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LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Aug. 20, 2003 — Reinforcing its position as the world's largest SLR camera manufacturer, Canon today debuts the new EOS Rebel K2 camera. The Rebel K2 incorporates many of the most sought after attributes of the market leading Rebel Ti model including Canon's premier 7-point wide area AF system, lightning-fast shutter speeds up to 1/2000 of a second, and 35-zone AF-linked evaluative metering that optimizes exposure accuracy. Compact and feature-packed, the Rebel K2 is a stylish, ergonomically streamlined, lightweight camera that yields heavyweight results. Weighing in at a mere 12 ounces, the new K2 is extremely compact and light, with advanced ergonomic design that makes single-handed operation a snap.
"The new EOS Rebel K2 model continues our tradition of affordable excellence, inspired innovation and ease-of-use that that began with the first Rebel camera 13 years ago," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ). "We will continue to establish new benchmarks in 35mm photography and continue to offer our customers the finest photographic products and values."
Sophisticated and Simple
A step-up from (and a step quicker than) Canon's entry level EOS Rebel GII introduced earlier this year, the EOS Rebel K2 features fast autofocus and film advance permitting users to shoot at 1.5 frames per second, 50 percent faster than the GII. Tracking and keeping moving subjects in focus is a breeze thanks to the Rebel K2's AI Servo AF mode and seven point selectable autofocus system (with focusing points superimposed on Canon's glareless new laser matte focusing screen). Users can also opt for manual focusing point selection by simply pressing the Focusing Point Selector and rotating the main dial until the preferred focus point is indicated below the picture area in the viewfinder data display, or on the large, easy-to-read LCD data panel on the back of the camera.
Maximum Modes
Like the Rebel Ti (K2's senior sibling), this newest Rebel anticipates virtually any common shooting circumstance and offers photographers fast and easy access to 12 shooting modes at the turn of the large Command Dial on top of the camera. The Command dial is divided into Basic and Creative Zone modes. Designed primarily for beginners, the Basic Zone presets a variety of camera settings including AF, metering, and film transport modes to optimize results in popular photo applications such as portraits, landscapes, close-ups, sports, and night scenes. There is also a Full Auto mode for basic snapshots as well as a Flash Off mode that disables the built-in flash or any EX Speedlite when users wish to shoot exclusively with available light. In the Creative Zone, users can select from five shooting modes: Program AE, Shutter-priority AE, Aperture-priority AE, Automatic Depth of Field AE and Manual for complete creative control.
Exemplary Exposure
With the EOS Rebel K2, Canon's exclusive 35-zone Evaluative metering links to the active focusing point and is the default metering pattern in AE modes, while center-weighted average metering is automatically selected in Manual mode. Central-area partial metering (measuring 9.5% of the picture area) is available on demand in Program AE, Shutter-priority AE, Aperture-priority AE, Auto Depth-of-Field AE and Manual. In Creative Zone modes, users can also modify exposure settings with features such as Program Shift, Exposure Compensation and Auto Exposure Bracketing. There's even a Multiple Exposure function that can composite up to 9 separate images on the same frame for creative effects.
The EOS Rebel K2 also features the same built-in retractable TTL flash unit that was first introduced on the Rebel Ti. Providing wide-angle illumination up to 28mm (approximately 13 feet at ISO 100), the flash is positioned high on the camera to reduce incidence of red-eye and allow the use of a wider variety of lenses without vignetting. When set to the Full Auto and Programmed Image Control modes, the built in flash pops up automatically in low light or backlit situations. In Creative Zone modes, the flash can be engaged at the user's discretion. The Rebel K2 is also equipped with a hot shoe for use with any of Canon's EX-series Speedlites and offers a maximum X-sync shutter speed of 1/90 of a second. The Rebel K2 supports advanced features such as E-TTL Wireless Autoflash; Flash Exposure Compensation; Flash Exposure Lock, and FP Flash (high-speed sync) when used with select EX-series Speedlites.
More than 3 Million Rebel Fans Can't Be Wrong
Since the introduction of the first EOS Rebel in 1990, the popularity and market pre-eminence of the camera has been unparalleled. Cumulative Rebel sales figures recently surpassed the three million-unit mark and has accounted for one in three SLR cameras sold in the United States since the year 2000.
Canon Compatibility
The EOS Rebel K2 is compatible with more than 50 EF-series lenses, every EX-Series Speedlite and hundreds of accessories including Battery Pack BP-220 with its vertical grip shutter release and on/off switch.
Body and Kit
Arriving in stores mid- September, the Canon EOS Rebel K2 camera body measures a 5.1" (W) x 3.5" (H) x 2.5" (D). Though the price is yet to be announced, consumers will have the option of purchasing the EOS Rebel K2 camera body alone or as part of a kit with an EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 II zoom lens, a wide neck strap, batteries and a roll of color film.
About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America, and is ranked #43 on the Business Week list of "Top 100 Brands." Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent-holder of technology, ranking second overall in the U.S. in 2002, with global revenues of $24.5 billion. Canon U.S.A. employs more than 10,000 people at over 30 locations. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.