Digital Camera Home > Digital Camera Reviews > Toshiba Digital Cameras > Toshiba PDR-M71

Toshiba PDR-M71 Toshiba introduces a feature-packed, value-priced 3 megapixel model! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet PDR-M71 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 PDR-M71 Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, Software Review First Posted: 08/24/2001

Video Out
US versions of the PDR-M71 are packaged with an NTSC AV cable (PAL for European models) for connection to a television set. The PDR-M71 can play back captured images or movie files as well as use the television set as an enhanced LCD monitor for composing images. The camera can be set to handle either NTSC or PAL timings through the Video Out option under the Setup menu.

Power
The PDR-M71 is powered by four AA alkaline, NiMH, or lithium batteries (a set of four single-use alkaline batteries come with the camera). We really don't recommend standard alkaline cells for any digicam, as the amount of battery life is significantly shorter than that of rechargeable batteries. An AC adapter is available as a separate accessory, which we recommend purchasing to save battery power when downloading images, or playing back captured images and movies. The PDR-M71 reports the available battery power on the LCD monitor as well as on the smaller status display panel. The camera also features a power saving Auto-Off feature, which lets you set the amount of inactive time before the camera shuts off (one, two, or three minutes).

The table below shows the amount of power used for each of the camera's operating modes.

Operating Mode	Power Drain (@ 5.0 v)	Estimated Minutes (1600 mAh AAs)
Capture Mode, w/LCD	730 mA	126
Capture Mode, no LCD	630 mA	146
Half-pressed shutter w/LCD	800 mA	115
Half-pressed w/o LCD	700 mA	131
Memory Write (transient)	930 mA	n/a
Flash Recharge (transient)	1160 mA	n/a
Image Playback	590 mA	156

The PDR-M71 has fairly typical power consumption, but battery life suffers somewhat from the fact that turning off the LCD doesn't appreciably reduce the power drain. Thus, you'll need to turn the camera completely off between picture-taking opportunities in order to get more than a couple of hours of life from a set of high-capacity NiMH rechargeable AA cells. - Definitely a camera you'll want a couple of sets of high-quality NiMH cells and a charger for.

About Batteries
We've gotten so many emails about power issues for digicams, that we're now inserting this standard notice in the reviews of all AA-powered cameras on our site: Don't even *think* about using alkaline AA batteries in a digicam! Despite their being packed in the box with many cameras, they simply don't have the juice to handle typical digicam demands. (Even the "high power" ones the battery manufacturers say are designed for devices like digital cameras.) Spend the $35-40 or so it takes to get a set (or two) of high-capacity NiMH rechargeable batteries and a good charger! The few dollars up front will save you literally hundreds of dollars in the long run, not to mention the hassle of wimpy batteries running out in the middle of the action. We suggest you buy two sets of batteries, so one can always be in the charger, ready to go, and so have two sets available for longer excursions. Good brands of batteries include Maha (our favorite), GP, Kodak, and Nexcell. Also, buy the highest capacity AAs the manufacturer makes, the few extra dollars for the extra capacity is usually well worth it. Getting a good charger is critical though, almost more so than buying good batteries. We recommend the Maha C-204F (see the photo at right), the charger we use the most in our own studio. - Read our review of it for all the details. Or, just click here to buy one, you won't regret it. (Be sure to buy an extra set of batteries to accompany it though, you'll want them with the M71.)

Included Software
The PDR-M71 ships with Sierra Imaging's Image Expert (for both Mac and Windows platforms) as well as Toshiba USB drivers and Apple QuickTime software. These programs enable you to import images via the USB port, edit and print still images, play imported movies, and save imported images or movies to your computer hard drive.

In the Box
Included in the box with the PDR-M71 are the following items:

• Soft carrying case
• Wrist strap
• Lens cap with strap
• USB cable
• 8MB SmartMedia card
• AV cable
• Four AA alkaline batteries
• Software CD

Optional Accessories

• PDR-ACM1A AC Adapter
• Additional SmartMedia card (at least 16MB)
• Floppy Disk Adapter or SmartMedia card reader