The 1988 VIDEO Floppy Disk Camera: Canon Xap Shot RC-250
LGR・11 minutes read
The Canon RC-250 XapShot, also known as the RC-251 Ion and RC-250 Q-Pic, is a still video camera released in 1988 that captures photos on 2" Video Floppy disks by storing video feed as freeze-frame images. It was a popular and more affordable option among still video cameras in the late 80s, featuring a fixed focus lens with an f-stop of 2.8 and requiring connection to a display device for viewing photos.
Insights
- The Canon RC-250 XapShot, also known as the RC-251 Ion and RC-250 Q-Pic in different regions, introduced a novel concept of storing freeze-frame images on Video Floppy disks, utilizing technology popular in the mid-80s to early 90s.
- Despite being a more affordable option among still video cameras, the RC-250 offered a versatile shooting experience with features like a fixed focus lens, macro mode, and support for Hi-VF disks, requiring a display device to view the captured images, highlighting a fusion of analog and electronic elements.
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Recent questions
What is the Canon RC-250 XapShot?
A still video camera released in 1988.
What type of storage does the Canon RC-250 use?
2” Video Floppy disks.
What accessories come with the Canon RC-250 XapShot?
Wall power adapter, rechargeable battery, cables, and adapters.
How does the Canon RC-250 XapShot operate?
By switching to record mode, pressing the shutter button, and using the erase function.
What is the lens specification of the Canon RC-250 XapShot?
11mm fixed focus lens with an f-stop of 2.8.
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Summary
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Canon RC-250 XapShot: Still Video Camera
- The Canon RC-250 XapShot was released in December 1988 at $800 in the US, known as the RC-251 Ion in Europe and the RC-250 Q-Pic in Japan.
- The RC-250 is a "Still Video Camera" that captures photos by storing video feed as freeze-frame images on 2” Video Floppy disks.
- The Video Floppy disks were originally called Mavipaks by Sony and were used by various manufacturers in the mid-80s to early 90s.
- The camera records single frames of NTSC or PAL video on each disk's 50 tracks, supporting Hi-VF disks for up to 50 images.
- The RC-250 was a popular model among still video cameras, offering a more affordable option compared to other models.
- The camera comes with various accessories, including a wall power adapter, rechargeable battery, cables, and adapters.
- The camera features an 11mm fixed focus lens with an f-stop of 2.8, allowing for a shooting range of 1 meter to infinity and a macro mode for close-up shots.
- Operating the camera involves switching to record mode, pressing the shutter button, and using the erase function to manage photos on the disk.
- The camera requires connection to a display device for viewing photos, showcasing a unique blend of analog and electronic imagery.
