Advisory Regarding Canon Cameras

Lexar Media Inc. and Canon Inc. posted customer advisories on May 19, 2005 to all Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II, EOS-1D Mark II, EOS 20D, and EOS Digital Rebel XT / EOS 350D Digital / EOS Kiss Digital N camera customers using Lexar Professional 80x CompactFlash cards. The advisory alerts customers to lost image occurrences reported by both companies.

Canon and Lexar both extensively test their products prior to release to ensure compatibility across product lines. In this instance, both companies investigated the occurrences and were able to identify the problem only through extreme testing. The first identified lost image condition was found to be with all memory cards. The second identified lost image condition was found to be rare and specific to the listed cameras when used with Lexar CompactFlash cards.

To ensure compatibility, Lexar will offer a firmware update for Lexar Professional 80x CompactFlash cards to customers who experience a problem with the Canon cameras listed. Similarly, Canon will offer a camera firmware update to address issues unrelated to a specific card make.

Lexar will release a firmware update on June 3, 2005 for Lexar Professional 80x CompactFlash customers who experience a problem with the Canon cameras listed. Customers interested in the firmware update are directed to www.lexar.com/support for additional information about the firmware update and instructions on the process for card replacement.

To request the firmware update, Lexar customers directed to www.lexar.com/support will find a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) form. Upon completing a RMA form, the customer will be issued a RMA number. Alternatively, customers can call the Professional Support line at (510) 413-1233 to be issued a RMA number. Customers will then be instructed to send the Lexar product to the nearest Lexar office where their card will be exchanged for a card with the updated firmware. It is not possible for customers to install the updated firmware. Issues experienced with other cards may be addressed by Canon through its firmware release.