Canon Rolls Out 14 New Cameras products with Latest Technology to mark the beginning of festivities of 2009 in India

Launches 14 new products including 6 Digital Compact Cameras, 3 Digital Video Camcorder, 1 Digital SLR, 1 Compact photo printer and 3 new lenses
Launches the EOS 7D, an advanced professional SLR camera with Wireless image transfer and remote control
Introduces festive offer for Durga Puja specially for the consumers .
Strengths last mile activation marketing programmes through road shows , workshops, photo tours and retail promoters .

Kolkata, September 04, 2009: Canon India Private Limited, India’s No.1 complete digital imaging company today, unveiled ten new camera and camcorder products for its camera division to further illustrate Canon’s intent and response to fast evolving customer needs in India. The product launch also introduces cutting edge technology loaded in the products to enhance photography experience during festivities. This is the second product launch by the company in 2009 for camera products. The announcement includes Canon’s plans and strategies to prepare for the post recession high growth phase to coincide with Durga Puja peak sales timings.

At the launch Canon unveiled products from Canon’s Imaging Communication Products division which included 6 Digital Compact Cameras, 3 Digital Video Camcorders, 1 Digital SLR and 1 Compact photo printer and 3 professional lenses

Canon is constantly introducing new products with evolved technology that makes them give rich experience to consumers. The products announced com with new features and boast of high level functionalities based on tomorrow’s needs. The first revolutionary product introduced today is the IXUS 200 IS. The camera is the first-ever touch screen IXUS with a 24mm wide angle lens, quite unusually for a compact camera. Another path breaking technology, introduced by Canon, features in the SELPHY ES 40 that includes a voice guidance system providing step-by-step instructions for printing and adding graphics to images without having to rely on a manual.

At the launch, Canon introduced the EOS 7D DSLR which is aimed at bridging the gap between skilled amateurs and professional photographers. The EOS 7D is built for the demanding advanced amateur photographers who would invest in the right equipment to achieve the desired results. Canon plans to extend its lead in the advanced DSLR segment with the EOS 7D with class-leading performance, expandability and top-rate finishes to meet the needs of discerning photographers. The EOS 7D is ergonomically designed WFT – E5 SLR with Wireless image transfer and a remote control , centered on the user, versatile enough to adapt to the photographer’s preferences and needs.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Alok Bharadwaj, Senior Vice President, Canon India said “Customers in India are getting evolved and refining their choices constantly. Canon believes that R&D and innovation are the co-drivers to counter any downturn. With today’s launch we have introduced 37 new products during 2009. We decided the timing of the most awaited festival in East ‘ Durga Puja’ for the introduction of these new products. Our new integrated marketing thrust including special offers for customers is expected to give us a record growth of 50% during this festival period in India “

Canon also launched its ‘Print Affair’ road shows for the last mile activation for its Selphy series of photo printers. This national initiative focuses on the advantages of using a Selphy along with its battery life etc. This initiative has already started showing results. This is focused on photo studios and instant photography segment.

To enhance photographic experiences for SLR users, Canon India also announced the launch of Go Pro marketing program . Canon is signing up with 12 famous photographers and 6 expert trainers who would be using their experiences and knowledge about photography to take experience to the next level. Under Go Pro marketing program, all activities like trainings, workshops, seminars, photo tours are designed and implemented for all amateurs, photography enthusiasts and professional photographers. All consumers who already own a Canon D- SLR or purchase a new Canon D- SLR are eligible to participate in the program by registering on www.canonedge.com . Under this Go Pro programme, Canon is conducting four photo tours in the next six months . The first two tours are to Ladakh and Goa which will be conducted in the month of September followed by tours to Sikkim and Jaisalmer in November 2009.

Making the festival more memorable for channel partners, Canon also announced the launch of an exclusive program “Canon League” for its selected partners. The Canon League program is being launched essentially to connect, develop and build a strong distribution channel. The Canon League programme ‘09 is a focused initiative that classifies partners as Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze partners on the basis of the sales made by the partners for the digital cameras in the first half of ‘09. The program recognizes each Canon partner and provides the encouragement and support needed to excel and create new milestones. Under this program, Canon partners receive many benefits such as In-Shop branding, Merchandising, and higher margins based on their contribution which will help Canon attain greater visibility at their outlets. Canon has already rolled out this program in Delhi , Mumbai and Chennai and plans to cover all A&B towns (34) within this year.

Canon India plans an investment of Rs.20 crore during festival periods in media campaign and promotions. Canon India has rolled out its festive season campaign starting from Kochi on the occasion of Onam.

Commenting on the technologies introduced, Mr. Alok Bharadwaj said , “Our research indicates that last mile activation is the most challenging element. Hence we have rolled out 3 new customer engagement programmes from Tier II cities in East covering photo studios, photo enthusiasts and retails points… The technologies introduced today are revolutionary and will enhance the experience of photography for each user and take photography to the next level. Canon has introduced the festive offer scheme under which every customer gets an assured gold plated coin, on purchase of any imaging communication product. This offer is valid on all products across DC, DV and DLR catagories.”

Canon India also launched its new ‘I can with Canon’ campaign at the conference. The new campaign rides the theme of empowerment to a Canon customer who can do more with his / her Canon. Canon products are rich with state-of-the-art features and It empowers each person to do more. Therefore “I can” with Canon! Each creative will have uniformity in design yet be different in look and feel to cater to its individual target audience. Canon announces exciting additions to its High Definition camcorder range, in its new sub brand LEGRIA series – The flash memory camcorders are the first from Canon to offer face detection.