I thought it
was actually a DRAM chip with a transparent top (the number
'IS32 Optic RAM' is sort-of in my mind, but I can't be sure).
Sounds
accurate to me - IIRC the IS32 was made by Micron. I think there was a
digital camera for the BBC Micro that used the IS32, as well as the "Micron
Eye".
I think you're right. I remember we borrowed one at school for an open
day, 1985-ish. Alas I wasn't allowed to dismantle it to see what was
inside, but I remember the images had a 'gap' down the centre, like the
ones produced by a DRAM would (that's where the address decoder, etc, are
on the chip).
A real CCD is a lot better ;-)
Indeed, but
it's also more expensive.
Maybe back then, but I am sure these days you can get a junked camcorder for
not too much and extract the CCD.
-tony