1998 L-N         R

LANE TDC-10 - 1998/2000.  This previously unknown camera was apparently distributed as a promotional item by Lane Home Furnishings.  It was assembled by a company in China and the manual also applies to a TDC-30 model.  We could find nothing on the internet concerning this camera and assume that it may have been sold under a variety of brand names as a beginner's or child's camera.   It was also sold under the MACAT MDC-10 model name. (see below)  It requires a Windows 98 operating system, but the material on the CD that came with it, labeled "Special Edition," is dated 2000, so the camera was probably produced over several years for a variety of vendors.  Resolution: 352 x 288 pixels.  Lens: 6.4mm/F3.0.  Internal storage of 20 photos at 352 x 288 or 80 photos at 176 x 144

https://danadandan-blogspot-com.translate.goog/2007/02/blog-post_299.html?_x_tr_sch=http&_x_tr_sl=zh-TW&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc

LARGAN Lmini 350K Flip Flash - 1998.  Simliar specs to the Lmini 350 above.  MSRP $179. 

https://www.digitalkameramuseum.de/en/prototypes-rarities/item/largan-digital-lmini-350k-flip

LARGAN Lmini 351 - 1998.  First shown at PMA 98.  CCD 640 x 480 pixels.  2MB internal memory.  F 4.5/42mm lens.  Shutter 1/30 sec to 1/10,000 sec.  Flash.  MSRP $150. 

http://www.dcviews.com/_largan/m351.htm

https://www.digitalkameramuseum.de/en/cameras/item/largan-lmini-353

LEICA MINILUX ZOOM - 1998.  The Minilux had an original MSRP of $999 in 1998. That would be about $1,330 in 2010 dollars, a very expensive little 35 mm camera. Lens 35 - 70 mm. Shutter 1-1/250 sec, T and B. This Minilux in mint condition was given to me by my beautiful niece, Faa.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/leica/minilux-zoom.htm

 
LEICA DigiLux (Fuji MX-700)  - 1998.  Leica's first digital camera.  Few were produced and are thus seldom seen on eBay.  Most are with collectors or in museums. Original MSRP was $999 (about $1,431 in 2013 dollars). 1/2-inch 1280 x 1024 pixel CCD.  ISO 100.  F/3.2  35mm autofocus  lens.  Shutter 1/4 to 1/1000 second. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leica_Digilux_1

LG ELECTRONICS ArtShot LDC-F10 - 1998.  Shown at CeBIT '98.  1/4-inch 640 x 480 pixel CCD.  May not have been marketed.  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera.

http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/article/980327/cebit_4.htm

LG ELECTRONICS ArtShot LDC-F30 - 1998.  Shown at CeBIT -98.  1/4-inch 640 x 480 pixel CCD.  May not have been marketed.  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera.  7 

http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/article/980327/cebit_4.htm

https://www.digitalkameramuseum.de/en/prototypes-rarities/item/lg-ldc-f30

LG ELECTRONICS ARTSHOT LDC-F25 - 1998.  Shown at CeBIT 98 and marketeded, but in such small numbrs that Dennis van Hall of the Digitalkamera Museum shows it as not marketed at all. We recently (Aug 2024) obtained the above sample in excellent condition complete in the original box from a seller in the U.K.  Sensor: CCD 640 x 480 pixels.  Lens: f4.3mm, F2.4.  Storage: 4MB internal.

https://www.digitalkameramuseum.de/en/prototypes-rarities/item/lg-ldc-f25

LIMITED TOO BLING DIGITAL CAMERA - 1998.  Digital 3-IN-1 camera - stills, video and web cam.  152 photo internal storage.  VGA 640 X 480 pixels.  Windows 98.  This is one of many made in China inexpensive digital cameras that have begun appearing on U.S. eBay in 2019/2020.  Some are very old and rare whereas others are common and may still be in production.  Limited Too Bling cameras seem to be in the latter category.  The above camera appears to be an early model and the plastic package is yellow with age, but others on eBay indicate that newer Bling models may or may not still be in production with new shapes and packaging, but similar specs.  Little information is available on the web concerning these cameras.  Of course, the same cameras may have or are being sold under other brand names. Limited Too is a seller of children's clothing now and we're not sure of what their current digicam marketing status is, if any. The URL below indicates that  cameras were sold by Limited Too in the 90's.  MSRPs seem to have been around $40.  The one above had a sticker on the back for $24.90, but we purchased it on eBay from oldpeddlarlady for $9.99.  The attached thank you note (see above) was the nicest we have ever received from a seller even though for one of the least expensive cameras we have ever purchased.

http://forevertwentysomethings.com/2014/11/06/the-top-15-things-that-limited-too-sold-in-the-90s/  

MACAT MDC-10 - 1998.  This previously unknown camera is a twin of the Lane  MDC-10 shown above.  Both were assembled by a company in China and the manual also applies to a TDC-30 model.  We could find nothing on the internet concerning these two camera and assume they have been sold under a variety of brand names as a beginner's or child's camera.   It requires a Windows 98 operating system, but the material on the CD that came with it is dated 2000, so the camera was probably produced over several years for a variety of vendors.  Distributed by Cobra Digital.  Shenzhen Bluebird Photoelectric Co., Ltd. seems to be the manufacturer.  Resolution: 640x480 pixels.  Lens: 6.4mm/F3.0.  Internal storage of 26 photos at VGA.

https://danadandan-blogspot-com.translate.goog/2007/02/blog-post_299.html?_x_tr_sch=http&_x_tr_sl=zh-TW&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc

MATTEL Barbie Cam and Nick Click - 1998.  These cameras were made in China for Mattel.  Unfortunately for collectors, Mattel chose not to package their cameras as almost all other digital camera manufacturers do.  The packaging was such that it had to be partially destroyed in order to remove the contents and thus could not be repackaged as originally purchased.  160 x 120 pixel CMOS sensor.  Fixed-focus lens.  About $70 (Barbie Cam), $30 (Nick Click).  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera. 

http://www.superkids.com/aweb/pages/reviews/camera/1/nick/merge.shtml

MICROTECH CAMERAMATE - 1998.  The CameraMate was the first card reader available with a CompactFlash Type II slot to accomodate the new IBM Microdrives without the need of the PCMCIA adapter.  It also had a SmartMedia slot and accepted either 3.3v or 5v cards. The CameraMate flash connected to any USB-enabled Windows 98/98SE, ME or 2000 PC or Macintosh computer.  It also supported Windows 95.

https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2000/02/07/microtech-usb-cameramate/

MICROTEK EYESTAR - 1998.   One of many web cams available during that time period.  Still image capture CCD 640 x 480,  320 x 240, 160  120 pixels.   Windows 95.  Made in Taiwan.

https://www.fixya.com/support/p250264-microtek_eyestar_u2s_webcam

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microtek

MINOLTA Dimage EX 1500 Zoom and Wide Angle - 1998.  Shown at Photokina '98, marketed in 1999. The most distinguishing and unique feature of this camera was the detachable lens/CCD/viewfinder assembly (the black right hand quarter in the image shown). 1/2-inch 1344 x 1008 pixel CCD.  ISO 125.  F/1.9 28mm (wide angle) autofocus lens and F/3.5 38mm - 105mm zoom lens (MSRP $799).  Alternatively, you could make use of the detachable lens feature and purchase the wide "add-on lens" at around US$350, providing 28mm and 38mm to 105mm. Shutter 1/2 to 1/400 second.  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/minolta1500/

MINOLTA RD3000 - 1998.  Prototype (on right) shown at Photokina 1998, but not marketed until 2000. First D-SLR to use lenses other than those built for 35mm film cameras (APS). 2 x 1.5 Megapixel CCD's = 2.7 Megapixel image (1,984 x 1,360). MSRP $3,240. First digital camera with a split screen two-plate imaging system.  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/9909/99092102rd3000.asp

https://www.digicammuseum.de/gechichten/erfahrungsberichte/1928-bis-2018-90-jahre-minolta-update/

https://www.digitalkameramuseum.de/en/cameras/item/minolta-dimage-rd-3000

https://www.digitalkameramuseum.de/en/prototypes-rarities/item/minolta-dimage-rd-3001

MOONLIGHT PRODUCTS FONECAM - 1998.  The FoneCam was a digital color still camera with a 14.4-Kbps modem.  320 x 240 pixel CCD.  Lens 3.6mm, f2.0.  Windows 95.  The FoneCam could be connected directly to a computer using a serial cable or remotely with the modem and a standard phone line.  It could be set up anywhere that had a phone line and a power supply.  It could capture images on demand or on schedule and transmit them to a computer.  The example shown above included the optional ExtensionCam ($299) which allowed monitoring a second area.  Although the FoneCam was advertised as easy to install and use, the manual was 77 pages long on a CD which could be printed out as a PDF document if you wished.  MSRP $372.95.   Computer World 30 Nov 1998  Vol. 32, No. 48, page 82.

http://www.innovationhouse.com/products/fonecam.html

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-dec-23-cl-56688-story.html

http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,989267,00.html

MUSTEK VDC 200P (1997) and 210P - 1998.  Appear to be exactly the same as each other as well as the VDC 200.  Both seem to have been available in silver or white.

   
MUSTEK VDC 300 - 1998.  1/4-inch 640 x 480 pixel CCD.  F/2.8 and F/8 fixed-focus lens.  Shutter 1/30 to 1/6000 second.  2MB built-in memory, will take 4MB CF card.  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/mustek

MUSTEK VDC 3500 (Relisys Dimera 3500, Trust PhotoCam Plus) - 1998/9.  Two variations of this of this camera were marketed.  The upper model shown was apparently sold only as the Mustek VDC 3500.  The lower model shown was also sold as the Relisys Dimera 3500 and the Trust PhotoCam Plus (see 1998 T-Z).  The Trust PhotoCam version manual is on a CD ROM.  All the items on the CD ROM are dated 1997 or 1998.  The items on the CD ROM for the Relisys Dimera are dated 1997-1999.  Thus we assume all versions of this camera were in the design stage in 1998 or before, but  some may not have been marketed until 1999.  640 x 480 pixel CCD.  ISO 200.  F/4 35mm lens. Shutter 1/3- to 1/10,000 second.  MSRP $349. We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera.

http://www.photographyreview.com/mfr/mustek/3-megapixel/PRD_83059_3098crx.aspx

https://www.digitalkameramuseum.de/en/cameras/item/mustek-vdc-3500

NEC MX-V10 - 1998.  The MX-V10 was a non-marketed NEC multimedia system that included a digital camera.  NEC, manufacturer of the Internet terminal "MULCO (Marco) that can be use to connect to a TV and a telephone line using the MX-V10.  According to the NEC announcement, "The communication of news and topics, will be delivered by commentary plain and concisely.  Multimedia and the Internet were carefully selected from among the information flood to satellite institutions."  Apparently, the system was intended to allow a customer to use his telephone to hear a news synopsis.  The article stated that, "The biggest feature of MULCO is that it is equipped with a detachable digital camera." Specification of the digital camera are: 320 x 240 pixels, 220 000 pixel, 40 shots number, fixed focus, serial transfer.  By attaching the digital camera body to capture a photograph, the photograph can then be sent by e-mail. You can also put narration which can be processed such as punching or character writing whereby it is possible to create a 'digital album' in the HTML format.   The article went on to say,  "Body includes a display output of 640 x 400 dots (256 / 65,536 colors), built-in 33.6kbps modem, external dimensions width 200 x depth 145 x height 50mm, the PCMCIA TYPE II slot. Operation, by remote control equipped with a character keyboard (50 sound array).  One Japanese blogger stated sales were intended to begin 4 February 1999.  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera.

http://internet.watch.impress.co.jp/www/article/980317/mulco.htm

https://www.digitalkameramuseum.de/en/prototypes-rarities/item/nec-mx-v10

 
NIKON Coolpix 600 (Panasonic PV-DC 1580) - 1998.  1/3-inch 1024 x 768 pixel CCD.  ISO 100.  F/2.8 36mm autofocus lens.  Shutter 1/10 to 1/2000 second.  Detachable flash.  About $600.  http://www.dpreview.com/products/nikon/compacts/nikon_cp600

Nikon CoolPix E900

Nikon CoolPix E900s

NIKON Coolpix E900, E900s - 1998.  The E900s (very rare) and the 910 (below) were slighlty improved versions of the Coolpix E900 - 1260 X 960 pixels versus 1280 X 960 for the 910 and E900s as well a few other minor improvements.  ISO 64.  F/2.4 autofocus 38mm - 115mm zoom lens.  Shutter 1/4 to 1/750 second. The E900s  says Coolpix 900 on the front, but E900s on the bottom (see above).  E apparently stood for Europe.  The manual for the E900s says E900s on the cover (see above), but inside it only refers to the camera as the CoolPix 900.  The E900 and E900s were black and silver, the 910 below was black and purple (Cosmic Violet).  


http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/htmls/models/htmls/slr9698a.htm

https://www.digitalkameramuseum.de/en/cameras/item/nikon-coolpix-910

http://www.digitalguide.co.uk/camerabrand/Nikon.html

NIKON Coolpix 910 - 1998.  Slightly improved version of the Coolpix 900.  Specs were the same for the 900s and 910.  Black and purple body (Cosmic Violet).   CCD 1/2.7-inch 1280 x 960 pixels.  ISO 64.  F/2.4 autofocus 38mm - 115mm zoom lens.  Shutter 1/4 to 1/750 second. The 900s and 910 had an external flash connection, more detailed exposure compensation and several other improvements.  Sold only in Japan.  MSRP $800.

NIKON E3, E3s (FUJI DS-560, DS-565) - 1998.     SLR. 1280 x 1000 pixel CCD. ISO 800/1600/3200.  Internal aperture control f/4.8 to f/38.  Shutter 1/8 to 1/2000 second. The E3s' larger buffer memory allowed it to take up to 12 consecutive images at 3 frames / sec.  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/nikon-2

 

NINTENDO GAME BOY CAMERA - 1998.  128 x 128 pixel black & white CMOS sensor.  The first company to integrate an ICIS chip into a commercial product was Nintendo in 1998 with their Game Boy Camera.  The camera plugged into the Nintendo Game Boy as a game cartridge and allowed users to acquire images and edit them for viewing or output on a small printer.  Four levels of gray scale.  The camera lens was able to rotate 360 degrees. The original Game Boy Camera, known as Pocket Camera in Japan, was basically a Game Boy cartridge with a black and white digital camera on top. It stored up to 30 pictures and came with photo/image editing functions like zooming, painting, cropping, etc. Animation could be done with Pictrip, an animation processing software built into the Camera. It also came with built-in games including "Ball" (a juggling game) and "Space Fever II" (a shooter).  It also came with a music mixing/editing program. It could share data with another Game Boy. It could print photos with the Game Boy Pocket Printer.  In 1999 Guinness Book of Records officially recognized it as the world's smallest digital camera.  Camera cost $50.  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_Boy

NINTENDO GAME BOY PRINTER - 1998. Known as Pocket Printer in Japan, it was a printer for use with the Game Boy Pocket camera. It used Print Seal thermal paper, which came in yellow, blue, and white rolls. The printer plugged into the serial port (Game Link) on the Game Boy. MSRP $60.  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this item.

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

NMC D-View 1000, 2000, 3000 - 1998/99.  These cameras are variations of the UMAX DC-A1 which was shown at CeBIT '98.  Probably not marketed.  The D-View 3000 had a 1/3-inch 1024 x 786 pixel CCD and an LCD.   F2.8 dual fixed-focus lens.  Shutter 1/30 to 1/10,000 second.  The 2000 had a 1/4-inch 640 x 480 pixel CCD and an LCD.  The 1000 was the same as the 2000, but without the LCD.  This same basic camera may have also been sold under the Soyo brand name.  We believe we were the first digital camera history web site to provide a photo and information concerning this camera.

https://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/article/980327/cebit_4.htm

https://www.digitalkameramuseum.de/en/prototypes-rarities/item/nmc-d-view

https://www.digitalkamera.de/Meldung/Kameras_ohne_Datenblatt/6696.aspx

1998 L-N