Toshiba PDR-M700Toshiba introduces 10x optical zoom and an updated user interface.<<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, SoftwareReview First Posted: 08/26/2003 |
Video Out
The
PDR-M700 comes equipped for both NTSC and PAL video formats, configurable via
the Setup menu. An A/V cable comes with the camera for connection to a television
set. You can record and review images using the television screen as an enlarged
version of the LCD viewfinder. The camera also features a Mic terminal in the
connector compartment, for connecting a more powerful microphone when recording
sound with movies.
Power
For
power, the PDR-M700 utilizes four AA NiMH, lithium, or alkaline batteries, and
a set of single-use AA alkaline cells comes with the camera. An AC adapter is
available as an optional accessory. I highly recommend picking up two sets of
rechargeable batteries and a good charger, and keeping a freshly-charged set
on-hand at all times. Click here
to read my "battery shootout" page to see which batteries currently
on the market are best, or here
for my review of the Maha C-204F charger, my longtime favorite. An automatic
shutoff powers the camera down if inactive for a preset period of time. Through
the Setup menu, you can adjust this time period from one to three minutes. Power
consumption in various operating modes is detailed in the chart below, measured
at the external power connector, at the specified 5v supply voltage.
| | (@ 5v) | |
| Capture Mode, w/LCD | | 144 |
| Capture Mode, w/EVF | | 178 |
| Half-pressed shutter w/LCD | | 137 |
| Half-pressed w/o LCD | | 171 |
| Memory Write (transient) | | |
| Flash Recharge (transient) | | |
| Image Playback | | 183 |
Run time is better than average for a digicam with an EVF, roughly 2.4 hours
in record mode with the LCD enabled, and almost 3 hours when using the EVF.
(These numbers are based on a standard of NiMH cells with 1600 mAh of true
(vs advertised) capacity. With the most recent, highest-capacity NiMH AA cells,
you could expect up to 25% greater run times.) I still strongly recommend
carrying a set of freshly-charged spare batteries with you on any extended
outings, but the M700 does have better than average battery life.
Included Software
A software CD ships with the PDR-M700 and includes the Toshiba Digital Still
Camera package, the main application of which is ACDSee for Windows and Macintosh
platforms. ACDSee provides minor image editing and organization tools so that
you can correct color, crop, etc.
In The Box
Included in the box with the PDR-M700 are the following items:
- Lens cap with strap.
- Shoulder strap.
- Soft camera case.
- Four alkaline batteries.
- 16-megabyte SD card.
- Remote control.
- Lens adapter ring.
- USB cable.
- Video cable.
- Software CD.
- Instruction manual and registration information.
Recommended Accessories
- Large capacity SD memory card. (I'd recommend 32MB as a bare minimum, 64MB would be preferable.)
- Rechargeable NiMH batteries and a good charger.
- Small camera case.
Lost Images? - Download this image-recovery program so you'll have it
when you need it...
Since we're talking about memory and image storage, this would be a good time
to mention the following: I get a ton of email from readers who've lost photos
due to a corrupted memory card. It's tragic when it happens, there are few
things more precious than photo memories. Corrupted memory cards can happen
with any card type and any camera manufacturer, nobody's immune. "Stuff
happens," as they say. A surprising number of "lost" images
can be recovered with an inexpensive, easy to use piece of software though.
Given the amount of email I've gotten on the topic, I now include this paragraph
in all my digicam reviews. The program you need is called PhotoRescue, by
DataRescue SA. Read our review of it if you'd like, but download the program now,
so you'll have it. It doesn't cost a penny until you need it, and even then
it's only $29, with a money back guarantee. So download PhotoRescue for
Windows or PhotoRescue for
Mac while you're thinking of it. (While you're at it, download the
PDF manual and quickstart
guide as well.) Stash the file in a safe place and it'll be there when you
need it. Trust me, needing this is not a matter of if, but when...
PhotoRescue is about the best and easiest tool for recovering digital
photos I've seen. (Disclosure: IR gets a small commission from sales of
the product, but I'd highly recommend the program even if we didn't.)
OK, now back to our regularly scheduled review...
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