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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 <<Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests :(Previous) | (Next): Camera Modes & Menus>> Page 8:Operation & User Interface Review First Posted: 08/26/2003

Operation and User Interface
Once you get used to the menu setup and on-screen menu options, operation of the PDR-M700 becomes fairly straightforward. The most commonly accessed exposure options are included in the on-screen menu, with the more obscure functions in the main Record menu. The redesigned menu system is animated for a more playful appearance, and is quite easy to navigate. External controls are fairly sparse, causing more reliance on the LCD menu system. The Mode dial on top of the camera quickly changes the main operating mode, while zoom, flash, the self-timer and erase functions also feature external controls. With the instruction manual in-hand, it'll probably take the better part of an hour or so to get familiar with the camera.


Shutter Button: Located on the top of the camera, this shiny, silver button sets the focus and exposure when halfway pressed and fires the shutter when fully pressed.


Power Switch: Also located on top of the camera, next to the pop-up flash compartment, this switch powers the camera on and off.


Mode Dial: Behind the Shutter button on top of the camera, this notched dial controls the camera's operating mode with the following choices:

• Movie Mode (movie camera icon): Sets the camera to record short movies with sound.
• Manual Exposure Mode (indicated by M): Provides a range of exposure control modes, including Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and full Manual settings.
• Automatic Exposure Mode (red camera icon): Puts the camera in charge of aperture and shutter speed, with a variety of presets available for special shooting situations.
• Playback Mode (green playback icon): Allows you to review captured images and delete or protect them.
• Digital (PC) Mode: Readies the camera for connection to a computer, for downloading images from the SD card.
• Setup Mode: Calls up a Setup menu for changing various camera settings.

Pop-up Flash Release Button: Tucked on the opposite side of the pop-up flash compartment from the Shutter button, this button releases the flash.

Diopter Adjustment Dial: Nestled to the left of the viewfinder eyepiece, this dial adjusts the view for eyeglass wearers.

Self-Timer/Remote Control/Info Button: Directly to the right of the viewfinder eyepiece, this button cycles through the two- and 10-second self-timer modes, and also accesses the Remote Control mode for use with the optional remote control.

In Playback mode, this button enables a more detailed information display with exposure information about the captured image.


Flash Button: Adjacent to the Self-Timer / Remote Control / Info button, this button controls the following flash modes:

• Automatic: The camera fires the flash based on existing light levels.
• Red-Eye Reduction: The camera determines when to fire a small pre-flash before the main flash, to reduce the Red-Eye Effect.
• Forced: The flash fires with every exposure.
• Suppressed: The flash never fires.
• Slow Synchro: The camera synchronizes the flash with a slow shutter speed, best for night subjects.

Wide/Tele Zoom Buttons: Positioned side-by-side in the top right corner of the back panel, these buttons control the 10x optical zoom, and when enabled, the 4x digital telephoto.

In Playback mode, when playing back movie files, the "T" button increases the playback volume and the "W" button decreases volume. When playing back still images, the zoom lever controls the playback zoom.


Four Way Arrow Pad and OK Button: To the right of the LCD monitor, this five-key pad features arrows in all four directions and a center OK button. In both Playback and Record menus, the arrow buttons navigate through menu items. The center button, when pressed, confirms changes. Depending on the capture mode selected, the arrow keys control aperture, shutter speed, and Exposure Compensation (as indicated on the LCD display).

In Playback mode, the right and left arrow buttons scroll through captured still images and activate the playback of movie files. Once zoomed into a captured image, the four arrow buttons allow you to scroll around within the image to investigate small details.

In Record mode, pressing the OK button outside of a menu displays the on-screen LCD menu items, and a second press activates the menu for adjusting the following options:

• Exposure Mode: (Manual Record mode only.) Offers Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual exposure modes.
• Scene: (Auto Record mode only.) Accesses Automatic exposure mode, or Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Portrait + Landscape, Night Scene, and Multi preset "scenes."
• White Balance: Adjusts the overall color balance. Options are Auto, Sunlight, Cloudy, Daylight (Bluish) Fluorescent, Reddish Fluorescent, Incandescent, and two Preset options (manual settings).
• Photometry: Sets the exposure metering mode to Center-Priority or Spot.
• Capture Mode: Accesses Single, Continuous, High Speed Continuous, and the two Autoexposure Bracketing modes (three or five shot series).
• Focus: Controls the camera's focus mode, offering Auto, Macro, and Infinity settings, as well as "1m" and "3m" fixed settings.
  

Menu Button: Adjacent to the top right corner of the LCD monitor, this button accesses the control menu in all of the Record modes as well as in Playback mode.


Erase Button: Beneath the Menu button, and adjacent to the lower right corner of the LCD monitor, this button erases images in any of the Record modes as well as in Playback mode.


Display Button: Below the Erase button, this button switches the LCD display between the larger LCD monitor and the viewfinder eyepiece.


Battery Compartment Lock: Positioned on the bottom of the camera, in the center of the battery compartment door, this button locks and unlocks the battery compartment door.