Canon V-20

The Canon V-20 was the higher-memory member of Canon’s first MSX range. Its black enclosure held 64KB of RAM, two cartridge slots and the standard MSX1 graphics and sound hardware, making it suitable for larger BASIC programs and disk software.

Canon later produced European versions with local keyboards and PAL or RGB video. An unusual optional interface could connect the computer to the data back of Canon’s T90 camera.

Notable Features

• 64KB RAM provided the full practical address space expected by larger MSX programs.
• Two cartridge slots allowed software and peripherals to be combined.
• Optional camera interface linked the V-20 with Canon photographic equipment.

Historical Significance

• Canon’s best-known MSX1 model and one of the machines that carried the standard into Europe.
• Connected Canon’s computer and photographic product lines in a distinctive way.

Collector’s Notes

• Japanese, British and French versions differ in keyboard and video output.
• The black plastics, cartridge doors and original power supply should be inspected carefully.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Canon V-20
Manufacturer	Canon
Launched	Sunday, January 1, 1984
Launch Price	¥64,800
Country	Japan
CPU	Zilog Z80A-compatible processor at 3.58 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	MSX BASIC 1.0
I/O	RF or RGB/composite by region, cassette, printer, two joystick ports and two cartridge slots
Keyboard	73-key regional keyboard
Storage	Cassette and two MSX cartridge slots; external disk interfaces supported
Sound	YM2149 three-channel PSG plus noise
Graphics	256 x 192 pixels in 16 colours
Display	32 x 24 text; 40-column software modes possible
ROM	32KB MSX BASIC and BIOS
RAM	64KB main RAM and 16KB video RAM
CPU Speed	3.58 MHz