Compact, Fully Integrated, and Durable, the Canon EVERCAM XU-Series PTZ HD Cameras Deliver Outstanding 1080i or 720p Resolution Widescreen Video, Accurate Color Reproduction, and Fast, Precise Auto Focus Performance with a 20x Optical Canon HD Zoom Lens

MELVILLE, N.Y.--Building on the success of its line of cost-effective, remote-control HD pan-tilt-zoom cameras, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, has introduced the durable EVERCAM XU-81 and EVERCAM XU-81 W cameras, which provide improved image resolution, color reproduction, and Canon Auto Focus precision over previous models. Compact, fully integrated, and featuring an open control protocol for flexible systemization, the new EVERCAM XU cameras provide high-quality widescreen (16:9 aspect ratio) image capture from practically any visual perspective.

The Canon EVERCAM XU-81 and EVERCAM XU-81 W pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) HD cameras are equipped with a 20x Genuine Canon zoom lens (with additional 12x digital zoom), 2.1-Megapixel CMOS imaging sensor, genlock input, and an HD-SDI output. Designed with a sturdy water-resistant/dustproof housing for indoor or outdoor use, applications for the new cameras include broadcast TV, houses of worship, sports arenas, schools, government, and performing arts venues. The Canon EVERCAM XU-81 W features a motorized ND filter and a wiper unit for outdoor applications.

"From sports stadiums, to traffic and weather POV cams, and houses of worship, there is an increasing demand for broadcast-quality, cost-effective remote-control HD image capture," stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. "Canon has successfully addressed this market with a series of versatile professional HD pan-tilt-zoom cameras. The latest introductions - the Canon EVERCAM XU-81 and EVERCAM XU-81 W pan-tilt-zoom HD cameras - deliver exceptional full HD resolution video, precise Canon Auto Focus, and great low-light performance ideally suited for most PTZ applications."

Durable, Quick, and Quiet

The tough, durable housing of the Canon EVERCAM XU-81 and EVERCAM XU-81 W pan-tilt-zoom HD cameras meets the IP-55 enclosure rating for water-resistant and dustproof integrity, enabling it to be installed in environmentally challenging locations. The Canon EVERCAM XU-81 W is optimized for permanent outdoor installation and comes equipped with a wiper unit to maintain lens port clarity and a servo neutral density (ND) filter unit to optimize picture quality (an optional washer unit is also available). Both cameras are equipped with an integral weather-resistant microphone that allows for the capture of sound at the camera location.

Capable of fast, smooth, and highly precise movements while simultaneously panning and tilting at a maximum rate of 60˚/sec., the Canon EVERCAM XU-81 and EVERCAM XU-81 W cameras feature a pan range of ±180˚ and a tilt range of +220˚/-40˚. While quick and nimble, the cameras are also extremely quiet while in motion, with a maximum noise level of NC30. This makes the cameras well-suited for use in quiet environments where noise distractions are not permitted, including during broadcast, performance studios, lecture halls and classrooms, conference rooms, and hospital operating theaters.

Further adding to the versatility of the Canon EVERCAM XU-81 and EVERCAM XU-81 W pan-tilt-zoom HD cameras are their low-light capabilities and super sensitivity mode. When shooting under low-light conditions, the cameras can acquire extra brightness by using a slow-shutter (frame accumulation) function. The camera's black & white mode, without the Infrared cut filter, will also support shooting in near-darkness. Dynamic Range Compensation allows for shooting in environments with a high contrast of light and shade (such as an office building lobby on a sunny day) by automatically correcting the contrast of the video according to the range of scene illumination. Both camera models have a sensitivity rating of 0.6lux (f/1.6, 1/60, 50IRE, +42dB).

In addition to providing clear, crisp HD video, the 2.1-Megapixel CMOS sensor in the Canon EVERCAM XU-81 and EVERCAM XU-81 W cameras delivers native imaging performance. A locally switchable output/control feature enables users to select either 1080i or 720p HD output (via a convenient HD-SDI connection) with simultaneous SD analog composite (NTSC or PAL) for monitoring. A genlock input on the XU-81 and XU-81 W provides the synchronization signal necessary for TV station use and other broadcast applications.

Remote control of the pan, tilt, and zoom movements of the EVERCAM XU-81 and EVERCAM XU-81 W cameras employs a non-proprietary control protocol that enables users and system integrators to interface the camera with their own control system, or that of a range of third-party providers. Control can be toggled between RS-232 and RS-422, making the cameras extremely adaptable to new and existing multi-camera environments.

Compact and lightweight, the EVERCAM XU-81 camera weighs only 14.5 pounds, and the EVERCAM XU-81 W camera weighs only 15.5 pounds. The cameras include a built-in handle for convenient portability, and can be mounted upright or in an inverted ceiling mount. In either position, the picture image will automatically flip when the tilt angle reaches 90˚.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon EVERCAM XU-81 and EVERCAM XU-81 W pan-tilt-zoom HD cameras are expected to be available in September 2013, for the estimated retail price of $11,000.00 and $13,000.00, respectively.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. With approximately $40 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks third overall in U.S. patents registered in 2012† and is one of Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies in 2013. In 2012, Canon U.S.A. has received the PCMag.com Readers' Choice Award for Service and Reliability in the digital camera and printer categories for the ninth consecutive year, and for camcorders for the past two years. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest level of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss and follow us on Twitter @CanonUSA.