Sony Mavica FD-100 Digital Camera
**What is the Sony Mavica FD-100 Digital Camera?**
The Sony Mavica FD-100 was a revolutionary digital camera released by Sony in 1997. It was a part of the Mavica series, which stands for “Magnetic Video Camera,” and was one of the first digital cameras to use floppy disks as a storage medium. This camera allowed users to capture and store images digitally, eliminating the need for traditional film.
**Features and Specifications**
– Image Quality: The Mavica FD-100 featured a 0.3-megapixel CCD sensor, capable of capturing images at a resolution of 640×480 pixels. While this may seem low by today’s standards, it was considered impressive at the time.
– Storage Medium: One of the standout features of the FD-100 was its use of 3.5-inch floppy disks for storage. This allowed users to easily transfer their images to a computer for editing or printing. Each floppy disk could hold up to 25 images in the highest quality setting.
– Lens: The camera was equipped with a fixed lens that had a focal length of 46mm (equivalent to 35mm in a 35mm film camera). It had a maximum aperture of f/2.8, which allowed for decent low-light performance.
– LCD Display: The FD-100 featured a 2.5-inch color LCD display, which was relatively large for that era. The display allowed users to review their images immediately after capture, providing instant feedback.
– Battery: The camera was powered by a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery, capable of providing enough power for a full day of shooting.
**Release Date and Price**
The Sony Mavica FD-100 was released in October 1997 with a price tag of around $700. At the time, this camera was considered relatively affordable for a digital camera, making it accessible to a broader range of photography enthusiasts.
**Why it was a Game Changer**
The Sony Mavica FD-100 played a significant role in the digital camera revolution. Its use of floppy disks as a storage medium made it convenient and user-friendly, especially compared to other digital cameras that used proprietary memory cards or storage systems. This camera marked a transition from film cameras to digital cameras, as it offered users the ability to instantly review and transfer their images.
**Conclusion**
The Sony Mavica FD-100 Digital Camera was a groundbreaking piece of equipment that played a crucial role in the advancement of digital photography. Its innovative use of floppy disks, combined with its user-friendly features, made it a popular choice among photographers of the time. While its specifications may seem outdated by today’s standards, it was a game-changer that paved the way for the development of more advanced digital cameras in the future.
