QuickTake 150 QuickTake 150

Apple QuickTake 150 Camera Explained

In the mid-90s, Apple embarked on a journey that would eventually lead to its iconic status in the world of technology. Amidst the rise of personal computing, the company introduced a groundbreaking product that would mark Apple’s early foray into the realm of digital photography: the QuickTake 150 digital camera. This unassuming yet revolutionary gadget, a part of the QuickTake series, graced the market from 1995 to 1997, leaving an indelible mark on the company’s history.

Launched on May 8th, 1995, the QuickTake 150 made a grand entrance into a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Priced at $700, it promised a new way for users to capture the world around them. Sporting a 24-bit CCD Image sensor, a fixed-focus lens complemented by flash capabilities, and a picture resolution that peaked at an impressive 640 x 480 pixels, the QuickTake 150 was undoubtedly ahead of its time.

In an era when battery life was a constant concern, Apple’s innovation shone through. The QuickTake 150 defied expectations by allowing users to snap up to 120 photos on a single set of batteries, a feat powered by three AA NiCd batteries. This was convenience redefined.

The QuickTake 150 wasn’t just about capturing images; it was also about connectivity. Equipped with RS-232C and RS-422 ports, this digital marvel could seamlessly connect to computers, setting the stage for a new era of digital photo management.

But as with many stories of innovation, the QuickTake 150’s journey was a brief one. The camera bid its farewell in 1997, just as Steve Jobs returned to the helm of Apple. While its time on the market was short-lived, the QuickTake 150 remains a cherished piece of Apple’s history, a testament to the company’s determination to explore new frontiers.

Apple’s commitment to progress was evident in the evolution of the QuickTake 150. In April 1995, Apple released an updated version, replacing its predecessor, the QuickTake 100. This new iteration, aptly named QuickTake 150, retained the same hardware foundation while introducing enhanced file compression technology.

The result was remarkable: the QuickTake 150 could now capture either 16 best-quality or 32 standard-quality images, all while preserving the full resolution of 640×480 in its 1MB of built-in storage. This was a leap forward, making it even more appealing to photography enthusiasts.

Coincidentally, around the same time, photography heavyweight Kodak was also making waves in the digital camera arena. Their DC40, sharing design and hardware similarities with the QuickTake 150, showcased heightened image resolution and larger internal storage capacity.

Both cameras utilized a comparable sensor, but the QuickTake 150 took a different route, employing masking techniques to achieve a lower resolution. In contrast, Kodak’s DC40 embraced the full potential of its sensor. This rivalry added an intriguing layer to the digital camera landscape of the mid-90s.

The QuickTake 150 wasn’t just a camera; it was an experience. Apple went the extra mile by bundling the camera with PhotoFlash software for Macintosh users and PhotoNow! for Windows enthusiasts. Additionally, a specialized close-up lens allowed users to explore new realms of creativity by altering the focus range to 10 to 14 inches (25 to 36 cm), perfectly accompanied by diffused flash effects.

For those seeking the utmost convenience, Apple provided a range of accessories, including a travel case, AC adapter, battery booster pack (utilizing 8xAA batteries), and a connection kit tailored for Microsoft Windows users.

Today, as the QuickTake 150 celebrates its 28-year anniversary, it stands as a nostalgic reminder of Apple’s pioneering spirit. This unassuming digital camera, with its remarkable features and brief but impactful presence, laid the groundwork for Apple’s future ventures in the world of photography.

The QuickTake 150 may have been short-lived, but its legacy lives on, etched into the annals of Apple’s history. As the tech giant continues to push boundaries and redefine innovation, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the camera that started it all – the QuickTake 150, a timeless testament to Apple’s indomitable spirit of exploration and ingenuity.

QuicTake 150
Source: onemorething.nl – QuicTake 150

QuickTake 150 Details

IntroducedMay 8, 1995
Discontinued1997
Model NumberUnknown
Original Price$700
Weight1.0 Ibs.
1.224 KG
Dimensions2.2″ H x 5.3″ W x 6.1″ D
1.87-4.06 cm H x 47.49 cm W x 19.55 cm D

System Requirements

  • Macintosh with Motorola 68020 processor or faster
  • System Software 7.1 or later
  • PC-compatible with 80386 or later
  • Windows 3.1, Windows 3.1.1, Windows NT 3.5, MS-DOS 3.3 or later

Camera Specs

Image24-bit
ResolutionUp to 640 x 480 pixels
OpticsFixed-focus lens with flash
Lens Focal Length8 mm
Range4 feet to infinity
Shutter Speed1/30 to 1/175 of a second

Media

Photo FormatsTIFF
BMP
JPEG
QuickTake

Connections

AudioNone
Ports1 – RS-422 (Mac)
1 – RS-232C (PC)

Power

Power120 image takes with 3 rechargeable AA NiCd batteries Supports three 1.5 AA,
R6P,
LR-6 or SUM-3 NiCad or lithium batteries

Further Reading and References

Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.

Last updated: August 12, 2023