Canon redefines ‘Capturing and Sharing’ with new WiFi cameras

• Launches 12 new models. Range expanded to 40 models
• Showcases 9 WiFi  cameras to facilitate ‘new trend‘ of Capturing and Sharing
• Launches ‘Image Gateway’ online photography resource & web services for India
• Consolidates entry into Cinematography domain with path breaking new 4K model
• Celebrates opening of the 100^th Canon Image Square store; Targets 300 by 2015
• Celebrates award winning 2012 ‘What makes us click’ campaign with Anushka

New Delhi, 23^rd April, 2013: Canon India Pvt. Ltd., India’s No. 1 Complete Digital Imaging Company, announced the launch of its new range of WiFi-enabled cameras ensuring a strong foothold in social networking in presence of famous Bollywood actress and brand ambassador, Anushka Sharma in New Delhi today.

5 out of 12 new models are wifi –enabled expanding the range to 9 wifi models in India.  These Wifi compacts are designed to provide a richer visual communication experience & ushering in a new meaning for ‘Capturing-Connecting-Storing-Sharing’.These 9 WiFi-enabled cameras in the enhanced camera portfolio allow for quick sharing and uploading of images and HD videos to social networks like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. New changes to Canon’s WiFi interface make it extremely easy to connect to wireless networks and mobile devices.

The 9 WiFi Compact camera models are (models in red are being launched today):

•             IXUS series: the WiFi-enabled IXUS 135, IXUS 255HS, IXUS 140, IXUS 510 and IXUS 240

•             PowerShot series: the WiFi-enabled PowerShot 3500IS, PowerShot S110 and PowerShot N

·                EOS series: EOS 6D

                    

To support the Wifi proposition, Canon also announced launch of its exclusive online photography resource and web service for Canon users called ‘Canon Image Gateway’. Members can connect, upload, store and share their photos and videos with friends, family and anyone else they choose. They will also have 24/7 access to informative photography-related articles on topics such as macro shooting, portrait photography and more, that will allow you to get the most out of your photography experience... every time. CANON iMAGE GATEWAY also serves as a bridge site to send images wirelessly to e-mail addresses, social networking services, and other Web services.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Kazutada Kobayashi, President and CEO, Canon India stated, “India is a prime market for Canon and it is imperative for us to keep introducing high-end technology to stay ahead in such a competitive market. Success of futuristic technology only adds onto the confidence to experiment and helps a brand to provide its customers with a promising and unusual experience. Today’s launch focuses on a range of innovative cameras responding to the growing demand for technology amongst Indian users. 45 % sales currently come from the camera business group.With this new range of cameras, we hope 2013 will further consolidate our position as pioneers in the imaging space.”

With aggressive growth plans for the Indian market, Canon will strengthen its product portfolio through launching revolutionary products combined with robust marketing programmes. The company intends to capture it to 45% market share in DSLR and25% market share in digital compact camera segments in 2013. All this will help the company to reach revenues of ` 2,125 crore by the end of 2013 from ` 1,850 crore in 2012.

Dr. Alok Bharadwaj, Executive Vice President, Canon India commented, “ We focus on reconfiguring the photography business in India with youth-centric propositions using a three-pronged strategy of celebrity endorsement, imaging brand store expansion and new powerful portfolios with next-generation technology. Our efforts are manifest with the introduction of WiFi technology to Canon cameras, a sector certainly poised to grow. Canon hopes that WiFi technology will give users the convenience of transferring pictures to various devices and allow instant sharing, helping them to cherish their creativity & what we call as ‘Discovering New Moment’.”

“At Canon, we believe in reaching out to our target audience in a way that makes them connect with the brand instantly. Our brand ambassador Anushka’s playful attitude and youthful appearance in TV commercials and marketing campaigns has been a hit in building a stronger customer bond. As our customers get younger, Social Networking is fast becoming a passion for the Indian youth. Hence we have launched a new online initiative called Canon image gateway which is like a ‘double-SPA’ to represent Store, share, Post and Access images,” Dr. Bharadwaj added.

Amongst 12 new models that Canon launched, there are 2 Cine Cameras which is the new domain that Canon entered last year. The path breaking 4K cine camera EOS 1DC, is ideal for shooting Bollywood films. The increasing demand for high quality moving images are fulfilled with this model which can shoot at resolution of more than double of Full HD video. The launch byAnushka Sharma, a leading Bollywood actress & Canon’s brand ambassador, was the new statement of Canon for Cinematogrpahy world.

 “Photography has always fascinated me for the memorable  experience it provides. I’m extremely happy to be associated with Canon and strongly believe in the brand.  I’m already excited to use the new WiFi camera and happy to become a member of Canon image Gateway. Canon represents today’s youth and their love for photography; it understands that basically, essentially, importantly and fundamentally everything makes us click, and now that you know ‘What Makes Us Click’...start clicking!!" said Canon brand ambassador, Anushka Sharma.

The company has set its aim at achieving a strong market share by the end of this year on the strength of Ixus & Powershot wifi models, SX Hi-zoom models & Robust D-SLR range.

Bullish on retail expansion, the company recently launched its 100^th Canon Image Square store. Anushka alongwith Mr. Kobayashi and Dr Bharadwaj handed over the Key of the store to Franchisee Mr. Anand Sukumar of GK Vale Bangalore.

Dr Alok Bharadwaj commented, “We hit the century of 100 Canon Image Squares stores in 50 towns made in 29 months.  This is quite a fast pace of taking high quality photo experience to middle class Indians. Canon plans to open 50 more stores to touch the 150 stores in 2013 and ultimately 300 by 2015 spread across 150 towns”.

Enabling enhanced excitement, engagement, education and experiential purchase, the Canon Image Squares are built on the promise of providing photo application experience to the customers.

Canon was awarded with Silver ABBY award in the category of Household and Business Appliances announced during Goafest in March 2013.

“I am very happy to hear about this. I feel proud to be associated with this award winning Canon ‘What makes us click campaign’,” added Anushka while receiving accolades from Canon management.

About Canon Inc.

Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leader in the fields of professional and consumer imaging equipment and information systems. Canon’s extensive range of products includes copying machines, inkjet and laser printers, cameras, video equipment, medical equipment and semiconductor-manufacturing equipment. Originally established in 1937 as Precision Optical Industry, Co., Ltd., a camera manufacturer, Canon has successfully diversified and globalized to become a worldwide industry leader in professional and consumer imaging systems and solutions. With over 200,000 employees worldwide, Canon has manufacturing and marketing subsidiaries in Japan, the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania; and a global R&D network with companies based in the United States, Europe, Asia and Australia. Canon’s consolidated net sales for fiscal 2011 (ended December 31, 2011) totalled $45.6 billion (at an exchange rate of 78=US$1). Visit the Canon Inc. website at:www.canon.com

Canon in India

Canon India achieved a growth of ` 1850 crore in 2012 which is 21% growth over last year. Canon focuses on multiple market segments of consumer, SME, B2B, Government & Commercial. Canon’s product portfolio extends over a vast variety such as copier MFDs, fax-machines, printers, scanners, All-in-ones, digital cameras, DSLR, Cinematic imaging products,  camcorders, cable ID printers and card printers.

Canon India Pvt. Ltd. is a 100% subsidiary of Canon Singapore Pvt. Ltd., a world leader in imaging technologies. Set up in 1997, Canon India markets over 140 comprehensive range of sophisticated contemporary digital imaging. The company today has offices in 10 cities, warehouses in 13 cities across India and employs over 1100 people. Canon has approximately 400 primary channel partners, 14 National Retail Chain partners, and over 6000 secondary retail points. Canon has over 100 own retail stores called the Canon Image Square across 50 cities in the country.  Canon’s service reach extends to over 2800 towns with over 200 service engineers, 7 Canon owned service centers and 37 Canon Care Centers. Visit the Canon India website at:www.canon.co.in

Regards

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Aseem Tuteja

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