Apple QuickTake

Kodak had been developing CCD-based digital cameras since the mid-1970s, when Steve Sasson built a toaster-sized experimental model that recorded data to a cassette tape; the first digital photograph was captured at a resolution of 100 pixels square in December 1975. However, the first electronic still cameras to be marketed were shown as early as 1981, when Sony demonstrated the prototype Pro Mavica. These early filmless cameras recorded still video frames instead of creating digital files; the Pro Mavica recorded its still frames on a proprietary floppy disk. By the late 1980s, the technologies were beginning to converge and mature; Fujifilm showed the DS-1P, a still video camera that stored its images in solid-state memory instead of a floppy, at Photokina 1988 and developed the technologies into the Fuji DS-X, which was first sold in 1989. Kodak introduced a prototype of its DCS 100, a digital SLR based on the Nikon F3 in 1986 and began commercial sales to news photographers in 1991; the DCS 100 used a CCD sensor and stored its images on a tethered hard drive.{{cite web |url=http://www.nikonweb.com/files/DCS_Story.pdf |title=The DCS Story: 17 years of Kodak Professional digital camera systems, 1987–2004 |author=McGarvey, Jim |date=June 2004 |website=NikonWeb |access-date=1 October 2019 |archive-date=January 7, 2012 |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120107053709/http%3A//www.nikonweb.com/files/DCS_Story.pdf |url-status=live }}

The Dycam Model 1 was launched in 1991, capturing greyscale images into internal memory;{{cite news |url=https://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/photography-news/16-digital-cameras-that-changed-the-world-3130 |title=16 digital cameras that changed the world |author=Atherton, Nigel |date=April 13, 2013 |work=what Digital Camera |access-date=1 October 2019 |archive-date=September 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904121936/https://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/photography-news/16-digital-cameras-that-changed-the-world-3130 |url-status=live }} CNN noted the Dycam's possibilities in a 1992 segment, touting its advantages over conventional film-based cameras.{{YouTube|id=QQFHp7Qrf-g|title=Future Watch 1-11-92 (Dycam Model 1/Logitech Fotoman)}} In 1992, Apple Computer started marketing plans for a digital camera codenamed Venus. At the time over $12 billion was spent annually in the United States on photography. Apple searched for a company to design and manufacture their QuickTake digital camera line. During this time, Apple entered into a set of non-disclosure agreements with Kodak to share its proprietary digital camera architecture and cooperate in its further development;{{cite web |url=http://www.kccllc.net/documents/1210202/1210202120119000000000026.pdf |title=In re: Eastman Kodak Company, et al. - Chapter 11 Case No. 12-10202 (ALG) |date=January 19, 2012 |publisher=United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York |access-date=1 October 2019 |archive-date=December 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204234028/http://www.kccllc.net/documents/1210202/1210202120119000000000026.pdf |url-status=live }} Kodak contributed the CCD sensor to the final design. Later, Chinon was added as the manufacturing/assembly partner, also responsible for the design of the optics and basic electronics.{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zzURbSGI6q4C&pg=PA37 |title=Kodak DC-40 The Ultimate in PC Instant Photography |author1=Grotta, Daniel |author2=Grotta, Sally Wiener |date=June 13, 1995 |magazine=PC Mag |pages=37;39 |access-date=1 October 2019 |archive-date=July 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726070432/https://books.google.com/books?id=zzURbSGI6q4C&pg=PA37 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://appleinsider.com/articles/12/01/20/apple_claims_ownership_of_digital_photography_patents_asserted_by_kodak_ |title=Apple clais ownership of digital photography patents asserted by Kodak |author=Dilger, Daniel Eran |date=January 20, 2012 |work=Apple Insider |access-date=1 October 2019 |archive-date=October 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001184137/https://appleinsider.com/articles/12/01/20/apple_claims_ownership_of_digital_photography_patents_asserted_by_kodak_ |url-status=live }} By October 1993, rumors of Venus and its capabilities had publicly tied Kodak, Apple, and Chinon together; the cost was anticipated to be relatively low compared to existing digital cameras.{{cite news |url=http://www.epi-centre.com/reports/9403cdi.html |title=Apple QuickTake 100: Apple's first digital camera - a 'serial killer' |author=Henshall, John |date=March 1994 |work=Digital Imaging Plus |access-date=1 October 2019 |archive-date=October 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001182634/http://www.epi-centre.com/reports/9403cdi.html |url-status=live }}

File:Quicktake 100 back.jpg

The QuickTake 100 was first shown at Tokyo MacWorld on February 17, 1994, exhibited for the first time in America at the Photo Marketing Association trade show,{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nDAVsvMUYksC&pg=PA18 |title=Frontiers: Input |author=White, Larry |date=June 1994 |magazine=Popular Photography |page=18 |access-date=1 October 2019 |archive-date=July 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726070455/https://books.google.com/books?id=nDAVsvMUYksC&pg=PA18 |url-status=live }} and released for sale on June 20 of that year.{{cite news |url=https://mashable.com/2014/06/21/digital-camera-20th-anniversary/ |title=20 Years Ago, Apple and Kodak Luanched the Digital Camera Revolution |author=Wolpin, Stewart |date=June 21, 2014 |work=Mashable |access-date=1 October 2019 |archive-date=October 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001182633/https://mashable.com/2014/06/21/digital-camera-20th-anniversary/ |url-status=live }} The initial list price was {{USD|749|1994|round=-1}}.{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zOMu0n2W6isC&pg=PA40 |title=Newsfront: Computers & Software {{!}} Hands On: Digital Cameras |author=Kantra, Suzanne |date=December 1994 |magazine=Popular Science |access-date=1 October 2019 |archive-date=July 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726070313/https://books.google.com/books?id=zOMu0n2W6isC&pg=PA40 |url-status=live }} It was one of the first digital cameras marketed to consumers, emphasizing ease of use. It received a Product Design Award in 1995,{{cite web |url=https://ifworlddesignguide.com/entry/23482-quicktake-100 |title=Quicktake 100 / Portable digital camera |publisher=iF World Design Guide |access-date=1 October 2019 |archive-date=October 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001194652/https://ifworlddesignguide.com/entry/23482-quicktake-100 |url-status=live }} and early reviews were enthusiastic about the industrial design and ease of use.{{cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=q-Cv6K761nAC&pg=PA107 |title=Complete Digital Illustration: A Master Class in Image-Making |page=107 |chapter=5 |author=Zeegen, Lawrence |date=2010 |publisher=RotoVision SA |location=Mies, Switzerland |isbn=978-2-88893-096-9 |access-date=1 October 2019 |archive-date=July 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726092758/https://books.google.com/books?id=q-Cv6K761nAC&pg=PA107 |url-status=live }} Two separate models (for Macintosh or Windows) were sold; the bundled software and serial cable were specific to the host computer's operating system, but the camera hardware itself was identical. The Windows version of the QuickTake 100 was released by December 1994.{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PITtFPwTaWwC&pg=PA40 |title=Apple's Digital Camera Goes Windows |author1=Grotta, Daniel |author2=Grotta, Sally Wiener |date=December 6, 1994 |magazine=PC Mag |page=40 |access-date=1 October 2019 |archive-date=July 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726073522/https://books.google.com/books?id=PITtFPwTaWwC&pg=PA40 |url-status=live }} The CCD sensor was claimed to be derived from the sensor fitted to the Kodak DCS 100.

The camera had a built-in flash, but no focus or zoom controls, as the fixed-focal length lens had an equivalent angle of view as a standard 50mm lens for a 35mm film camera; the fixed-focus lens captured a range from {{convert|4|ft}} to infinity; autoexposure was set by the camera, which controlled both shutter speeds (ranging from {{frac|30}} to {{frac|175}}) and aperture (from {{f/}}2.8 to {{f/}}16) using a film speed equivalent to ISO 85.{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WVbZSlyrT5kC&pg=PA162 |title=Hardware: The Death of Film? |author1=Grotta, Daniel |author2=Grotta, Sally Wiener |date=February 6, 1996 |magazine=PC Mag |pages=145–148;152;155–158;163;165–166;171 |access-date=1 October 2019 |archive-date=July 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726075136/https://books.google.com/books?id=WVbZSlyrT5kC&pg=PA162 |url-status=live }} The flash has a maximum range of {{convert|9|ft}}.

The QuickTake 100 was capable of storing eight photos at 640×480 resolution, 32 photos at 320×240 resolution, or a mixture of both sizes. All photos were stored at 24-bit color. There was no way to preview them on the camera, nor was there any way to delete individual photos from the camera (though there was a recessed 'trash' button which would delete the entire contents of the camera). The bundled Apple QuickTake software was used to retrieve photographs from the camera's internal memory, providing basic editing tools (rotating, resizing, and cropping) and allowing the user to select a file format and color bit depth for export.{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RjY3gFmnC8UC&pg=PA44 |title=Forget Film! Apple's QuickTake Saves to Disk |author=Santalesa, Rich |date=April 12, 1994 |magazine=PC Mag |page=44 |access-date=1 October 2019 |archive-date=July 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726095314/https://books.google.com/books?id=RjY3gFmnC8UC&pg=PA44 |url-status=live }}

File:Apple Quicktake 100 Plus Label.jpgApple offered a factory upgrade to the QuickTake 100 changing the name to the QuickTake 100 Plus, which included all the functionality of the QuickTake 150.{{cite news |url=https://tidbits.com/1995/08/07/quicktake-100-to-150-upgrade/ |title=QuickTake 100 to 150 Upgrade |date=7 August 1995 |work=TidBITS |author=Duncan, Geoff |access-date=1 October 2019 |archive-date=October 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001190633/https://tidbits.com/1995/08/07/quicktake-100-to-150-upgrade/ |url-status=live }}

File:Apple Quicktake 150 (3928816703).jpg

Apple improved the file compression technology and released the QuickTake 150 in April 1995, replacing the 100.{{cite news |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pzoEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA34 |title=Apple upgrades StyleWriter ink-jet, QuickTake camera |author=Miner, Nicola |date=April 17, 1995 |work=InfoWorld |access-date=1 October 2019 |archive-date=July 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726075903/https://books.google.com/books?id=pzoEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA34 |url-status=live }} The 150 uses the same hardware as the 100,{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KrfIjdl-EMwC&pg=PA76 |title=A hands-on tour of digital cameras |author=Antonoff, Michael |date=June 1995 |magazine=Popular Science |access-date=1 October 2019 |page=76 |quote=The only difference is a smarter compression scheme that makes it possible to shoot 16 high-resolution images rather than eight. |archive-date=July 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726074549/https://books.google.com/books?id=KrfIjdl-EMwC&pg=PA76 |url-status=live }} and the improved compression enabled the QuickTake 150 to capture 16 best-quality or 32 standard-quality images, with either quality level now stored at the full resolution of 640×480 in the 1MB of built-in storage.{{cite web |url=https://archive.org/details/ads_QT150 |title=Apple QuickTake 150 |date=1995 |publisher=Apple Computer, Inc. |access-date=1 October 2019}}

At the same time, Kodak introduced its DC40, which used a similar design and hardware as the QuickTake 150, but captured images at an increased resolution to a larger internal storage. The QuickTake 150 sensor was the same as used in the DC40, but masked to a lower resolution; the DC40 used the entire sensor instead.

The QuickTake 150 kit also included PhotoFlash software (for Macintosh) or PhotoNow! (for Windows){{cite web |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sDoEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA46 |title=[Advertisement] The shortest distance between two points remains a straight line. |author=Apple Computer, Inc. |date=June 26, 1995 |work=InfoWorld |page=46 |access-date=1 October 2019 |archive-date=July 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726074720/https://books.google.com/books?id=sDoEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA46 |url-status=live }} and a separate close-up lens that changed the focus range to {{convert|10|to|14|in|cm}} and diffused the flash appropriately. Apple also offered several different accessories for the QuickTake 150, including a travel case, AC adapter, battery booster pack (using 8×AA batteries), and a connection kit for Microsoft Windows.

Image:Quicktake 200 back.jpg

The last QuickTake model was the Fujifilm-built QuickTake 200, released in 1996. The QuickTake 200 was a still video camera which captured images at 640×480 resolution. It was bundled with a 2MB SmartMedia flashRAM card (SSFDC), and an Apple-branded 4MB card was available as a separate accessory purchase; using the 2MB card, up to 20 (high-quality) or 40 (standard-quality) images could be captured.{{cite web |url=https://archive.org/details/ads_QTake200 |title=Apple QuickTake 200 |author=Apple |date=1997 |publisher=Apple Computer, Inc. |access-date=1 October 2019}}

Compared to the prior Kodak/Chinon-based models, the most noticeable change for the QuickTake 200 was an {{convert|1.8|in|adj=on|abbr=on}} color LCD screen on the rear panel to preview stored photographs. The screen updated with a refresh rate of 30 Hz. In addition, the 200 added focus and aperture controls; apertures were now user-selectable, and although the lens was still a fixed-focus lens, three separate focus modes could be selected: close-up, {{convert|3.5|to|5|in|cm|abbr=on}}; portrait, {{convert|17|to|35|in|cm|abbr=on}}; and standard, {{convert|3|ft|m|abbr=on}} to infinity.

Although the QuickTake models sold well in the education and small business markets,{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1qcjiBDaNOMC&pg=PA145 |title=Digital Cameras: Heave-Ho, Silver! |author1=Grotta, Daniel |author2=Grotta, Sally Wiener |date=January 7, 1997 |magazine=PC Mag |pages=145–148;153;156;158;162–169;172–173;176–177 |access-date=1 October 2019 |quote=Its predecessor, the QuickTake 100, became a best-seller among users at small and mid-size businesses and in the education market. |archive-date=July 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726074908/https://books.google.com/books?id=1qcjiBDaNOMC&pg=PA145 |url-status=live }} other companies such as Kodak, Fujifilm, Canon, and Nikon shortly thereafter entered the digital market with brands that consumers associated with photography.{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N2YEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA60 |title=Pictures Bit-by-Bit |author=Schaub, George |date=August 1995 |magazine=Popular Mechanics |pages=60–64;107 |access-date=1 October 2019 |archive-date=July 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726075107/https://books.google.com/books?id=N2YEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA60 |url-status=live }} The QuickTake line was discontinued in 1997 shortly after Steve Jobs came back to Apple. In an attempt to streamline Apple's operations, Jobs discontinued many non-computer products, including the Newton line of products, the LaserWriter printer line, and the QuickTake cameras. The Apple QuickTake camera has since become a collector's item for Apple enthusiasts.{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2014/03/28/apples-failed-attempts-at-taking-over-the-camera-industry-are-n/ |title=Apple's failed attempts at taking over the camera industry are now collector's items |author=Wehner, Mike |date=March 28, 2014 |website=engadget |access-date=1 October 2019 |archive-date=November 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111030833/https://www.engadget.com/2014/03/28/apples-failed-attempts-at-taking-over-the-camera-industry-are-n/ |url-status=live }}

The QuickTake name was later reused by Apple in iPhones released since 2018 as a feature in its camera app that allows videos to be recorded without switching out of still camera mode.{{cite web |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210571 |title=iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro camera features |date=2019 |website=Apple Computer, Inc. |access-date=1 October 2019 |archive-date=June 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604100504/https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210571 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|title=Use QuickTake to capture video while taking photos|url=https://support.apple.com/en-mk/HT211150|access-date=2021-02-11|website=Apple Support|language=en|archive-date=July 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724190528/https://support.apple.com/en-mk/HT211150|url-status=live}}

{{Reflist|group="note"|refs=

The QuickTake 150 can only save to the QuickTake file format on the camera. When connected to a computer, however, files from the QuickTake camera can be converted to BMP, JPEG, PCX and TIFF.

}}

File:Quicktake-bild.jpg

The QuickTake 200 can be used with card-readers that can read 5V media cards. For users with an Apple Macintosh running System 7 up to Mac OS 9 with a serial port, the QuickTake 200 can be plugged directly into the computer using the Apple QuickTake camera software. The QuickTake 100 and 150 store images internally, not on cards, so they must be used with an Apple serial cable and the QuickTake driver software.

The 200 model is only officially compatible with the Apple Macintosh for direct connections, while the 100 and 150 model are compatible with both the Apple Macintosh and Microsoft Windows.{{cite web|url=http://support.apple.com/kb/TA31906|title=QuickTake 100 for Windows: Description (6/94)|website=support.apple.com|access-date=May 6, 2013|archive-date=November 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105085055/http://support.apple.com/kb/TA31906|url-status=live}} Because the QuickTake 200 is almost identical to the Fuji DS-7 or to Samsung's Kenox SSC-350N, Fuji's software for that camera can be used to gain Windows compatibility for the QuickTake 200. Some other software replacements also exist as well as using an external reader for the removable media of the QuickTake 200.

QuickTake cameras cannot be directly connected to Macintoshes running Mac OS X as these machines do not support the old Apple Serial protocol, but image files in the QTK format can still be decoded on modern operating systems using the open source program dcraw or the OS X application GraphicConverter.

{{reflist}}

{{commons category|Apple QuickTake}}

• [http://www.digicammuseum.com/en/cameras/item/quicktake-100 Information about the QuickTake 100 and 360° shot]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070210173512/http://www.apple.com/jp/support/datasheet/others/QT150.html Apple Japanese QuickTake 150 Datasheet]
• [http://www-ed.fnal.gov/linc/fall95/write_graphics/write_graphics_qt150.html WWW Publishing: Graphics - Quicktake 150]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20081013000329/http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=50049 QuickTake camera manuals]
• [http://lowendmac.com/ed/lebron/09ll/quicktake-150.html Apple's Forgotten QuickTake Cameras]

{{Apple hardware before 1998}}

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Category:Apple Inc. hardware

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