2nd Notice on the damage from the flood in Thailand

This is to advise you, following our first notice of October 11, of the latest situations of submersion at Nikon (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a consolidated manufacturing subsidiary of Nikon Corporation in the Rojana Industrial Park in Ayutthaya Province located in Central Thailand.

Damages

The 1st floor of all buildings at the premises are presently submerged and the water level is as high as around 2 meters and there arose no remarkable change since October 12. Operation of the factory has been suspended since October 6. It is reported that there is no human damage.

Estimated impact to our business performance

We still have difficulty to grasp the overall damages of our equipment and facility since access to the premises continues to be prohibited. We are now continuing our utmost to estimate the impact of the flood to our group companies and business performance. We assure you to immediately advise our findings once it is judged there will be an important change in our forecast.

Recovery

We are unable to define how soon operation will be resumed. It will take a certain time before the situation normalizes including completion of water pumping out from the Rojana Industrial Park. We have set up support system under the Emergency Headquarters for Disaster Control headed by the president and will endeavor to restart the operation as early as possible. Every possible measure is now under preparation to resume production by means as purchase of new manufacturing equipment, review of production assignment among whole Nikon group companies. As for drainage from the industrial park, we are requesting its acceleration to the Thai government, together with the Rojana Industrial Park authority, other companies in the Park and Japan External Trade Organization.

We deeply apologize you for any inconvenience caused by the disaster such as short supply of our products.

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3rd Notice on the damage from the flood in Thailand

This is to advise you of the latest situations of submersion at Nikon (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a consolidated manufacturing subsidiary of Nikon Corporation in the Rojana Industrial Park in Ayutthaya Province located in Central Thailand.

Damages

The 1st floor of all buildings at the premises continues to be submerged. Operation of the factory has been suspended since October 6. No human damage is reported. As for the water level, the Rojana Industrial Park, where Nikon (Thailand) Co., Ltd. is located, announces that it has lowered by about 40 centimeters from the highest period at measuring points in the Park.

Estimated impact to our business performance

The impact of the flood on our business performance for the financial period ending March 31, 2012 has been estimated, within the scope of our current findings and understanding, to push down net sales by 65 billion yen and operational income by 25 billion yen. Our estimation of the financial results for the Year Ending March 31, 2012, announced at 15:00 JST today, has reflected these negative factors.

Recovery

We have set up support and recovery system under the Emergency Headquarters for Disaster Control headed by president and will endeavor to restart the operation as early as possible. Every possible measure is now under preparation to resume production by means as purchase of new manufacturing equipment, review of production allocation among Nikon group companies, etc. As for drainage from the industrial park, the Rojana Industrial Park authority explained to us that they expect water pumping-out to start in the beginning of November and complete by the end of November.
We are planning to start production at other Nikon group manufacturing plants and our partner factories in Thailand one after another from December 2011. Production will partially resume from January 2012 at Nikon (Thailand) Co., Ltd., and production of digital SLR and interchangeable lenses will return to the normal level by the end of March 2012.

We deeply apologize you for any inconveniences caused by the disaster such as short supply of our products.

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"I AM Nikon" Ad Campaign Wins Gold at Euro Effie Awards

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce that the "I AM Nikon" advertising campaign run by Nikon Europe B.V. (Takami Tsuchida, President), the center of sales, marketing and services for Nikon imaging operations in Europe, has been awarded the Gold Award at the Euro Effie Awards. The Euro Effie Awards are prestigious and authoritative awards in the marketing communications industry.

The "I AM Nikon" ad campaign was launched in 2010 in order to achieve an ambitious goal of improving market positioning in the compact segment for Nikon, a brand often associated with professional photography and high performance cameras, as well as to attract a wider range of consumers. In order to convey a more accessible, more attractive image, instead of the brand talking about itself, this ad campaign was launched with the concept of Nikon camera customers speaking from their perspective. Through this campaign, brand awareness in 12 European countries increased dramatically with a 37% in Germany*.

*According to Nikon Europe B.V. research.

Founded in 1968, the Effie Awards are prestigious awards that are presented to recognize the most effective advertising efforts that transcend global borders in order to establish a brand. They are recognized worldwide as being the standard for measuring advertising effectiveness in the marketing communications industry.
Euro Effies are the pan-European advertising awards that exist to promote and recognize excellence in marketing communications among campaigns that have run and can prove effectiveness in at least two European countries.

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A Star is Born: Canon Launches New Digital Video Camcorder for High-Resolution Motion Picture Production

November 4, 2011
Canon Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc.

TOKYO, November 4, 2011/HOLLYWOOD, California, November 3, 2011—Canon Inc. and Canon U.S.A., Inc. today raised the curtain on an all-new interchangeable-lens digital video camcorder that combines exceptional imaging performance with outstanding mobility and expandability to meet the demanding production needs of today's motion picture industry. The camcorder, which features a newly developed Super 35 mm-equivalent approximately 8.29-megapixel CMOS sensor, will be available in two models: the EOS C300 Digital Video Camcorder, equipped with an EF lens mount for compatibility with Canon's current diverse lineup of interchangeable EF lenses for EOS single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras and new EF Cinema Lens lineup; and the EOS C300 PL Digital Video Camcorder, with a PL lens mount for use with industry-standard PL lenses.

The introduction of the EOS C300/C300 PL coincides with the launch of the Cinema EOS System, marking Canon's full-fledged entry into the digital high-resolution production industry. The new professional digital cinematography system spans the lens, digital video camcorder and digital SLR camera product categories.

Equipped with an EF lens mount, the EOS C300 is supported by an all-star cast of high-performance EF lenses, not only the wide array of interchangeable EF lenses for EOS SLR cameras that have earned the trust and respect of photographers around the world, but also the EF cinema lenses in the newly announced

Cinema EOS System. When outfitted with a Canon EF lens, the C300's peripheral illumination correction*1 automatically corrects for vignetting in accordance with each lens's optical characteristics, and enables iris control from the camcorder.*1 Canon EF lenses also enable the recording of such metadata*1 as the name of the lens used, aperture setting and shutter speed.

The Canon EOS C300/C300 PL's newly developed Super 35 mm-equivalent CMOS sensor incorporates approximately 8.29 million effective pixels and has a pixel size that is larger than that for conventional professional camcorders, enabling greater light-gathering capabilities for enhanced sensitivity and reduced noise. The sensor reads Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) video signals for each of the three RGB primary colors, decreasing the incidence of moiré while realizing high resolution with 1,000 horizontal TV lines.

Supported by a heightened signal read-out speed, the CMOS sensor reduces rolling shutter skews, a phenomenon prevalent with CMOS sensors in which fast-moving subjects may appear diagonally distorted. Additionally, the powerful combination of the sensor with Canon's high-performance DIGIC DV III image processor facilitates high-precision gamma processing and smooth gradation expression.

In addition to MPEG-2 Full HD (MPEG2 422@HL compliant) compression, the EOS C300/C300 PL employs 4:2:2 color sampling for high-resolution performance that minimizes the appearance of "jaggies" at chroma edges. Additionally, with a maximum recording rate of 50 Mbps, the camcorder supports the recording of high-quality video.

The camcorder's video and audio recording file format adopts the industry-standard MXF (Material eXchange Format), an open source file format ideally suited for non-linear editing systems. Recording to versatile, readily available CF cards, the EOS C300/C300 PL realizes high cost-performance and, equipped with two CF card slots, makes possible the simultaneous recording of video data to two CF cards.

With a compact body design measuring 133 (w) x 179 (h) x 171 mm (d), the Canon EOS C300/C300 PL delivers exceptional maneuverability, enabling shooting from vantage points all but inaccessible to large cinema cameras, such as close to the ground for high-impact low-angle shots, and alongside walls. In accordance with on-location shooting needs, the camcorder can be outfitted with a handle, grip, thumb rest and monitor unit, and offers an array of industry-standard terminals, including HD/SD-SDI video output for the external recording of high-quality video content. When using a WFT-E6B wireless file transmitter for EOS digital SLR cameras (sold separately), the EOS C300/C300 PL can be controlled remotely by means of such common devices as smartphones or tablet PCs.

The camcorder is equipped with four start/stop buttons positioned at various locations to satisfy any preferred camera-holding style, and can be outfitted with a variety of third-party accessories, including matte boxes, follow focuses and external video and audio recorders. The unit also achieves seamless integration with third-party editing systems and provides added peace of mind through its dust-proof, drip-proof construction and built-in cooling system.

The new camcorder allows users to adjust image quality to match that of professional camcorders and EOS-series digital SLR cameras, and offers Canon Log Gamma, enabling flat image quality with subdued contrast and sharpness for maximum freedom in post-production editing and processing. In addition to frame rates of 59.41i, 50.00i, 29.97P, 25.00P and 23.98P, the EOS C300/C300 PL features a 24.00p mode, matching the 24 frame-per-second frame rate of film cameras for high compatibility with common film-production workflows.

Other features include fast-motion shooting, achieved by capturing fewer frames per second to create action up to 60x normal speed, and slow-motion down to 1/2.5x*2 made possible by capturing more frames per second. Frame rates between 1 and 60 frames per second (fps)*3 can be adjusted in increments of 1 fps. Additionally, a selection of Custom Pictures lets users freely adjust image quality for greater control over how content looks.

The Canon EOS C300 (EF mount) digital video camcorder is scheduled to be available in late January 2012 in select regions. The Canon EOS C300 PL (PL mount) digital video camcorder is scheduled to be available in late March 2012 in select regions. Please contact an authorized dealer for detailed pricing and availability information in your region.

To view online demonstration footage of the new products please visit: canon.com/eos-d
*1Compatible features differ depending on the EF Cinema Lens used.*21/2.5x possible only when recording in 720p mode.*3When 59.41i frame rate is selected.
EOS C300
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Canon celebrates production of 50 million EOS SLR cameras, 70 million EF interchangeable lenses

October 18, 2011
Canon Inc.
Canon Marketing Japan Inc.

TOKYO, October 18, 2011—Canon Inc. and Canon Marketing Japan Inc. announced today the achievement of two major manufacturing milestones: combined production of film and digital EOS-series single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras surpassed the 50-million mark in September this year, and the EF series of interchangeable lenses is expected to reach the 70-million-unit milestone later this month.

Production of Canon EOS SLR cameras first started in 1987 at Canon Inc.'s Fukushima Plant (now Fukushima Canon Inc.), and later moved to Oita Canon Inc. and Canon Inc., Taiwan; and most recently Nagasaki Canon Inc. in 2010. In 1997, the EOS series celebrated its 10-year anniversary in addition to the 10-millionth unit produced, and in 2003 passed the 20-million mark. Following the rapid spread of digital SLR cameras, Canon went on to reach 30-million units produced during the series' 20-year anniversary in 2007, followed by the 40-million mark in May 2010. After a short one year and four months, the EOS series has now come to celebrate its 50-millionth camera produced.

The EOS series, which stands for "Electro Optical System" and also carries the name of the Greek goddess of the dawn, was first introduced in March 1987 as a new generation of AF SLR cameras that incorporate the world's first electronic mount system, achieving complete electronic control not only between the lens and body but throughout the entire camera system.

With the key concepts of high speed and ease of use, EOS-series cameras, including the top-of-the-line EOS-1 professional model released in 1989 and the popular compact, lightweight EOS Kiss (EOS Rebel XS or EOS 500 in other regions) introduced in 1993, actively incorporate innovative technologies and have gained acceptance from a wide range of users. Following the introduction of the EOS D30 in 2000, when the spread of digital SLR cameras was in full swing, Canon developed such advanced technologies as its proprietary CMOS sensors and high-performance DIGIC digital image processors, as well as an extensive lineup of EF lenses in an effort to fulfill the company's new key concepts of high speed, ease-of-use, and high image quality.

Currently, the company offers a broad product lineup that serves the needs of all levels of users, from entry-level enthusiasts to advanced amateurs and professionals. This lineup has further expanded with the addition of the new high-performance EOS-1D X, Canon's new flagship digital SLR camera, scheduled to go on sale in late March 2012.

Production of interchangeable EF lenses for Canon EOS-series AF (autofocus) film cameras first began in 1987 at the company's Utsunomiya Plant, and has since expanded to a total of four manufacturing centers, including Canon Inc., Taiwan; Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.; and Oita Canon Inc. in southern Japan. Production of EF lenses surpassed the 10-million mark in 1995, doubling to 20-million units in 2001. After reaching the 30-million-unit milestone in 2006, Canon celebrated the production of its 40-millionth lens in April 2008. Owing to the rapid spread of the EOS Digital series of digital SLR cameras, production for Canon's EF lenses then gained momentum to reach the 50-million-unit milestone in 2009, followed by the 60-million mark in January this year. And just nine months later, the EF series is expected to reach the 70-million mark in late October.

Canon's EF lens series was first introduced together with the EOS SLR camera system in March 1987, and has over the years led the industry through the incorporation of a number of innovative technologies, including such world's firsts*1 as the Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for use in lenses, Image Stabilizer (IS), Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) anti-reflection technology, and a multi-layered diffractive optical (DO) element.

Canon's current EF-lens lineup, comprising 66 models,*2 ranges from super-wide-angle lenses to super-telephoto zoom lenses. The diverse lens selection includes an array of zoom lenses, Image Stabilizer-equipped lenses, large-diameter lenses, macro-lenses and TS-E lenses incorporating a special tilt-shift mechanism allowing manipulation of image perspective and distortion. This year, Canon released such EF lenses as the EF8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM—the world's first*1 full fisheye zoom lens with angle-of-view coverage from 180-degree circular fisheye to 180-degree diagonal fisheye—and the EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM and EF400mm f/2.8L IS II USM telephoto lenses.

Canon will continue to refine its diverse imaging technologies based on its core optical technologies, striving to produce exceptional and reliable lenses and cameras that cater to the varying needs of photographers—from first-time users to advanced amateurs and professionals—while contributing to expanding the culture of photographic and video imaging.

*1Among interchangeable lenses for SLR cameras *2Including two EF lens extenders and models available outside of Japan

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