The CD Mavica Series

The CD era

By 2000, the 1.44 MB floppy disk was clearly too small for the megapixel images that digital cameras were producing. Sony's solution for the Mavica line was to switch to 8cm CD-R discs — offering over 100× the storage capacity of a floppy in a disc only slightly larger than the existing floppy media slot.

The CD Mavica series ran from 2001 to 2003 and comprised seven models before Sony discontinued the Mavica brand entirely.

The lineup

CD200 (2001)

• Resolution: 2.1 MP (1600 × 1200)
• Sensor: 1/2.7" CCD
• Zoom: 3× optical (f/2.8–3.1)
• Media: CD-R only
• Key feature: First CD Mavica — proved the concept

The CD200 was the entry point. Its 3× optical zoom and 2.1 MP sensor were competitive for a consumer camera in 2001. The major selling point was never running out of storage on a long trip — 156 MB of CD-R space held hundreds of standard-quality images.

CD250 (2001)

• Resolution: 2.1 MP (1600 × 1200)
• Sensor: 1/2.7" CCD
• Zoom: 3× optical (f/2.8–3.1)
• Media: CD-R only
• Key feature: Cost-reduced version of CD200

Functionally nearly identical to the CD200 with minor cosmetic differences and a lower price point.

CD300 (2002)

• Resolution: 3.3 MP (2048 × 1536)
• Sensor: 1/1.8" CCD
• Zoom: 3× optical Carl Zeiss (f/2.8–3.4)
• Media: CD-R and CD-RW
• Key feature: First CD Mavica with Carl Zeiss lens and CD-RW support

The CD300 was a significant step up. The 1/1.8" CCD sensor was the largest ever used in a Mavica, and the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lens delivered noticeably sharper images than the Sony-branded lenses on earlier models. CD-RW support meant you could erase and reuse discs.

CD350 (2002)

• Resolution: 3.2 MP (2048 × 1536)
• Sensor: 1/2.7" CCD
• Zoom: 3× optical (f/2.8–3.1)
• Media: CD-R and CD-RW
• Key feature: Budget alternative to CD300

The CD350 offered similar resolution to the CD300 but with a smaller sensor and a standard Sony lens — a tradeoff for a lower price.

CD400 (2002)

• Resolution: 4.0 MP (2272 × 1704)
• Sensor: 1/1.8" CCD
• Zoom: 3× optical Carl Zeiss (f/2.8–3.4)
• Media: CD-R and CD-RW
• Key feature: Highest resolution at launch, Carl Zeiss lens

The CD400 pushed resolution higher while keeping the excellent Carl Zeiss lens. At 4 MP, images were detailed enough for decent 8 × 10" prints.

CD500 (2003)

• Resolution: 5.0 MP (2592 × 1944)
• Sensor: 1/1.8" CCD
• Zoom: 3× optical Carl Zeiss (f/2.8–3.4)
• Media: CD-R and CD-RW
• Key feature: Highest-resolution Mavica ever made

The CD500 represents the pinnacle of Mavica image quality. Its 5 MP sensor and Carl Zeiss lens produced the sharpest, most detailed images of any camera to carry the Mavica name. By modern standards it is modest, but in context it was the culmination of 22 years of Mavica evolution.

CD1000 (2003)

• Resolution: 2.1 MP (1600 × 1200)
• Sensor: 1/2.7" CCD
• Zoom: 10× optical (f/2.8–3.6)
• Media: CD-R and CD-RW
• Key feature: 10× zoom + EVF — the superzoom CD Mavica

The CD1000 traded resolution for zoom range. Its 10× optical zoom (37–370 mm equivalent) and electronic viewfinder made it the most versatile CD Mavica for wildlife and sports. It was also the last Mavica model produced.

Shared characteristics

All CD Mavica models share:

• InfoLithium NP-F battery system (same as floppy models)
• USB connectivity for direct computer transfer
• JPEG output (no RAW or TIFF)
• Compact Flash size slot for optional Memory Stick via adapter
• MPEG movie mode for short video clips written to disc

Carl Zeiss vs Sony lenses

The CD300, CD400, and CD500 feature Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lenses — the same brand used on Sony's premium Cyber-shot line. These lenses have:

• Higher optical resolution (more line pairs per mm)
• Better contrast, especially at the edges of the frame
• Superior lens coatings that reduce flare and ghosting

The CD200, CD250, CD350, and CD1000 use standard Sony-branded lenses that are adequate but noticeably softer in direct comparison.

Why CD Mavica didn't survive

Despite the storage advantage, CD Mavica cameras faced several challenges:

1. Bulk: The CD drive mechanism made the cameras significantly thicker than compact cameras using SD or CF cards.
2. Spin-up time: The CD drive needed ~2 seconds to spin up before writing, adding to shot-to-shot delay.
3. Disc durability: CDs scratch more easily than flash media and are vulnerable to fingerprints on the data surface.
4. Market shift: By 2003, CF and SD cards offered gigabytes of storage in a fraction of the size. The physical-media concept was obsolete.
5. Sony's own competition: Sony's Cyber-shot line using Memory Stick was smaller, faster, and increasingly affordable.

Sony discontinued the entire Mavica brand in 2003. The CD1000 was the last model produced, ending a 22-year lineage that began with the original analog Mavica in 1981.

Collector's perspective

CD Mavica models are generally more affordable than the popular floppy models on the second-hand market. The CD500 and CD1000 command the highest prices due to their flagship status. The CD300 offers the best value for image quality per dollar.