In 1997, as Apple was navigating the turbulent waters of the tech world, a little-known innovation marked the company’s intriguing foray into uncharted territory. The QuickTake 200, a digital camera, not only carried the Apple logo but also signaled the company’s ambition to revolutionize photography.
In the late ’90s, Apple was better known for its Macintosh computers than for its prowess in photography. However, on February 17, 1997, everything changed. Apple unleashed the QuickTake 200, a digital camera that was destined to leave its mark on the industry.
Priced at $600, the QuickTake 200 was far from an ordinary camera. Equipped with a 24-bit CCD Image sensor and a Scale-focus lens, it boasted a picture resolution of up to 640 x 480 pixels. This put it ahead of its time, setting a standard that would shape the future of digital photography.
One of the standout features of the QuickTake 200 was its versatility. It featured an RS-232C and an NTSC Video I/O connection port, making it a jack-of-all-trades for users. Whether you were an amateur photographer or a professional, this camera had something to offer.
But as with many groundbreaking innovations, the QuickTake 200’s journey was not without its share of twists and turns.
Just a few months after its launch, in 1997, the QuickTake 200 faced a turning point in its journey. The return of Steve Jobs to Apple ushered in a new era for the company. Sadly, it also marked the end of the QuickTake 200’s production. Though its life was short-lived, its impact was far-reaching.
Today, as the QuickTake 200 turns 27, it stands as a testament to the relentless march of technology. From its humble beginnings to the advanced digital cameras of today, the evolution of photography has been nothing short of phenomenal.
Behind the scenes of this Apple innovation was Fujifilm, the company responsible for building the QuickTake 200. With a still video resolution of 640×480 and a 2 MB SmartMedia flashRAM card, it captured the essence of its era. An Apple-branded 4 MB card was also available, allowing users to store up to 40 standard-quality images.
Compared to its predecessors, the QuickTake 200 featured a significant upgrade: a 1.8-inch color LCD screen on the rear panel for previewing stored photographs. With a refresh rate of 30 Hz, this screen brought a new level of user-friendliness to the camera.
Moreover, the QuickTake 200 introduced user-selectable apertures and three separate focus modes, making it more versatile than ever. Close-up shots, portraits, and standard photos were all within reach with this innovative device.
As we celebrate the 27-year anniversary of the QuickTake 200, we’re reminded of the pioneering spirit that has driven the evolution of digital photography. Apple’s first foray into this world might have been brief, but its impact was lasting. The QuickTake 200 laid the foundation for the incredible advancements we see in photography today, and it will always hold a special place in the annals of tech history.
QuickTake 200 Details
| Introduced | February 17, 1997 |
| Discontinued | 1997 |
| Model Number | M5709 |
| Original Price | $600 |
| Weight | 0.53 Ibs. 240.4 Grams |
| Dimensions | 3″ H x 5.1″ W x 1.9″ D 7.62 cm H x 12.95 cm W x 4.82 cm D |
System Requirements
- Macintosh with Motorola 68040 processor or faster
- System Software 7.5 or later
Camera Specs
| Image | 24-bit |
| Resolution | Up to 640 x 480 pixels |
| Optics | Scale-focus lens |
| Lens Focal Length | 8 mm |
| Range | 3.5″ to infinity |
| Shutter Speed | 1/4 to 1/5000 of a second |
Media
| Photo Formats | TIFF BMP PCX JPEG QuickTake |
Connections
| Audio | None |
| Ports | 1 – RS-232C 1 – NTSC Video I/O |
Power
| Power | 4 AA Lithium or 5v DC 1.75A external supply |
Further Reading and References
- Apple QuickTake – Wikipedia
- Apple QuickTake 200 – Digitalkamera Museum
- Classic Digital History – Apple QuickTake 200 – Catawiki
- QuickTake 200 Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
- Throwback Thursday: Apple QuickTake cameras, pioneers of consumer digital photography – DPReview
- Shooting for Instagram with the Apple QuickTake 200 from 1996 – PetaPixel
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Last updated: October 10, 2023
