Sony BMC-100

Sony BMC-100

AV device › Camcorder

Overview

Brand

Sony

Model

BMC-100

Type

Camcorder

Format family

Betamax

Years

1983 –

AV system

PAL

ECID

EC3791

Format Compatibility

Plays

Betamax

Records

Betamax

Inputs

Body

Mic
1×Analog mono (Mini-jack (3.5mm), Mono audio)

External microphone input; also has built-in microphone

Features

World's first consumer camcorder, SMF Trinicon tube sensor, 6X power zoom, manual focus, optical viewfinder, Omega wrap video system, single video head, record only (no playback), 35 Lux minimum illumination

Dimensions

Weight

5.512 lb2.5 kg <br /> / 2.5 kg5.512 lb <br />

Accessories

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Parts

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Archival Links

Database

Betamax PALsite

Documents

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Description

The Sony BMC-100 (PAL: BMC-100P) was the world's first consumer-grade camcorder, released in May 1983, predating the widespread use of the term "camcorder." It combined a video camera and Betamax recorder into a single handheld unit weighing under 2.5kg. The BMC-100 used a new Omega tape wrap system that halved the head drum diameter by employing a single video head spinning at twice normal speed — this made the unit smaller but meant it could only record, not play back. To view recordings, the tape had to be played in a separate Betamax deck. The camera used an SMF Trinicon tube sensor with 6X power zoom and an optical (not electronic) viewfinder. Available in light silver with a rainbow-coloured carrying strap. The NTSC equivalent was the BMC-110, which added auto-focus.