LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y.- Oct. 2, 2001-- Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon, Inc., once again strengthens its commitment to digital imaging with the introduction of the new PowerShot S40 and S30 digital still cameras. The PowerShot S40 (4.0 megapixels) and S30 (3.2 megapixels) fit between the PowerShot S300 Digital ELPH and the PowerShot G2, and are thus positioned as upper-mid-range products that can be used and enjoyed by every kind of photographer from beginner to pro. The new cameras expand the number of current PowerShot models to eight, ranging from the entry level PowerShot A10 to the high-end PowerShot Pro90IS. The Canon PowerShot S40 and S30 will be available at authorized Canon USA dealers by the end of October and have street prices of approximately $599 and $799 respectively. The PowerShot S40 and S30 feature a high-resolution 7.1-21.3mm 3X optical zoom lens (equivalent to 35-105mm in the 35mm format), 3-point autofocus, and an extensive selection of 13 shooting modes ranging from fully automatic to fully manual. Other advanced features include compatibility with Type I and Type II CompactFlash (CF) cards, a high speed plug-and-play USB Interface, Movie Mode, a new feature called My Camera Settings, Microsoft Windows XP compatibility, plus Direct Printing using Canon's new S820D Bubble Jet printer. "Canon's mission has always been to make photography fun and affordable for everyone,'' said Yukiaki Hashimoto, vice president and general manager, Photographic Products Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "The new PowerShot S40 and S30 have allowed us to bring this concept to an even higher level. And the Direct Printing feature now possible with a full-size Bubble-Jet printer will certainly add to the fun photography brings to millions of people every day.'' The PowerShot S40 and S30 are a visual departure from other PowerShot models. Their stylish, elongated metallic aluminum exteriors and large clamshell-type lens covers give them an elegant appearance, and improvements in the control layout make them even easier to use. For example, a new multi-controller combines the functions of the Omni Controller and Set buttons used in previous models. In addition, the PowerShot S40 and S30 digital cameras are the most compact 3X optical zoom models in their class thanks to other changes in the camera's design. As a case in point, the camera's battery and CompactFlash card make more efficient use of space by resting next to each other inside the camera and using a combined compartment cover. Direct Printing with S820D Bubble Jet Printer Earlier this year, Canon recognized the desire to provide a full solution from image capture to hard copy prints when it introduced Card Photo Printer CP-10, a dye-sublimation printer capable of producing wallet-sized prints directly from selected Canon PowerShot cameras without the need for a personal computer. The popular acceptance of the CP-10 gave Canon the incentive to expand the Direct Print capabilities of the PowerShot S40 and S30. As a result, the new digital cameras can connect directly to Canon's new S820D Bubble Jet photo printer via USB cable to produce full-size 1200 x 1200 dpi 8-1/2 x 11-inch color prints in as little as two minutes. A simple and intuitive menu display on the camera provides easy instructions and one-touch operation. Canon PowerShot S30 And S40 Features * High Resolution and Image Quality: Produce full-color, high-resolution images up to 2272 x 1704 pixels (Canon PowerShot S40) and (Canon PowerShot S30) up to 2048 x 1536 pixels. * Three-Point Autofocus And Manual Focus Settings: To ensure perfectly focused images even when shooting off-center subjects. * Exposure Modes: 13 exposure modes divided into 2 basic categories -- Image Zone that are fully automatic, and intended to optimize camera settings according to the scene and Creative Zone that offers more control. * Metering Modes: Three different kinds to place proper exposure emphasis on the center of the frame. * Continuous Shooting: Two modes - normal continuous shooting and high-speed continuous shooting. * Wide ISO Range: Canon PowerShot S40 users can select any ISO from 50 to 400, including Auto. PowerShot S30 users can even select an ISO 800 equivalent speed, a sophisticated feature rarely seen in this product category. * Histogram Display: The photo image can be viewed on the LCD monitor to check the overall exposure of each photo. If any portion of the photo is grossly overexposed, warning signals are displayed. * Voice Memos: Allows users to record up to 60 seconds of audio that can be attached (as a separate .WAV file) to any still image in Playback mode. Movies and voice memos can be played back on the camera itself, through a connected video monitor, or with a compatible personal computer. * "My Camera Settings'': The first Canon digital cameras to incorporate this new that allows users to customize settings for start-up images and sounds, and sounds for shutter operation, self-timer operation and camera setting adjustments. * Image Management Software: Full support for the new Microsoft Windows XP operating system. Other bundled software includes ArcSoft's Camera Suite for still image and movie editing, Canon ZoomBrowser EX 3.1 (for PC) and ImageBrowser 2.1 (for Mac); PhotoRecord 1.4 (Windows only); PhotoStitch 3.1.4 (Windows) and PhotoStitch 3.1.2 (Mac) and RAW Image Converter 1.2. RemoteCapture 2.1 enables a USB-connected Canon PowerShot S40 or S30 camera to be controlled by a compatible personal computer. Kit Components And Dedicated Accessories The Canon PowerShot S30 and S40 will be supplied in a standard kit containing the following items: Camera Body 16MB CompactFlash Card with case Lithium-Ion Battery Pack NB-2L Battery Charger CB-2LT Interface Cable IFC-300PCU AV Cable AVC-DC100 Wrist Strap WS-300 User's Guide, Software Starter Guide & System Map Canon U.S.A., Inc. Limited Warranty Canon Digital Camera Solution Disk 7.0 (for Mac & PC) ArcSoft Camera Suite Software Disk (for Mac & PC)