Panasonic

Panasonic NV-DCF1 (1997)

Panasonic's ability to combine both technical and design brilliance is on display in this delightful camera. The NV-DCF1 was released only in Europe, but was also marketed around the world as the Canon PowerShot 350 and the Konica Q-Mini. (Evidently, the marketing team was absent from the naming meeting for the Panasonic version - what a tongue-twister.)

The NV-DCF1 had a 0.35 megapixel sensor, 1.8 inch LCD screen and Compact Flash memory card. It had a list price equivalent to US$700.

Panasonic KXL-600A (1997)

Initially, you might confuse this camera with one of those personal dictation machines with the micro cassette that were everywhere in the ’90s. It has a similar compact size. It has buttons everywhere. It is fun to use.

Actually, it’s a full-feature (for 1997) digital camera.

That box describes it accurately:
One hand operation
Point and shoot
Unlimited capacity
High quality pictures

I like the pop-up viewfinder, the selectable focus modes for distant/portrait/macro shooting, the selectable neutral density filter for either outdoor or reduced light photography, the compact flash storage and the little LCD screen packed with technical information about the state of the camera and the settings of photos.

There was even an optional LCD monitor that plugs into the base of the camera.

This charmer is part of Panasonic’s CoolShot range, so why it was given the clumsy label KXL-600A is unclear.