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Toshiba PDR-M700 Toshiba introduces 10x optical zoom and an updated user interface. Select a topic Reference: Datasheet M700 Sample Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on M700 Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Viewfinder :(Previous) | (Next): Exposure & Flash>> Page 5:Optics Review First Posted: 08/26/2003

Optics

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One of the most impressive features on the PDR-M700 is its Canon-built 10x, 5.7-57mm optical zoom lens (the equivalent of a 37-370mm lens on a 35mm camera). I count it as a very positive point that Toshiba teamed with established optical giant Canon for the camera's lens system. The lens is protected by a plastic lens cap, which attaches to the camera body via a small strap, preventing it from being accidentally lost. When the camera is turned on and the Mode dial is set to any capture mode, the lens extends outward from the camera body into its operating position, a distance of about 7/8 of an inch. When the camera is shut off or left in Playback mode for any length of time, the lens retracts automatically. The camera uses a contrast detection autofocus system with a focal range from 3.9 inches (10 centimeters) to infinity, which includes the macro range. A Focus option on the on-screen menu offers Macro and Infinity focus settings, as well as one and three meter fixed focus settings. (The latter useful for shooting after dark, when the autofocus system may not have enough light to operate reliably.) Aperture can be automatically or manually controlled on the PDR-M700, and ranges from f/2.8-3.1 to f/8.0, the maximum value depending on the current zoom position.

In addition to the camera's 10x optical zoom, as much as 4x digital telephoto is available, extending the camera's zoom capabilities to a total of 40x. However, keep in mind that the quality of the image will suffer in the form of reduced resolution when the digital telephoto function is engaged. - And it is very difficult to hold the camera steady at 40x zoom. A set of filter threads inside the lip of the lens barrel accommodates a variety of auxiliary lenses via the included adapter tube accessory and doubles as a lens shade. (Kudos to Toshiba: I really wish more manufacturers would just include lens adapters like this with their cameras, rather than as added-cost, hard-to-find accessories.) When the lens cap is in place, it firmly grips the inside of these threads, protecting them from damage.