LAKE SUCCESS, NY, March 22, 2001 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon, Inc. of Japan (NYSE:CAJ) announced today the immediate availability of the new DR-3080C high-speed color document scanner, a compact, robust desktop unit aimed at capturing more of the rapidly growing market of departmental users. Offering multiple scanning modes, including 24-bit color, 256 levels of grayscale at up to 300 dots-per-inch resolution, Simplex and Duplex , the DR-3080C includes features and functions typically found in larger, more expensive low-volume production machines. A Web cast introducing the product will take place today at http://www.usa.canon.com Built upon the strengths of Canon's highly regarded DR-3000 series document scanners, the DR-3080C, with its color capability, offers users even greater scanning versatility. Through the use of state-of-the-art feeding and image sensor technology, the DR-3080C provides fast, efficient scanning of up to 86 images per minute (in Duplex mode). The DR-3080C also includes a 100-sheet Automatic Document Feeder that automatically adjusts for documents ranging from business cards to larger-than-legal size, simplifying continuous batch scanning of mixed documents. Skew Correction automatically straightens misaligned documents, further improving document throughput. "By combining high-speed performance, a sleek design and color in one easy-to-use device, the Canon DR-3080C is positioned to set a new standard for departmental scanners," said Robert J. Stankard, director and general manager, Image Filing Systems Division at Canon U.S.A. "We believe this product will build upon the success of the DR-3020 and attract more users to scanning technology." The market for document imaging scanners has grown tremendously over the past several years, spurred on by improvements in technology and the proliferation of the Internet. According to InfoTrends Research Group, Inc., an estimated 172,000 document imaging scanners are expected to be sold in North America by 2003, with departmental class scanners comprising 50 percent of the total sales.