Canon to launch new-concept PHOTOPRESSO online photo book service in Japan

TOKYO, July 12, 2010 -- Canon Inc. and Canon Marketing Japan Inc. today announced the launch in Japan of a new-concept Web-based online photo service that supports the creation and sharing, as well as the printing and delivery of original photo books. The new service, called PHOTOPRESSO,(*1) will begin on July 23.

PHOTOPRESSO, as a solution aimed at expanding the photo-imaging world, offers users a new way of enjoying digital images, such as those captured with a digital camera. Like a photographer publishing his or her own work, the PHOTOPRESSO website allows users to select binding and layout preferences to create their own photo books, share them on the site's gallery, and place orders to publish hardcopy versions.

Through the end of 2010, the service will be made available only to users of select Canon products(*2) who have registered as CANON iMAGE GATEWAY (www.imagegateway.net) members, but later will be expanded to include non-members with plans also calling for the service to be offered to users located outside of Japan. In addition, future plans include the development of new product offerings and partnership programs. PHOTOPRESSO will enable anyone to share their images with a worldwide audience, expanding communication through photographs.

In the same way that a photographer publishes an original photo collection, PHOTOPRESSO lets users add text and select layout and binding preferences to easily create original photo books that can be displayed at no cost in the PHOTOPRESSO Gallery. Gallery visitors can then view the photo books via a PC, first selecting from a variety of original works in a manner similar to choosing a book from a shelf in a bookstore or library, and then "flipping" through the pages as if paging through an actual printed book.

In addition to making possible the viewing of photo books online, PHOTOPRESSO also allows users to place print orders (fee-based service) to publish physical photo books, complete with a book jacket and wrap-around paper band. Orders, which can be placed for print runs as small as a single copy, will be printed on Canon's imagePRESS C7000VP digital color press to ensure outstanding image quality, and sent to the specified delivery destination.

[Service pricing and availability]

The PHOTOPRESSO photo book service will be made available in Japan on July 23. Print order pricing begins at 1,700 yen per copy for a B6-size (182 x 128 mm) photo book with 40 pages.(*3)

(*1) The name PHOTOPRESSO was derived through a combination of the words Photo and Press, and the initial O from Online. Additionally, as the word presso can mean "nearby" or "close at hand" in Italian, the PHOTOPRESSO service aims to support closer, more intimate communication through the creation and sharing of original photo books.

(*2) Users of digital SLR cameras, compact digital cameras, video camcorders, and compact photo printers only.

(*3) An additional charge of 50 yen per additional two pages will be added for books containing more than 40 pages. The maximum number of pages possible per photo book is 204 pages.

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This is a summary of a release issued in Japanese by Canon Inc. and Canon Marketing Japan Inc. in Tokyo on July 12, 2010. For further information please contact Richard Berger (tel: 03-5482-8055; fax: 03-5482-5130; e-mail: richard.berger@canon.co.jp) or Rachel Wilson (tel: 03-5482-3805; fax: 03-5482-5130; e-mail: wilson.rachel@canon.co.jp).

Canon Inc.

30-2 Shimomaruko 3-chome

Ohta-ku, Tokyo 146-8501, Japan

(press release)