Canon RC-470 (1988)
A non-SLR still video camera developed by Canon and marketed in 1989 as part of a professional imaging kit.
Overview
The Canon RC-470 is a still video camera, produced in 1988 and marketed in 1989. It was made for professional use and was part of the Canon Professional Still Video Imaging Kit, which also included a 2-inch video floppy drive and SV Scan image editing software. It is a non-SLR model, with dual focal optics developed jointly with Panasonic. It was tested at trade shows and on journalistic assignments, so it saw early digital field work.
Specifications
| Sensor | 1/2-inch, 360,000 pixel CCD |
| Resolution | 400-line quality |
| Storage | Images stored on DRAM: 12 at high resolution or 48 at 640 x 480 pixels |
| Storage media | Video floppy |
| Lens/Optics | Dual focal optics, jointly developed with Panasonic |
| Part of kit | Canon Professional Still Video Imaging Kit (includes 2-inch video floppy drive and SV Scan software) |
| Original price | $499 (camera only) |
Design
Canon developed the RC-470 jointly with Panasonic, which supplied the dual focal optics.
Context
The RC-470 was aimed at the professional market. It followed Canon's earlier RC-760 and was one of several non-SLR digital camera models introduced in the late 1980s to explore electronic imaging workflows.
Market
The MSRP was $499, not including required accessories. One unit sold at auction for 7,800 Euros.
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