LAKE SUCCESS, NY May 1, 2001 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) announced today the availability of the imageRUNNER 8500, an 85 page-per-minute digital copier with optional network print and/or scan capabilities. The device is targeted to high-volume document production environments, including Print On Demand, Central Reprographic Departments (CRD), Print-for-Pay, and corporate departmental applications. "Canon is very pleased and excited to announce the availability of our highly-anticipated imageRUNNER 8500," said Tod Pike, senior vice president of Marketing, Canon U.S.A. Imaging Systems Group. "As our first Segment 5 digital engine, imageRUNNER 8500 fills our high volume lineup with a very strong feature set and price/performance ratio." The imageRUNNER 8500 can support a monthly print volume of up to 400,000 impressions, and offers 600 x 600 dots-per-inch (dpi) and 256 grayscale resolution. With an optional embedded network print controller offering 10/100 Ethernet network connectivity and printing support, the device can also perform scanning and true multi-tasking through a robust combination of intuitive software drivers and control panel features. Print configured versions offer PCL5e, PCL6, and PostScript printing. Token Ring connectivity is optional, as is a 3,500-sheet paper deck that brings total on-line paper capacity up to 7,650 sheets. From a document-finishing standpoint, the imageRUNNER 8500 offers several options, all of which include multi-position stapling as standard. Capabilities offered by imageRUNNER 8500 finishing options include single and multi-position stapling up to 100 sheets, automatic 2/3 hole punching, automatic saddle-stitch booklet making, as well as optional support for Z-folding and document insertion via additional accessories. Key productivity enhancing functions offered as standard features on the imageRUNNER 8500 include tab printing, job build, Copy Reservation for up to five jobs, a color LCD user interface, and 100 user mailboxes accepting scanned and printed data. The imageRUNNER 8500 is available through authorized Canon dealers and subsidiaries at a base main unit suggested retail price of $39,000. Suggested retail pricing for network connectivity and document handling accessories is as follows: Network Printer Kit (10/100 Ethernet, PostScript 3, PCL6, includes Canon Network ScanGear TWAIN Driver Software) $ 4,900 Paper Deck-M1 (3,500 Sheets) $ 2,500 Finisher-K1 (Single and Multi-Position Stapling) $ 5,500 Punch Finisher-K2 (Single/Multi-Position Stapling, 2/3 Hole Punch) $ 6,700 Saddle Finisher-K3 (Single/Multi-Position Staple, 2/3 Hole Punch, Saddle Stitch) $10,500 Insertion Unit-B1 for Saddle Finisher-K3 $ 1,300 Paper Folding Unit-C1 (Z-folding Unit for Saddle Finisher-K3) $ 5,700