SONY MAVICA FD7

The SONY MAVICA MVC-FD7 (together with its little brother, the MVC-FD5) was introduced in 1997 (retail price $899). We purchased our first MVC-FD7 in January 2019 for $5 and fell in love with it.

The FD7 and the FD5 were the first truly digital models in the Mavica series from Sony. These digital models record onto 3.5″ 1.44 MB 2HD floppy disks in computer-readable DOS FAT12 format, a feature that made them the forerunner of modern cameras with removable media. Which gave it storage of 30-40 pictures.

The FD7, recording two VGA interlaced fields in 640×480 pixel JPGs, takes 10 seconds to write a 0.3 megapixel, 8bit photo onto the floppy disk. The fastest camera today can write up to 375,000 times as much data in a second.

It offers an autofocus f/1.8–2.9 zoom lens, with 10x range having a 35mm equivalent of 40–400mm. Including a feature that became ever-present in later digital camera’s: pastel, sepia, and b&w modes.

This 7cm thick machine weights 600gr and measures 12.5cm by 10.3cm. The grip is a bit chunky, but because of its supreme form, it’s perfectly ‘handable’.

The interlaced vga quality factor made the Mavica rather a documenting device, instead of a photographers tool. The entrance pupil gives it beautiful vibrant colors, but there is lack of dept of field. It was mainly used in office environments.

The photos do result in a very early digital vibe. Unpredictable results, combined with an easy button layout and sturdy dimensions.
These cameras are wondrous.

Oh, and the MVC-FD7 is Magnetic Video Camera – Floppy Disk 7.