Canon India Pvt. Limited, India’s No 1. Complete Digital Imaging Company today announced the launch of 29 consumer digital imaging products to widen its product portfolio in India. This launch would help to further accelerate the industry’s transformation in terms of product innovation, technology and availability. In this launch, the company has introduced an array of digital compact cameras, camcorders, lenses and inkjet all-in-one printers to strengthen its portfolio for deepening and widening its technology reach.

The highlight of the event was the introduction of seven new entry-level digital cameras variants in the sub – Rs 10,000 category, especially for the Indian market. Canon also unveiled six compact cameras from the PowerShot range, three lifestyle cameras from its IXUS range, six HD Camcorder, two Digital SLR from the EOS range, one Selphy photo printer and four next generation Lenses. Canon India also launched four new inkjet all-in-one and one Single function inkjet printers from the PIXMA series.

The event also saw the launch of the latest technologies like the new sensor technology called ‘HS’ system in its cameras. With an in built DIGIC IV processor, the High Sensitivity technology captures clearer and sharper images with enhanced colour reproduction even in low light conditions. The HS system features across the professional, prosumer and consumer category cameras. Canon has a wide range of HD cameras in its digital camera and camcorder category catering to the demand of this technology. Canon’s latest range of point-of-shoot cameras like PowerShot A2200, PowerShot A3200 IS, IXUS 115 HS etc. offers a compelling blend of photographic features and exceptional quality videos. These videos when connected to HDMI cable or a widescreen give stunning results and make you a part of the moment.

In the printing category, Canon brings a technological edge with its Full HD Movie Print that allows consumers to capture and print favourite moments from Full HD Movies. The other highlight is the Intelligent Touch System for inkjet printers allows relevant keys and controls to light up intuitively on the top cover during printer operation. The Wi-Fi connectivity in printers allows easy wireless photo printing from mobile phone, iPod Touch, iPad and Android devices.

Today’s launch marked the first language menu supported camerafrom Canon. With Hindi as our national language, Canon’s introduction of easy-to-use Hindi language feature in cameras will help capture the growing market for digital cameras. For this, PowerShot A800 offers this compelling feature to introduce more people to the world of technology and cameras. This will enable new camera users with a chance to experience, experiment and enter the exciting world of photography.

Canon’s launch also included the introduction of the GPS technology in digital cameras which automatically tags photos with time and locations. The location of the photographs can also be viewed on a map by using special bundled software. The SX 230 HS, is the first PowerShot to come with GPS technology that automatically tags photos with time and locations. Backed up by Canon’s HS SYSTEM with a 12.1 Megapixel CMOS and DIGIC 4 Image Processor improves shooting in low-light situations without the need for a flash and lowers noise levels at higher ISO settings.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kensaku Konishi, President & CEO, Canon India said, “Canon is committed to launching technologically advanced products to make the consumer photography experience easier and more enjoyable. The technologies launched today such as the “HS system” which allows users to take clearer pictures even under low light conditions , the “Intelligent Touch system” which allows relevant keys to light up on command, the first “Hindi Language” support for digital camera menu functions, all of them are aimed to bring the joy and ease of photography to every Indian.”

Canon also announced the launch of its soon-to-be released television commercial, featuring the cricketing legend and brand ambassador Sachin Tendulkar. The to-be-launched TVC will be for its IXUS range and will be a creatively rich commercial. The focus of the commercial will be on the latest technologies from the house of Canon.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Alok Bharadwaj, Senior Vice President, Canon India said,

“At Canon, our aim is to provide our customers with technologically rich products that are affordable. To cater to this need, we have introduced 7 cameras at sub Rs 10,000 category. The highlight of today’s launch is the release of Canon’s new campaign featuring Sachin Tendulkar. The TVC which will be launched on 25th April, highlights the new HS system launched today which allows ease of taking clear and sharper photos under low light conditions. The high quality features like the GPS system, HS system in cameras and Full HD Movie Print feature in printers will take customers to the next level of digital experience.”

Canon has always tried to come up with products that would provide customers with rich photographic experience. In sync with this concept, Canon unveiled the EOS 600D. The EOS offers an 18.0 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and DIGIC 4 Image Processor for high image quality and speed, Improved EOS Full HD Movie mode with manual exposure control and expanded recording. Also the new Feature Guide offers short descriptions of each function and Quick Control screen for easy operation.

The IXUS range will now boast of the newly added IXUS 220. Canon IXUS 220 HS Ultra-Compact Camera is powered by powerful DIGIC 4 processing technology, SD/MMC card slot, an HDMI and USB 2.0 port. The Canon IXUS 220 HS comes with a 12.1-megapixel back-lit CMOS sensor and stainless steel body with slim and undeniably stylish. This compact camera also has 24mm ultra-wide angle lens with a 5x optical zoom (24-120 mm), high quality 2.7-inch PureColor II G LCD display, and optional waterproof casing for underwater shoot. It is able to record video in Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) at 24 frames per second, 320 x 240 resolution at 240fps (with Super Slow Motion Movie), and Smart Auto mode.

Other revolutionary products launched today are the PIXMA MX426, MX 366, MX 886 and the PIXMA MX416. These printers come with a revolutionary Dual Function Panel – an intuitive operation panel that employs an alternating keypad interface on a single touch panel, such that it only displays the keys to the specific function enhancing the user’s efficiency.

They are capable of printing a borderless 4 x 6” photo in 42 seconds. And has a fast print speed of approximately 8.7 ipm and 5.0 ipm for monochrome and colour document prints respectively. All printers offer wireless Wi-Fi connectivity and wireless photo printing from your iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and Android device. Other features which provide users an improved printing experience include Full HD Movie Print, and Auto Photo Fix II image optimization technology via the bundled Easy-PhotoPrint EX application.

“Canon’s growth is now reaching an inflection point. While last year, we acquired 1 million customers, we are aiming to acquire 2 million customers in 2011 to reach a customer base of 5 million. Naturally, our technology propositions will continue to create better and richer experiences for consumers.” added Mr. Bharadwaj.

The announcement also shared Canon India’s future plans and strategies, to further capture the Indian market to realize the aim to generate revenues of 1 billion US$ by 2015. Canon is undertaking various innovative marketing strategies and plans to invest approximately Rs 100 crore for advertising this year.