Excellent pictures, changeable lenses, but uses smart media
Written: May 29 '07
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Pros: Consistently good pictures, flexible settings, different lens options
Cons: Uses smart media, doesn't focus well in low-light
The Bottom Line: Oldie but a goodie. Easy to use for amateurs, flexible for those who want to fiddle.
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| tl098711's Full Review: Toshiba PDR-M70 Digital Camera |
I've had this camera since 2001 and I still use it. There are newer, greater cameras to be had with many more megapixels and better storage media, etc. etc., but I still stick with this oldie but goodie. I have even had the camera repaired when it was damaged rather than go out and buy a new model. Although the camera is obsolete, you still can find it used. If it works, I recommend you grab one if the price is decent.
So here are the basic stats:
3.3 megapixels
3x optical zoom (2x digital zoom)
1.8" LCD display
Backlit LCD display (battery, exposure type, flash, storage, etc.)
Shutter/aperture priority settings
Movie recorder
Voice Recorder
Rechargeable battery
SmartMedia storage
A couple of must-have accessories which Toshiba does not include with the base model: lens adapter (from Tiffen), a 43mm UV filter, and a 43mm lens cap. The cap that comes with the camera sucks and is quickly lost. The lens adapter and UV lens filter protect the optical zoom. Basically with these two items you can protect the lens from being impacted when it is extended. Plus the lens adapter gives you a connection to the three lenses you can purchase for this camera: wide angel, zoom, and macro.
Also, I've had problems with SmartMedia. On more than one occasion, I've removed a SmartMedia card full of pictures only to get a read error when using an external card reader. I've lost whole cards' worth of pictures this way. So I went out and bought a big card I never fill up (probably a 512mb or 1gb), and never eject the card. This means I have to use a USB cable to transfer pictures off the camera, but hey, I haven't lost a picture since.
After about 4 years of use I finally had to buy a new rechargeable battery, but those are easily and cheaply obtained.
I have struggled with it in low-light situations. It has difficulty focusing when light is really low, so you have to take what you can get. On the other hand, with shutter and aperture priority modes, you can adapt somewhat to different light situations. The flash is reasonable, better than some, worse than others.
So it's only 3.3 megapixels, which today seems passe. I find 3.3 to be sufficient for my needs.
If you want more in-depth reviews, check out these links:
"http://www.dcviews.com/_toshiba/m70.htm"
"http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/toshiba/pdr_m70-review/"
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 400
This Camera is a Good Choice if You Want Something... Flexible Enough for Enthusiasts
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Epinions.com ID:
tl098711
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Reviews written: 18
Trusted by: 5 members
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