1996 D-N        R

DVD PLAYERS - 1996.  Toshiba and Panasonic release the first DVD players 1 November 1966 for the home audience in Japan, the Toshiba SD-3000 (left) and Panasonic A-100 (right). Only ten Japanese disc titles were available, mostly music videos.

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/t/282601/in-the-beginning-dvd-historical-timeline

DICOMED BIGSHOT 4000 Digital Camera Back  - 1996.  Example of a professional studio camera back. Other camera backs of that time had CCD sensors that were smaller than the film apertures of their adopted parent cameras, none being a large as a 35mm film frame. The Dicomed 4000 was the first not only to exceed the 35mm frame size, but also to exceed the 5.6x5.6cm size of a Hasselblad back. Its 6x6cm area array with a mosaic of 4096x4096 pixels (total 16,777,216) was exclusive to Dicomed and overfilled the film aperture of the Hasselblad. The monochrome version was $35,000, sequential color (three exposures) $39,000, one-shot color $55,000.  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera.

http://www.epi-centre.com/reports/9604cs.html

EPIX PRO (NEC PC-DC401 in Japan) / OBSIDIAN IC-100  - 1996. See Obsidian IC-100 on our 1996 0-R page.  (NEC PC-DC401 in Japan or Obsidian IC-100 in U.S.) 1/2-inch 640 x 480 pixel CCD.  Type "C" lens mount.  No LCD.  MSRP $1950 (EPix). EPix Imaging changed the camera's name to Obsidian IC-100.  Obsidian Imaging Inc. was a wholly owned subsidiary of Epix Technoligies.  In 1996 Epix Imaging Systems inc. changed its name to Obsidian Imaging Inc.  MSRP $1,900.  See Obsidian Imaging IC-100 on the 1996 0-R page.  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera.

http://www.epi-centre.com/reports/9603cs.html

https://www.flickr.com/photos/maoby/albums/72157656292176968

EPSON PhotoPC (Colorio Photo CP-100 in Japan), (Sanyo VPC-G1, Sierra Imaging SD640) - 1996.  Manufactured by Sanyo.  640 x 480 pixel CCD.  1MB internal memory.  Fixed-focus 43mm lens.  Shutter 1/30 to 1/10,000 second.  Built-in flash.  Original MSRP was $999, but lowered to $499 making the Epson PhotoPC the first to break the $500 price barrier.  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera.

EPSON PC Exposed - Above photos show the PC with cover removed.  Even though it was a fairly inexpensive model it still required a lot of technology and advanced fabrication capability to produce.

http://www.epi-centre.com/reports/9604bhs.html

EPSON PhotoPC 500 (Colorio Photo CP-200 in Japan) - 1996. 1/3-inch,  640 x 480 CCD.  ISO 130.  43mm f/2.8 lens.  Shutter 1/30 to 1/10,000 second.  Built-in flash, video out and autofocus.  MSRP $729.    For those of you who would like to start a collection of older digital cameras, but think that all the good stuff may have been bought up years ago, the opposite is true.  Many cameras as old as the PC 500 or older can routinely be found for sale at bargain prices.  In addition to those who sell their collections from time-to-time, there are still countless cameras stored away and forgotten in closets, drawers, dealers' shelves, etc.   Check eBay "vintage digital cameras" once a week, or search eBay for any particular model and you will be pleasantly surprised at the many cameras still available.  This new-in-the-box $729 PC 500 was purchased in May of 2014, eighteen years after introduction, for a grand total of $14.50!  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera.

http://www.informedusa.com/t/epsoncamera10.10.html

FUJI CLIP-IT DS-7 (Apple QuickTake 200, Samsung Kenox SSC-350N) - 1996.  640 x 480 pixel CCD.  SmartMedia  memory card.  ISO 100.  Shutter 1/4 to 1/5000 second.  F/2.2 fixed-focus 38mm  lens.  (Some variation in marketing dates, pricing, programming and accessories between brands.).  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera. 

http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Fujifilm_DS-7

FUJI  CLIP-IT DS-8 - 1996.  1/3-inch 640 x 480 pixel CCD.  ISO 100.  Shutter 1/4 to 1/5000 second.  Fixed-focus 38mm f/2.2 lens.  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera.

http://www.computer-specifications.com/specifications/FujiFilm-DS8-Specs.html

 
FUJI DS-220A - 1996.  1/3-inch 640 x 480 CCD.  ISO 120.  36/72mm f/3.5 lens.  Shutter 1/4 to 1/1000 second.  The 220A had a few minor improvements over the 220 of 1995, mostly having to do with output capabilities.  MSRP $1049. 

https://www.digitalkameramuseum.de/en/cameras/item/fujix-ds-220a

http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Fujifilm_digital_cameras

FUJI HC-2000 - 1996.  A single-exposure digital camera that had three 1.3-million-pixel CCDs (1/3-inch, 1280 x 1002 pixels) that provided improved resolution when compared to cameras that had a single imager for red, green, and blue-sensitive pixels.  The Fuji HC-2000 had shutter speeds of 1/4 to 1/2000 second, an internal frame buffer for up to 12 images, and PC Card storage.  MSRP $19,900.  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera.

https://www.fujifilm.co.jp/news_r/nrj024.html

http://ant.miyakyo-u.ac.jp/METHOD/Ant_Macro/HiVideo/Gallary.html

FUJI 505A, 5015A  -  1996.  Same as Nikon E2N, E2NS. Upgades to the 1994 DS-505, DS-515 such as higher ISO speed.  2/3-inch, 1280 x 1000 pixel CCD.   ISO 800, 3200.  Shutter 1/8 to 1/2000 second. We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera.

https://www.digitalkameramuseum.de/en/cameras/category/fujix

http://www.nikonweb.com/e2n/

HITACHI MP-EG1 / EG1A - 1996. Shown in Fall 96, marketed in 1997. World's first digital camera which could output moving pictures to a personal computer in the MPEG format.  1/4-inch 352 x 240  (video) and 704 x 408 (still) pixel CCD.  ISO 110.  3X zoom f/2.4 autofocus lens.$2,400. In 1998 Hitachi marketed and improved version, the MP-EG10 / EG10W, for $999. The 10 / 10W could be purchased as a package with a 360MB PC card hard drive for $1299. The CCD was 360K pixels.  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera.

http://www.smecc.org/hitachi.htm

http://photojpn.org/HIST/hist1.html

IMAGETECH 3D fx - 1996. The ImageTech 3D fx is one of several lenticular 3D cameras sold under the ImageTech brand.   Other, more well known lenticular 3D cameras are the Nimslo and the Nishika. All lenticular 3D cameras incorporate multiple lenses to produce multiple images taken simultaneously from slightly different angles. Producing the final lenticular print requires special processing whereby the individual images are sliced up into very thin vertical strips which are then interlaced and covered with a sheet of plastic that has long vertical lenses in it. These lenses focus on different images depending on the viewing angle. When you tilt the lenticular picture back and forth, left and right, you see the original images one at a time which causes the illusion of 3D.   The ImageTech 3D fx incorporated three plastic 27mm lenses, a fixed aperture of �/9.5, and a fixed shutter speed of 1/100.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/toycameras/discuss/72157623482454201/

JENOPTIK KONTRON EYELIKE - 1996.   Kontron Eyelike Digital Camera from Jenoptik in Germany.  The basic model had a resolution of 2000 x 2000 pixels with a 36-bit tonal range.  Could be upgraded to 6000 x 6000/24-bit colour, which would allow for resolutions of 300 dpi for larger formats (50 x 50 cm) and 600 dpi for smaller formats (25 x 25 cm).  Shown at 1996 Photokina.  MSRP $30,000.   Electronic Publishing, June 1997, page 16.  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera.

JVC TK-F7300U and KY-F55 - 1996.  Hi Resolution Video Cameras.   Example of professional cameras designed for medical and industrial use.  Still images can be digitized with a frame grabber and digitizer.  Single 1/3-inch, 4416 x 3456 pixel CCD.  Price, $9500.  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera.

http://pro.jvc.com/pro/users/appl/A1067.htm

KODAK DC20 (Chinon ES-1000)  - 1996.  Shown at Comdex Fall '95, marketed in 1996.  501 x 370 pixel CCD (Chinon) or 493 x 373 pixel CCD (Kodak).  1MB internal memory.  Fixed-focus 6.5mm lens.  Shutter 1/30 to 1/4000 second.  Although specifications were the same, the software for the two cameras varied.  Price, $300 (Chinon), $560 (Kodak).  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kodak_DC_Series

 
KODAK DC25 - 1996.  493 x 373 pixel CCD.  ISO 800.  Shutter 1/20 to 1/4000 second.  Fixed-focus,  47mm f/4 lens. The DC-25 was the first digital camera to use removable Compact Flash.  MSRP $499.  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kodak_DC_Series

http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Kodak_DC25

https://upload.cyfrowe.pl/cyfrowe/instrukcje/aparaty/kodak/instrukcja_kodak_dc25_en.pdf
 
 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kodak_DC_Series

KODAK DCS 420cir - 1996.  See 1994, Kodak DCS 420.

KODAK DCS-425 / 435 - 1996. Based on the Nikon Nikonos RS. Developed for the U.S. Navy Seals. The Nikonos RS (1992-97) was the world's first TTL autofocus reflex-type underwater camera (up to 100 meters). Lens 20-35mm, f/2.8 zoom. The DCS 425 came in color (425c, ISO 100-400) and infra-red (425ir, ISO 200-800), both with 1.54 MP CCD. The 435 had a 1.2 MP CCD, ISO 200 to 1000.  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera.

http://jemcgarvey.com

KODAK DVC 300 - 1996.  First USB device / CCD digital video camera. 320 X 240 for video and 640 X 480 for still photos.  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera.

https://books.google.com/books?id=oOfsp5YznnkC&pg=PA73&lpg=PA73&dq=%22+KODAK+DVC+300%22&source=bl&ots=s6KLOK2aU6&sig=7BTri8GsnhLXLdk1_lK4DGB68-4&

hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi6xvv1wKPZAhVJ21MKHQqyBQQ4ChDoAQg4MAM#v=onepage&q=%22%20KODAK%20DVC%20300%22&f=false

KONICA Q-EZ - 1996.  1/3-inch, 640 x 480 pixel CCD.  ISO 100.  Shutter 1/30 to 1/2000 second.  43mm autofocus f/2.8 lens.  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera.

http://www.photographyreview.com/cat/cameras/digital-cameras/3-megapixel/konica-minolta/q-ez/prd_82654_3098crx.aspx

https://www.digitalkameramuseum.de/en/cameras/item/konica-q-ez

KYOCERA DA-1 STILL VIDEO CAMERA - 1996.  Kyocera-Yashica announced the Kyocera DA-1 Electronic Camera which used the original Sony Mavica method of recording (analog) images, but the DA-1 then digitized them in the camera for export to a computer (this is in question since we do not have a manual.  Some sources say the image was stored as digital on the mini floppy, then could be exported as digital from the camera to a computer or TV) , The only such camera ever marketed.  The camera also had NTSC video output.  1/3-inch, 640 x 474 pixel CCD.  ISO 250.  Shutter 1/60 to 1/1500 second.  60mm f/3.2 lens.  It used two CR123A batteries. MSRP $798.  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera.

http://www.epi-centre.com/reports/9604dhs.html

https://blog-goo-ne-jp.translate.goog/aladdinhikone/e/e93440d7c374e5f8b8b2e85a7dc05343?_x_tr_sl=ja&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc

https://diary-awane--photo-com.translate.goog/2017/171201.htm?_x_tr_sch=http&_x_tr_sl=ja&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc

https://www.digitalkameramuseum.de/en/cameras/item/kyocera-da-1

https://www.flickr.com/photos/sara-net/sets/72157624500655392/

LEAF MICROLUMINA - 1996.   Leaf developed a medical/industiral version of the 1994 Lumina

https://www.digitalkameramuseum.de/en/cameras/item/leaf-microlumina

MARS GLOBAL SURVEYOR - 1996.  In November 1996, NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory began America's return to Mars after a 20-year absence by launching the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) spacecraft.  The Mars Global Surveyor went into orbit around Mars in September of 1997.   Most of the data volume from MGS is generated by a dual-mode camera called the Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC).   In narrow-angle mode, MOC's black and white, high-resolution telephoto lens can image Martian rocks and other objects as small as 1.4 meters (4.6 feet) across.  The largest raw image possible is 2048 x 4800 pixels in size.  In contrast to the detailed surface images, MOC's wide- angle, global monitoring mode uses a fish-eye lens to generate panoramic images in color spanning horizon to horizon (NASA).  Click on image to see full-page view.  http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/marsurv.html

MICRODIA QUICKSHOT - 1996.  Imager .25MP 1/5" CCD, 640x480/320x240 pixels.  Autofocus, compact flash slot and built-in memory.  MSRP about $100.  Microdia was the OEM for the Umax PhotoRun and the Mitsubishi DJ-1000.   We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera.  Many thanks to Louis Leung of Microdia for specs and photo.

https://www.digitalkameramuseum.de/en/prototypes-rarities/item/microdia-quickshot

http://www.easyhelpguide.com/manual/Microdia.html

MINOLTA Dimage V - 1996.  First shown at Fall '96 Comdex.  Marketed in 1997.  1/3-inch 640 x 480 pixel CCD.  ISO100.  3X zoom f/5 lens.  Shutter 1/30 to 1/10,000 second.  First with detachable lens assembly and electronic tether.   Price, $700.  Click on image to see enlarged view.  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera. 

http://www.rvharvey.com/dimagev.htm

https://www.engadget.com/products/konica-minolta/dimage/v/specs/

http://www.photographyreview.com/product/cameras/digital-cameras/3-megapixel/konica-minolta/dimage-v.html

MOMITSU MES-1000 (Chinon ES1000 / Kodak DC20) - 1996.  Photo not available, Chinon ES1000 shown.  501 x 370  pixel CCD (Kodak).  1MB internal memory.  Fixed-focus 6.5mm lens.  Shutter 1/30 to 1/4000 second.  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera.

http://www.computer-specifications.com/specifications/Momitsu-MES1000-Specs.html

 
http://www.memoryx.com/momeme.html

NEC PC-DC401  / EPIX Pro in U.S. / OBSIDIAN IC-100  - 1996.  1/2-inch 640 x 480 pixel CCD.  Type "C" lens mount.  No LCD.  MSRP $1950 (EPix). EPix Imaging changed the camera's name to Obsidian IC-100.  Obsidian Imaging Inc. was a wholly owned subsidiary of Epix Technoligies.  In 1996 Epix Imaging Systems inc. changed its name to Obsidian Imaging Inc.  MSRP $1,900.  See Obsidian Imaging IC-100 on the 1996 0-R page.  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera.

http://www.epi-centre.com/reports/9603cs.html

https://www.flickr.com/photos/maoby/albums/72157656292176968

NIKON COOLPIX 100 - 1996.  First camera with removable PC card slot camera insert. 1/3-inch 512 x 480 pixel CCD.  ISO 100.  52mm fixed-focus f/4.0  lens.  Shutter 1/45 to 1/10,000 second.  Announced June '96, released Jan '97.  Price, $249.  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera. 

http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/coolpix/others/100/

NIKON COOLPIX 300 - 1996.    1/3-inch, 640 x 480 pixel CCD.  ISO 100.  Shutter 1/30 to 1/2500 second.  45mm fixed-focus f/4 lens.  Announced June '96, released Jan '97.  First digicam whereby the LCD screen was also a touch screen.  Price, $349.  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera.

NIKON E2N, E2Ns- 1996.  Same as Fuji 505A and 515A. Upgades to the 1994 E2 and E2s such as higher ISO speed.  2/3-inch, 1280 x 1000 pixel CCD.   ISO 800, 3200.  Shutter 1/8 to 1/2000 second. We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera. 

http://www.nikonweb.com/e2n/

ORION DIGISNAP DS 21 - 1996.  Marketed in Europe by Orion of Hungary. 320 x 240 pixel CCD. Shutter 1/8 sec to 1/16000 sec. Lens F/2 fixed focus. The DS 21 was unusual in that it used a camcorder battery. It also had a relatively large 3-inch LCD, the first for a digicam. Internal storage for about 96 photos. Orion is an electronics manufacturing company. The DS 21 has been their only entrant into the digicam market and it was made in Japan.   MSRP $299.

1996 D-N