Last updated on October 5th, 2024 at 12:26 am
In late 1985, Kyocera, a renowned Japanese manufacturer of audio products and cameras (including 35mm still-photo and Super 8 movie cameras), introduced its 8mm video camera-cum-recorder – KDD-200 Finemovie 8 AF – in the U.S. market.
Resolution
The KDD-200 Finemovie 8 AF camcorder uses a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, delivering an impressive 330 lines of horizontal resolution.
8mm video formats usually promise around 230 to 240 lines of horizontal resolution.
Focus
It features an infrared auto-focus system that can also be switched to manual mode.
The camcorder has a detachable one-inch black-and-white viewfinder with LED warning lights for low light and low battery power.
Battery
A rechargeable battery pack provides up to two hours of recording time.
Lens
The KDD-200 Finemovie 8 AF has a 12-72mm f/1.4 lens and a 6:1 power zoom.
Other Features
It includes features like one-touch record/review, automatic white balance, backlight compensation, and two audio/video inputs and outputs.
Weight
Weighing 5 lbs., 13 oz. with the battery pack and cassette,
Tapes
Kyocera also offered 8mm blank cassettes in the U.S. under the P6 Finemetal label.
These tapes, made with ultra-fine metal particles, were available in lengths of 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes (two-hour tapes were relatively rare in this format).
Price
The Kyocera KDD-200 Finemovie 8 AF camcorder was priced at $1745.
Depending on length, the P6 tapes ranged from $12.99 to $17.99.
Video Guide
Check out this video guide on the KDD-200 Finemovie 8 AF camcorder