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| Toshiba PDR-M65 |
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Hardware Reviews May 2001 • Vol.4 Issue 5 |
Toshiba PDR-M65 | ||
 The PDR-M65 from Toshiba doesn't have all the advanced features and manual controls that many models with a resolution topping three megapixels have, but for users who merely want a camera they can point and shoot without messing with numerous controls, the PDR-M65's limited options aren't a bad thing. Toshiba does include a Manual option on the camera's mode dial, but don't be fooled by it. It lets you rummage through a few white balance and exposure variations but little else. This camera is aimed primarily at users with limited picture-taking skills. Fortunately, it offers enough image quality to make your shots worthy of medium-sized prints. The camera shoots at resolutions of 2,048 x 1,536 pixels or 1,024 x 768 pixels. The bundled 8MB SmartMedia card stores seven to 81 shots, depending on the Fine, Normal, or Basic quality setting selected. Considering the camera has less manual control than other models with a similar resolution, the PDR-M65 takes respectable images. Our shots featured fine enough detail and focus, but many shots were listless with dull colors. More disappointing were our shots taken indoors, which were somewhat dark even with the flash on. More positive is the 3X optical and 2X zoom ability of the 8.2mm to 23.3mm lens (equivalent to a 38mm-to-114mm lens on a 35mm camera). The camera also has a macro mode to focus objects as close as 3.9 inches to the lens, and you can take 16 continuous shots at intervals of about 0.25 seconds. As with the scant manual controls, the camera lacks a couple easy-access features on its solid, heavy-duty frame, such as an external flash unit and diopter adjustment for the viewfinder, which is located directly above the 1.8-inch LCD (liquid-crystal display). Another plus is the PDR-M65's built-in lens cover and four-way jog button on the back. Combined with the intuitive buttons the camera possesses, managing the playback, setup, and shot-taking menus is a breeze, although the menus are primarily text driven. The PDR-M65 powers on four bundled AA alkaline batteries but also accepts rechargeable batteries. Overall, the camera leaves something to be desired for advanced users, but at less than $500, the PDR-M65's ease of use and three-megapixel quality may make a nice fit with those desiring simplicity with a higher resolution. by Blaine Flamig
$475 Toshiba (800) 550-8674 (949) 583-3000 http://www.toshiba.com
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