Kodak DCS 100 (1991)
The first commercially available digital single-lens reflex camera system, based on a modified Nikon F3 body.
Overview
The Kodak DCS 100 came out in 1991. It was the first model in the Kodak DCS line and is recognized as the first commercially available digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera system. It was built around a modified Nikon F3 film camera body, so analog mechanics sat alongside a digital imaging system. The target was professional photographers who needed images delivered faster, especially in news and photojournalism. A dedicated Digital Storage Unit (DSU) mounted to the baseplate and stored the images from the 1.3-megapixel CCD sensor.
Specifications
| Sensor | 1.3-megapixel CCD sensor |
| Resolution | 1280 x 1024 pixels |
| ISO range (color) | 100-1600 |
| ISO range (monochrome) | 200-3200 |
| Storage | 200 MB Digital Storage Unit (DSU) that held up to 156 uncompressed images |
Design
The digital parts of the DCS 100 live in a custom winder-style baseplate on the modified Nikon F3 body. That baseplate houses the Digital Storage Unit. The camera is a self-contained digital system, and it keeps the handling and lens compatibility of the Nikon F3 platform.
Context
As the first commercially available DSLR, the DCS 100 marked a pivotal shift in professional photography. Priced starting at around $20,000, with estimates ranging up to $30,000, it was positioned as a premium tool accessible primarily to well-funded professionals, particularly in news agencies where rapid image transmission was critical. It established the foundation for the Kodak DCS series and demonstrated the viability of digital capture in real-world photojournalism.
Market
A 2014 listing on eBay from a seller in Israel offered photos for sale at $15,000. There is little widespread market data beyond that.
eBay Listings
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