Canon RC-251 (1988)
At 640 x 480 pixels, it captured color digital images with a lens that behaved like a 60mm on 35mm film—then saved them to a 2" floppy disk.
Overview
Marketed for its ability to take full-color digital photographs with the ease of a 35mm compact camera, it represented Canon’s early push into consumer digital imaging. While lacking modern resolution or convenience, it was praised at launch for making digital capture accessible, bridging the gap between analog photography and the digital future.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Canon |
| Model | RC-251 |
| Type | Still Video Camera |
| Lens | 2.8/11 mm |
| Lens equivalency | corresponds to a 60 mm in 24 x 36 format |
| Sensor | commonly equipped with the Texas Instruments TC244a CCD sensor. This sensor has 242 rows (lines) with 786 elements |
| Imager Type | 0.20 |
| Storage | stores the images on a 2" Floppy-Disk |
| Alternative Storage | Images were stored on DRAM, twelve at high resolution or 48 at 640 x 480 pixels |
| Resolution | 640 x 480 pixels |
Key Features
2.8/11 mm Lens with 60mm Equivalency
The fixed 11mm f/2.8 lens delivers a field of view equivalent to a 60mm lens on a 35mm film camera, placing it firmly in the standard perspective range. This choice suggests Canon prioritized natural framing for everyday snapshots, avoiding wide-angle distortion or telephoto compression.
Texas Instruments TC244a CCD Sensor
The imaging core is reportedly the Texas Instruments TC244a CCD sensor, a 242-line device with 786 photosites per line. While the physical size is listed as "0.20" (likely denoting 1/5-inch format), the sensor's resolution aligns with the final output of 640 x 480 pixels. This sensor was typical of early consumer digital cameras, offering color fidelity that, while limited by modern standards, was considered impressive for its time.
2" Floppy Disk and DRAM Storage
Images were saved either to a proprietary 2" floppy disk or to internal DRAM. The DRAM could hold twelve high-resolution images or up to forty-eight at 640 x 480 pixels, offering temporary buffer storage before transfer. The 2" floppy—
AS-C25 Action Set Compatibility
The RC-251 supported optional accessories, including the AS-C25 Action Set, which bundled the AG-C25 Action Grip for improved handling and the TC-C2513 telephoto lens. The MF-C25 Macro Frame was also available, enabling close-up photography. These accessories expanded the camera’s utility beyond casual snapshots, suggesting Canon envisioned use in travel and outdoor photography.
Television-Based Image Playback
Rather than featuring a built-in LCD screen, users viewed images by connecting the camera to a television set. As noted in user accounts, “you watch the pics on TV,” which defined the workflow: shoot, insert disk, connect via AV cables, and review on screen. This method was standard for still video cameras of the era but limited spontaneity and portability compared to later direct-view digital cameras.
Historical Context
The Canon RC-251 was developed as the PAL-compatible version of the RC-250, tailored specifically for the European market. It shared equivalent features with its NTSC sibling but was adapted to function within the PAL video framework, ensuring compatibility with European broadcast standards and television sets.
Collectibility & Value
Originally priced at $800 or 5900 French francs at launch, the RC-251 was a premium product. Today, it appears on the secondary market with listings around £103.92 or best offer, reflecting its niche appeal. Collectors note its inclusion in the "Photo Digital Rarity index Collection," indicating limited survival rates and growing interest among early digital technology enthusiasts. No common failures or maintenance procedures are documented,
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