Mavica CD-1000
| Resolution Technical 2.1 MP |
| Flickr
Instagram
Twitter
Floppy Reddit
Floppy Youtube FloppyCameras.com |
[Captured On Floppy]
[Captured On Floppy]
- Release Date: 2000
- Lineage: The CD1000 was the first Mavica (and one of the first consumer cameras) to use 8cm CD-R/CD-RW discs for storage, offering a massive leap in capacity over floppies.
- Market Position: Flagship, aimed at advanced users and professionals needing high storage, powerful zoom, and multimedia features.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Image Sensor | 2.1 MP, 1/2" CCD |
| Resolution | 1600 x 1200 pixels |
| Lens | 10x optical zoom, 6–60mm f/2.8–3.5 (39–390mm equiv.), stabilization |
| Digital Zoom | 2x (up to 20x total w/optical) |
| Macro | Focus as close as ~2cm, excellent for close-ups |
| Storage | 8cm CD-R/CD-RW (156MB per disc) |
| Image Format | JPEG, TIFF (uncompressed), MPEG (movie mode) |
| Shots per CD | 90–160 (JPEG, 2MP, depending on quality) |
| Movie Mode | MPEG HQX, up to 320x240 @ 16fps (CD space limited) |
| LCD Display | 2.5" color TFT |
| Viewfinder | Electronic (color EVF) |
| Battery | Sony NP-FM50 InfoLithium |
| AC Adapter | Optional |
| Flash | Built-in, pop-up |
| Self Timer | Yes (10 seconds) |
| White Balance | Auto, Indoor, Outdoor, One Push |
| Exposure Control | +/- 1.5 EV, 0.5 step increments |
| Connectivity | USB, A/V out, DC in |
| Dimensions | Approx. 162 x 104 x 156 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 870g (without battery/disc) |
| Software | Sony PictureGear for Windows |
| Release Price | ~$1,300 USD |
- 2.1MP CCD, high quality for the era.
- JPEG and TIFF (uncompressed) options.
- 10x optical zoom, 39–390mm equivalent, image stabilization.
- Macro mode for sharp close-ups.
- Massive storage leap: 90–160 shots per CD.
- CD-RW support allows re-use.
- Direct image transfer via USB.
- 2.5" LCD and electronic viewfinder.
- Full manual controls, white balance, exposure.
- Pop-up flash, AV out.
- Manual focus ring, interval timer, robust camcorder-like build.
- Image Quality: Excellent for the era; ideal for events, nature, or documentation.
- Zoom Power: 10x stabilized zoom for flexible shooting.
- Storage: CD-R/RW offers hundreds of shots per disc; no more swapping floppies.
- Speed: CD writing is slow; not good for burst shooting.
- Portability: Large and heavy, but stable for handheld shooting.
- Reliability: CD-Rs are robust, but susceptible to scratches.
- CD Pioneer: Set a new standard for storage in digital cameras.
- Collector Value: Highly coveted by retro digital collectors for its unique storage and professional build.
- Influence: Inspired a whole generation of CD-based and multimedia cameras.
- FD95/FD97: Floppy/MS hybrid, similar sensor, 10x zoom, less storage.
- CD200/CD250: Later CD models, 3x zoom, compact.
- CD400/CD500: More advanced, higher-res, Zeiss lens.
- First ever digital still camera to use CD-R for storage.
- TIFF mode for uncompressed images, rare in Mavicas.
- Its large, camcorder-like body made it a favorite for stability and handling.
Manual & My Opinion
Download the official manual (PDF)
My Opinion:
The Sony Mavica CD1000 is widely regarded as the flagship and pinnacle of the Mavica series—a camera that not only broke with the floppy disk tradition but also delivered a truly innovative experience for early digital photographers. By adopting mini CD-R discs as its primary storage, the CD1000 shattered the limitations of floppies, allowing users to store hundreds of high-resolution images and lengthy MPEG videos without constant disk swapping. This leap in capacity and convenience made the CD1000 a practical tool for event photographers, educators, and anyone needing instant, archival-quality image backups in the pre-USB era.
In terms of photographic capability, the CD1000 excelled with a 2.1-megapixel sensor and a stunning 10x optical zoom lens—one of the best in any consumer digital camera of its time. The lens was sharp, versatile, and paired with reliable autofocus, macro capabilities, and manual controls for exposure and white balance. Its robust camcorder-like body provided stability for telephoto work and comfort for extended shooting sessions. The CD1000’s LCD and electronic viewfinder were bright and intuitive, while its menu system offered a level of control that appealed to both enthusiasts and professionals.
Where the CD1000 truly excelled was in bridging eras and user needs. It delivered the plug-and-play simplicity and universal compatibility that Mavica users loved, while introducing a storage medium fit for the future. The ability to hand someone a mini CD full of images—ready to be viewed on any computer—was game-changing. The camera’s speed, reliability, and image quality made it ideal for field work, documentation, and creative projects. Today, the CD1000 is celebrated by collectors and retro tech enthusiasts as the most advanced, well-rounded, and enduring member of the Mavica family—a true icon at the crossroads of analog and digital photography.
