"First" digital camera

From: Tony Duell <ard_at_p850ug1.demon.co.uk>
Date: Sat May 29 21:18:06 2004

> > I thought it was actually a DRAM chip with a transparent top (the number
> > 'IS32 Optic RAM' is sort-of in my mind, but I can't be sure).
> Sounds accurate to me - IIRC the IS32 was made by Micron. I think there was a
> digital camera for the BBC Micro that used the IS32, as well as the "Micron
> Eye".

I think you're right. I remember we borrowed one at school for an open
day, 1985-ish. Alas I wasn't allowed to dismantle it to see what was
inside, but I remember the images had a 'gap' down the centre, like the
ones produced by a DRAM would (that's where the address decoder, etc, are
on the chip).

>
> > A real CCD is a lot better ;-)
> Indeed, but it's also more expensive.

Maybe back then, but I am sure these days you can get a junked camcorder for
not too much and extract the CCD.

-tony
Received on Sat May 29 2004 - 21:18:06 BST